The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-03-10

mother lived, related his awful be- reavement, when they returned with him to care for the dead.
 Upon entering the dining room, he observed Tamo stretched at full length on the rug before the open grate. Stopping down to oaress his pet, lie found him lifeleSs, and also noticed the path of the lightning across the room, and its exit by way of the chimney.
 The last sad ceremonies attending death under such circumstances were over, and Bill had quietly seated him. self in his fathers house, where he had taken his two little ones, and began pondering what he should do. That old superstition at the loss of TAmo came strongly to his mind, and he could not shake it oil. Then Aimee's dream-what was it? He only remem- bered her warning words, "Be careful the next time you step on your en- zine to take the night express out"
 Bills large heart was full of true sorrow, in this greatest of earthly trials, but he was philosopher enough to see and realize fully the absurdity of moaning his way through life, and made up his mind to report for duty the next day.
 While thus musing, messenger ar rived with letter addressed 10 him. Opening it, he read
 GENERAL suPERIN ENpENr's OFFICE.
 Vim. Watson, Enginecr-Dear Mr You will report at this office tomorrow morning at ten o'clock, Respectfully,
 "Good morning, William," was the kind greeting of the sympathetic su- perintendent. "In your sudden be- reavement you have my most tender sympathy, but realize that 1t will be best for you to do something to keep your mind engaged. l have called you here to ask your acceptance of the position of division superintend- ent of our NJ division, and have every reason to believe, from your past experience in, and practical kno ledge of our system, that you can fill this place with credit to yourself and ac- ceptability to the company. Should you desire longer time to think the matter over, suppose you take your run out tonight, and report to me before going on your next trip. By the way, William, when you approach that long curve near NJ station, be sure you have your engine under con- trol, because my wife and family will be aboard-just going on their sum- mer vacation. Don't fail to thoroughly understand every train order you re- ceive, for business is heavy now, and the freights, on and of time, with the extras of 'emptys,' make busy night for the wires. Have care, William"
 "I will, sir"
 "Here is our last time card-went into effect yesterday at l2 noon. You can look over the meeting points and stations where you are to pass freights. Good day"
 "To- morrow at ten. Yes," thought Bill, eff he thinks can be division superintendent, Pll think so myself, and before go out next time will &C., cept the position"
 After supper, Bill walked around the depot, noting the little changes that had been made, during his months absence, finally stepped into the conductors room to see the "boys." Their kindly greetings failed to dispel a feeling of gloom which, in the last few hours, seemed to settle down upon him. They attributed 1t to his recent affliction, and had respect for his feel iDgs, just as the boys on the road always have for one of their number in sorrow. No larger or more sympa- thetic hearts are to be found, the wide world over, in the same number of men, than these very same engineers, conductors and train men. They know what "Brotherhood" means.
 At 9:25 Bill stepped on No. 90, ready for the signal to start.
 "How my head throbs tonight and my hand trembles !" said Bill to his fireman, Jake.
 "Why didn't you take gl lass before you got aboard?" asked Jake.
 "The 'Brotherhood' lose faith in man when he drinks, and the company require sober men. Jake, never touch it, if you expect to be man to be trusted on the road"
 "Where is our pet Tamo2 l got his cage all newly filled with a new bed for him. Why didn't you bring him down with you?"
 "Ah, Jake! my good fellow, Tamo was killed by lightning, not long since. We must go alone tonight"
 May the good Lord watch over No. 90 then," was the heartfelt utter ance of Jake.
 "Amen and amen," said Bill, for this superstition was getting firm hold now.
 Precisely at half-past nine o'clock Bill "pulled out" and away flew the train. As it approached the curve in the road near his home, he could not heIp realizing the awful tragedy SO