Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-02-19

at the delay aud knowing that Ii we
were to be captured at all it must be
within the next ten minutes, they were
coming on more rapidly than ever. We
were at the foot Of this very upgrade
where We now are. IL extends for
nearly three miles beyond Kanakia, and
is one Of the heaviest in the country. II
was at this point that our fate was TO be
decided. From the moment We ran upon
il our light engine began TO lose ground
hopelessly. Our pursuers were now so
near that we could plainly observe the
movemerss Of those in the engine-cab
by the light OF their gauge lamp. Tho
platform of the ear was crowded with
men, cooking their muskets aud making
ready for an exterminating volley.
oh, for five minutes more! lgroan-
ell. 1t il horrible To be trapped or
killed in sight of friends snd safety
Yes, muttered the engineer; there
is no nope now. When they dre there
won be- much left III u. Aud they
will, too, in halt moment
"'I've an idea,' said The fireman,
arising stitfiy from his corner. Il cant
| fight and can't fire the machine, but
I've one arm left, aud that'il do To hold
her steady while you aud William puts
spoke in their wheel
".But how cried the engineer.
Speak quick, John; moments are gold
Ell now
"'where are the tallow-cans We put
sboardg' asked the fireman.
"Bravo, John, just the thing' ex-
claimed the engineer, as if percelving
a meaning In the others words which
escaped me utterly. Captain, those de-
spstches are safe and you owe IL TO John;
for should never have thought of II In
lifetime
"By this time the fireman was stand
ing at the valves, and the engineer had
found the tallow-cans, two brass ves-
sells. each holding a gallon, or more,
with long-curved spouts. One Of these
he gave to me, while he kept the other
himself, and we scrambled over the coal
TO the rear Of the tender. | had not the
remotest idea OF what we were going 10
accomplish, but there was no time 10 lose
In explanation.
Now said my companion In nm ex-
cited tone, lean over aud pour your tai
low carefully upon the track as we 60
along. Don't waste drop and don't
leave foot OF rsi! unoled.'
81 obeyed hiGa In silence and soon the
tracks for long distance behind us
were shining with the thick, greasy
! fluid. When the contents OF the cans
were exhausted the engineer SAID, as he
arose from his position, 4 think we have
fixed them. John, old man, you ran
ease her up a trihe. We needn't smash
the machine with trying to get away.
We shall have no more trouble tonight
"I looked back and saw that our pur-
suers had just reached the oiled section
OF the track. Their own momentum
carried them forward some distance !;
then there was harsh, wbIrring sound
and furious escape Of steam. All was
plain TO me now. On the upgrade the
driver, hnding no resistance on the
oiled tracks, simply wblrlcd around
without bearing the engine onward q
foot. IL was as helpless as q hainstrung
elephant.
"At this moment shot was fred In
the road before Us, and hoarsc voice
commanded us 10 halt. Well aware
that we were now among friends, our
engine was stopped, aud the facts ex-
planned to the officer Ia command of the
! detachment.
"There is little more to relate. Our
pursuers and their engine were neatly
captured. Stockton's division made q
forward movement, and relieved Thomas
aud bis army from their Perilons POSI-
tion. As for myself aud my brave COM
paniOns, We were not forgotten, aud ]
am glad TO cay that the inventive John.
whose timely suggestions bsd saved our
engine, and perhaps our army, lcfi the
service with the rank Of captsin 10 the
Engineer Corps"
Having finished his story, aud our
train at the same timc beginning TO
move on, my interesting companion
wrapped himself up la his cloak aud
was soon fast asleep.