The Globe-republican., 1889-10-23
THEIR CHANCE.
low Ben and Roger Proved
"What Was in 4 M"

| What was In + M.
| Ben and Roger Moore were "rail.
road boys" Their father was an eugi-
neer on one OF the great Western roads.
and they had been born and brought UP
in comfortable little cottage by the
very side of the track. so that they could
! not remember time when rushing
trains, screaming whistles. changing bells
! and the acrid smell of coal smoke had
not been familiar things to them. Smart
little railroaders they were, at ages
! when most boys hardly know a throttle
from a reversing lever; for they had
been unconsciously picking up knowl.
edge every day of their lives during the
hours spent at the station or in the re-
pair shops. or while the yard master
favored them with trip on the queer
! little shifting engine, which puffed up
and down the interlacing sidetracks
from morning TIL night
As they grew older their father occas.
sionally took one of them with him on
the great express locomotive 2O9,
where they learned to stop and start
the magnificent machine. and even to
run it on safe stretches of road. Often
Ben relieved the big, good-natured
fireman at the shovel, and fed the box
| under his directions, while Roger at
! tended to tho bell and whistle and
learned to manage the air brake.
OF course it was against the rules of
tions. and the pair of young engineers
were such exceptions. Even the stern
| potentate. the division superintendent,
uttered never a word OF objection when
he saw the two youthful faces in the
cab. black with smoke and beamiRg
with pleasure, while train lands and
station men smilingly waved their caps
to Ben or Roger leaning out of the win
dow and watching for signals and
switches as if the whole train depended
upon his vigilance.
''They can run an easy piece as we'll
as l can," Mr.. Moore once proudly
said.
AN they do prutty will in toight
place. too." added the fireman. But Mr..
Moore shook his head at this.
Perhaps so. Mike; but it isn't know
ing the machine that pulls man
through tight places. It's pluck and
grit and cool head. and thinking of
your train first and yourself last-that 8
what it is"
''Sure. But if iver tn b'ys have to
show what's in 'em, yez won't find 'em
lackin'. Owe soized 'em oop. an Oi
till yez they're tn roight soort. Wait
till they've the chance, an yen see."
Only short time afterward they
actually did have the chance, and l will
leave it to yon whether or no Mike
Murphy was mistaken.
whats the matter with that car?
It's moving off of itself!' exclaimed
Roger. while he and his brother were
standing at the station awaiting their
fathers train. Down the track at the
end of the yard fiat car loaded with
ties was slowly gliding along without
any visible means of propulsion.
Brakes loosened." replied Ben.
She'll be stopped in minute. Yes.
there goes somebody now."
A man climbed on board and made
his way to the brakes. He turned the
wheel vigorously. but without effect.
Another joined him, and both, throwing
their weight on the brakes. could be
seen heavily leaning outward and
swing half around as they strained to
stop the ponderous car.
No use. Brakes must be out of
order" said Roger. after a minute $
observation.
Yes. that's it. assented Ben. care
lessly. But even while yet speaking.
nc gave sudden start of excitement
Roger. there's going to be trouble.
. See how it gathers speed. 1t must be
getting on the down grade just outside
the yard"
And that goes clear to Gravelly Run
Bridge" replied Roger. also becoming
excited. The nat will be running like
lightning BY the time it gets there"
''Yes. ana it'll pitch off the bridge.
beside" continued Ben. '.But l don't
see what can be done about it The
men have given up. See. They re
jumping off-and it's time they did"
.'Well. the company will lose some
money" said Roger. ''bu: that's all the
harm. for there's q clear track and no
train coming up for two hours
But Ben all at once grasped his
, brother by the wrist
~ Roger, don't you remember?
There's gang repairing the bridge at
Nhs brook! They're clear down in the