The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-10-19

tern vas waved across the track ahead Of
it," asked Arthur.
ssOf course it would. = was the answer.
FOR 4 Il didn't it would get into trouble.
Brakeman Joe even went so far as to ini-
tiate the boy into the mysteries OF his own
peculiar department. OF course he did not
invite him to walk over the vet roofs Of
the moving train, in order to show him
how the brakes Of the freight cars were set
mp; but he gave him lesson on the plat
form of the cabo0se that answered every
purpose.
Then the trainmen brought out their tin
lunch pals, and from their contents. to-
gether with those of the paper bag so
thoughtfuiiy provided by Aunt Charity.
the merry party of Eve. for of course the
always hungry Rusty was included in it,
made hearty midnight supper.
Freight No. Is had stopped several times
70 drop or pick up loaded cars; but. as yet.
nothing had been said about leaving the
guests behind. or about Arthur readinga
story IN payment for the earlier portion of
their ride. Atlength. when they we're toll
ing slowly up along, heavy grade, for they
were now climbing the western slope Of the
Allegheny mountains. Conductor Tobin
claimed the ful6llment OF his promise, and
Arthur willingly undertook to read the
story OF the wild Swans" Brakeman
Joe was at his post in the cupola on look
out SO OF course he could not BE- expected
to listen to the reading. Nor could the
conductor hear very well above the roar of
the train. though the boy strove to read
loudly and clearly. At length. as it was
evident that he was straining his voice and
also that he was growing very sleepy. kind
hearted Conductor Tobin gently took the
book from his hands and babe him lie
down ON sort OF long bench, covered with
cushion and . blanket, that ran along
one side Of the caboose, while he finished
the story for himself.
Here, with Rusty nestled close beside
him. the tired boy quickly fell asleep. while
Uncle Phin nodded and dozed in big arm
chair beside the stove, and the only sounds
heard were the painting of the locomotive
and the rattle Of the heavy train Is it
toiled slowly up the steep grades.
Somewhere near the summit stop was
made for water. During it both Conduc-
tor T0bin and Brakeman Joe went to the
forward end Of the long train for q chat
with the engineer. They were still talking
when It was time to start ahead, and both
men jumped into the cab for moment
that they might finish what they were say
ing. Then they began to make their way
back toward the caboose, walking as quick
y and surely over the swaying roofs OF the
cars as though they had been on solid
ground.
It had ceased to rain; but thick, damp
mist clouds were driving over the noun
tains. and they at first thought this was
the reason why they did not see the green
lights that should show in the back of the
red caboose lanterns. Then they became
anxious and quickened their steps. When
they reached the end of the train their
worst fears we're realized. The caboose
was no longer there.
The engineer, happening to look back,
saw their swinging lanterns. A sharp, inn
perative whistle blast called for brakes,
For few moments there was harsh
grinding of the iron brake shoes against
iron wheels, and then the train came to .
standstill. As it did SO Conductor Tobin
ran breathlessly up to the locomotive
shouting: Back down to the tankl Side
track the train and run your engine back
after the caboose. It's broke loose and
gone down the grade! No. II is coming
up behind usl There isn't one chance in
ten thousand but what there'll be COLI
sionl We've got to take that one, though,
and do what we can"
Long before be finished speaking Con-
ductor Tobin was in the cab, and the train
was backing rapidly toward the siding.
Brakeman Joe had run back to the little