The Red Cloud chief., 1882-08-03
HOW JOHNNY SAVED THE RAIL.
ROAD TRAIN.

-MTs. Agnes IfIsftb, IN 1HtnpCt-
HOW JOHNNY SAVED THE RAIL.
ROAD TRAIN.
TThe members of the Whirligig Club
are Off ON n midnight excursion with
their bicycles, the BOYS having stolen
away from their homes without the
knowledge of their parents. After a
ride OF about nine miles by the light Of
n full moon, they have come to halt
near a railroad just where the track
crosses over n small creek.
The Club was at length beginning TO
feel the effects Of the unusually long
ride; and. as the party came to the rail-
way. Ben said:
Lets rest here until the expresses
pass"
Agreed said Bob. ..what time
lis it, Joe?"
after one--tcn minutes after. II
must be time for the train now," he
answered looking down the track
The up-express was due at fifteen
minutes after one, and the down cx-
press at almost the same hour. but they
seldom were on time. In q few
minutes the t"ains would surely pass
the spot where the BOYS now were, anc
they thought the sight worth waiting
for. because the trains were through OK
presses. and always dashed along as u
speed was the only thing cared TO-.
The boys agreed to wait Two OF
them stretched themselves on the
ground by the side of the road.
and the others sat around on logs. glad
10 take a breathing spell, as Joe cellei
il.
II say" said Davie. suddenly. 'tl.,
railway would b. a splendid place for
our machines 10 run on"
$50 it would" said Bob. Tho
places between the ties have been filled
aud packed. and SO many people use il
rs a f~oot-path. tina: it's as smooth and
solid as a floor"
Just then the up-express came
whisiling and roaring along the track.
and dashed past them at tremendous
speed. raising clouds of dust. twigs, aud
dry grass. The boys held their breath
as the monster swept by them, without
s~lackening speed ever to cross the long
bridge over the creek aud the trestle-
work beyond.
And then followed n strange crashing
sound, rs of earth and rocks rolling
down hill; bit soon all WAS still again.
Where are YOU going now?h asked
Ben, as Johnny and Ned suddenly
jumped up, moved by the same impulse.
ITO see how the track will do for
our ''bikcs," answered johnny. as they
trundled their machines toward the rail-
way.
Bob had his mouth wide open TO sug-
gest that all the Club should follow,
when a startled call from Johnny.
,Lfchoed by one from Ned. caused them
10 rush down 10 where the two boys
we're.
Their faces turned as pale as were
Johnny's and Ned's, wher. in answer to
their What the matter?' Ned pointed
10 a dark heap across the track, close TO
the bridge. A moments glance showed
them that m of the great rocks from
the hill. no doubt shaken loose by the
train which had just Numbered past,
had rolled down upon the track. carry
ing with it q mass of dirt and gravel.
The rock was 20 large that the boys
could not move il, although they at once
tried their best.
Its of no use," said Joe. as they
gave up, painting.
we must do something; it's time the
down-express was here, now" cried
Davie.
I'VE must signal them in some way.
If we only had q lantern!" cried Frank,
breathlcssly.
There's no time to loser' cried Bob.
"Hay!' and with the word Ben and
Ned were off, and. before the Others
could think what they meant, they were
back with their arms full of dry hay,
frcm a little shed they had remembered
seeing a short distance up the Hill.
I'VE had better 60 beyond the fallen
rock. and then, when we see the train
coming. Wen set fire to thehay," said
Joe, as they hurriedly divided the hay
into several small bundles.
They had Just started up the track.
when there came q sound which made
them stop. 1t was q faint whistle, far
away around the curve.
Tho train is coming now and. DO
sides, our light won't be cen from
around the bend!'' cried Ned. as the
boys stood staring blankly ut a an
other, for at last they fully realized the
danger.
Some of US must cross the bridge
and signal them from the other side Of
the river" said Joe.
= The ties are cut from some places.
and we should have to jump the gaps.
Men were setting blocks under the rails
when came past there this evening;
they were then going to leave the gaps.
and replace the ties tomorrow" said
Johnny.
There won't be time to climb down
= and up the banks. and Q on the little
foot-bridge. nor 70 swing across the
gaps by holding to the rails" said Bob
his voice shaking as he talked.
"There were boards laid lengthwlse
across. I'll go v n them" cfsoc
Johnny. remembering that he had seel
enen wheel gravel. from The hill on tn
other side. along the whole length Q
the bridge, on : narrow pn1A mooe g
two boards: and Ne de1exUine1 % eroel
.Eyh, mounted on hi 44oo; -