The Southern herald., 1889-11-22
THEIR CHANCE.
How Ben and Roger Proved
"What Was in EN-"

"What Was in EN-"
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 broughtup
In comfortable little cottage by tho
very side of the track. so that they could
not remember a time when rushing
trains, screaming whistles, changing bells
and the acrld 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 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 till night
Asthey grew older their father occas-
Sionally took one Of them with him on
the great express locomotive 209,
where they learned to stop and start
the magnificent machine, and even to
run 1t 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- the bell and whistle and
learned to manage the air brake.
OF course 1t was against the rules Of
the road, but rules have their excep-
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 beaming
with pleasure, while train hands and
station men smilingly waved their caps
to Ben or Roger leaning out Of the win
dow and watching for signals and
switches as II the whole train depended
upon his vigilance.
They can run an easy piece as well
as | can," Mr.. Moore once proudly
said.
"An' they do prutty will in a toight
place, too," added the fireman. But Mr.
Moore shook his head at this.
Perhaps SO, Mike; but itisn't know
ing the machine that pulls a mar
through tight places. It's pluck ant
grit and cool head, and thinking o
your train first and yourself last-that
what 1t is"
Sure. But il iver tn b'ys have Il
show what's in 'em, yez won't find 'en
lackin'. Owe soized 'em oop, an o
till yez they're tn roight soort. Wal
till they've the chance, an yen see"
Only a short time afterward they
actually did have the chance, and / vii
leave it to you whether or no Mix
Murphy was mistaken.
Whats the matter with that car
It's moving of Of itselfr' exclaime,
Roger, while he and his brother wer
standing at the station awaiting thei
fathers train. Down the track at tn
end Of the yard fat car loaded wit
ties was slowly gliding along witbou
any visible means Of propulsion.
Brakes loosened." replied Ber
She'll be stopped in a minute. Yei
there goes somebody now
| A man climbed on board and mad
his way to the brakes. He turned tn
wheel vigorously, but without efIect
Another joined him, and both, THROWN
their weight on the brakes, could b
seen heavily leaning outward an
swing half around as they strained |
stop the ponderous car.
/ ''No use. Brakes must be out I
order,n said Roger, after a minute
observation.
''Yes, that's IT," assented Ben, car,
Iessly. But even while yet speaking
he gave sudden start OF excitement
Roger, there's going to be trouble
See how 1t gathers speed. 1t must |
getting on the down grade Just outsit
the yard
.'And that goes clear to Gravelly Ru
Bridge" /" replied Roger, also becomiu
excited. THE fiat will be running III
lightning by the time it gets there"
Eyes. and it'll pitch Of the bridg
beside continued Ben. "But dor
see Whist can Be done about It II
men have given up seel They
jumping ofI-and its time they did. !"
.sWell. The company will lose son
money" said Roger "but that's all u
harm, for there's clear track and !
! train coming up for two hours"
But Ben all at once grasped b
brother by the wrist
70 Roger. don't you remembe
There's gang repairing the bridge
she crook They're clear down y q