The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1888-06-22

for n moment 10 cut it away. While so en-
gagged, there came second volley, this time
successful. | was struck in the left arm
midway bcwCen The wrist and elbow.
should have tainted from the shock, together
with the rough usage | had previously un-
dergoHc, but for my determination to keep
up.
Brace up" | called, as if addressing n
companion. mo time for fooishress now,
Tom. Remember the train!
This | said aloud to myself, for the solitary
work of my nightly rounds had given me tie
habit of talking to myself for want of an
other companion.
Setting my teeth hard, overcame the
fantness, staggered To my feet, and ran on |
soon noticed that the pursuit had ceased.
Either the train robbers thought was done
| for, or they had returned 10 their unfinished
work, trusting should be unable to stop the
train.
And now it flashed upon my mind for the
first time. How could accomplish F.? Light
| had nonc-my lantern was with tie wreck
Crs.
While was thus celebrating, still run
ming Oh as fast as my condition would per-
nit, insIincively | felt in my pocket for
matches. All, the oil Why had | not
though, Of that before? OF course
"Ofcourse the oil will stop them, Tom
Spread it on the rails. Their old seventy
ton locomotive can get no grip on that iron
Smear it thick, cover it well, rub it on with
your palm, both rails, don't neglect nm
inch OF either For life, Tom for life. Think
OF the men, women and children upon the
train
worked with the desperation of drown
ing man Upon my knees, the bottle undermy
disabled arm, pouring the oil, by an incina-
tion Of my body, into my right hand, and
spreading il upon the rails.
In ten minutes the quart Of oil was cX-
hausted, and as a result had both rails for
quitc'a distance very well covered with it,
| had worked backward from the ap-
preaching train, and now rose to my feet at
the end Of my labor and at the terminus of
the creased rails.
The train was coming.
Already the rails were singing with vibra-
ton us the heavy train approached. Here
they come. How awful the sight of Il big
locomotive, coming straight toward one
upon dark midnight! The great, round
eye OF the headlight streaming out into the
darkness, the roar of the exhaust, the hiss of
the steam through the cylinders, together
with the rush and rear of the train, make up
a terrifying though magnificent sight
stood upon the track, waving my hands,
far enough away to spring from it before the
train could reach me, but so that the head
light would shine upon me, and | could be
seen by the engineer. Now for it," |
thought. She strikes the oil-thc big seven
foot driving wheels spin around as though
the engine had been lifted in the air
Friction, the propellng influence is gone
now. She slackens speed. | could see the
engineer plainly.
In my excitement | screamed as loud as
possible in vain protest to the engineer, who
WAS pulling the lever which sands the
rails
Shouting is OF no avail, they could not
hear me.
Had there been sufficient upgrade there
tue oil would have stopped them quite. AS
ii was, the inertia Of the cars composing the
train was able to push the engine over, slid
ing the wheels.
But one resource was left, and thought
oft just in time. | stepped as close to the
rails rs dared, and with all my strength
hurled the empty bottle at the head light.
1t struck the glass and shattered it to
splintcrs, and the light instantly went out.
Then came the welcome signal from the
whistle for brakes, and sank down uncon.
scious.
When recovered, Il moment suiliccd to
tell the story, and proceeding slowly, we
soon came to the scene of the trouble The
rail had been removed and was lying beside
the track; but, Of course, the wouldbe
wrcckers had seen by our careful approach
that their plan had been spoiled and had de-
With the tools always carried upon train
for such purposes, We soon replaced the rail
and proceeded.
l was carried to the company's hospital at
they could for me, but it was found neces-
sary TO remove my arm, as you see. And
the company thought it best, to avoid my
meeting with possible harm from the gang
| had foiIcd, TO transfer me to this point.
Now it is time for me to light up the
station, Tor your train will soon be here. A
pleasant journey to you, sir, and no mshars.
Good night