The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-03-10

is silver lining to it, if we can only get our eyes open long enough to see arightw
 "Well, Will, this matter about Prov idence is very hard for me to under stand, and it may be that the many, many things we call accidents, and feel disposed to blame or attribute to Providence, are the direct or indirect result of our own ignorance or neglect. Can you tell me where the Providence came in at Ashtabula and Chats worth?"
 "No, I cannot-por do believe that Providence was there at all, or he would have been under the painful necessity of framing some excuse for the ignorance and neglect of some one whose business it was to attend to the inspection of bridges and culverts, and to see that every thing, from the road bed to the foundation stones in piers and walls, was sound and in perfect condition, ready for human lives to pass over."
 "I must confess, Will, that 1 am just tri1e credulous about what you say in reference to seeing the silver lining to these dreadful accident clouds-the loss of life under such circumstances is appalling-to be summoned into the eternal world in an instant, always appeared to me, more of judgment than mercy, and then to think how many are maimed, only living half life, as it were"
 "Aimee, you are talking very strangely tonight, about accidents on the road why is it you seem so inter- ested2 But let me try to answer your questioning the silver lining.
 "Everything has it's use, and acci- dents are not exempt from the rule. When an Ashtabula or Chatsworth fills column after column of our daily papers, there is not railroad official between Plymouth Rock and the Golden Gate, who does not read every word with the idea in his mind: Am l doing my duty to prevent just such a calamity on my division?' The loss of life may touch his heart to a kindly sympathy, but it's not that creates his interest. Those two little words 'speed' and safety have more meaning to the conscientious official, than all the balance of the dictionary, and his whole energy is devoted to att taining, on his division at least, this idea of security"
 "Why am l 10 interested? They do say, Will, that we women are full of curiosity-do not have that pro- found depth of wisdom and knowl- edge which places men above us men, tally, and it may be true to a certain degree, but, if men were blest with what I call 'woman's intuitive pow ers,' deal of the misery in the world might be prevented, and larger share of true happiness fall to the lot of many a misunderstood, and often a misjudged woman. Do you know, Will, that l had strange dream last night, about you and our pet, Tamo? Would you listen while tell you-?"
 "I do not think, Aimee, that it would 5e pleasant for me 10 listen to the fanciful vagaries of an imagina- tion wrought upon by that last piece of mince pie and cup of black coffee at 12 last night. Please excuse me this time, Aimee"
 "Just as you say, Will. but pray be careful the next time you step on your engine to take the night ex- press out"
 "Oh, certainly. Do not get the idea that I am careless around Ne. 9O.' It is a curious fancy of mine, but, do you know when Tamo is not in my cab, strange feelings of unrest come over me. It's all relic of su- perstition, know, but l can't help it if the boys laugh at my 'puss in the corner.' At first, you know, left him at home very often, and only gradually got into the notion of talk ing him every trip just for good luck.
 I was surprised at the different state of my feelings, whether Tamo was my companion or not. Now, that he has been with me so long, should anything happen to him, l should be almost tempted to quit the road. I honestly believe my nerves would not be steady enough to hold & throttle valve or control Nesting house air brake, when the lives of a hundred passengers depended on my skill and forethought.
 "Aimee, what a fearful night this isl The rain is falling in tor reDts."
 The sudden blasts of wind which rushed wildly around the little cottage every few moments, added a wildness to the night, carrying those peculiar feelings of dread which creep unconsciously over the stoutest heart when surrounded by terrible storm its more of fear than a sublimity the lightning's vivid play, accom- panied by the loud peals of thunder,