Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1890-06-12
A REMARKABLE ESCAPE

COnn., one HlOFHllS, d. NOuHE WOIHun
attempted to cross The track. The
locomotive was still few rods dis
tant, but she ran, showing the ner-
vous haste frequently evinced by the
fair sex in such a situation. She did
not heed what was beneath her feet
so much as the object of her dread.
Unfortunately, she was where side
track was connected with the main
by a switch, and she caught her foot
in frog. She struggled desperately,
but her foot was held as if it were in a
vice. She cried out, then almost
swooned. The engineer applied the
air-brakes, although it was evident
that the train could not be more
than considerably slackened before it
reached her. She was apparently
doomed.
At this moment, man, with a
jacknife which he had opened as he
ran, dashed to her side, with two
slashes cut the shoes from her heels
to her toes, p ulled her boot from it,
and grasping her in his strong arms,
drew her from the track. The next
second the locomotive passed over
the spot where she had stood.
1t was as gallant a deed as ever a
man did for a woman's sake.
The train was stopped a moment.
The passengers learned the particu-
lars of the rescue. The men raised
the windows of the cars, swung their
hats and cheerel as they saw the
hero support his h. F.iaintina COM
panion in his arms.
The train moved forward, and the
man and the woman were by them
selves. They looked into each others
eyes; the man with solicitude, the
maiden with gratitude and admira-
ton.
Il can never thank you enough for
your brave and generous act" she
said.
"Do not mention it. 1t was moth.
ing"
His modesty was that of the brave.
Glow my heart beats! l was so
frightened! Were you not afraid?"
she exclaimed.
II had not time to think whether I
was or not; and besides, we railroad
men are used to close calls"
She had now sufficiently recovered
from her agitation to notice how her
new friend was dressed. She saw that
he must be a railroad conductor, he
being attired in one of the blue uni
forms commonly worn by conductors,
and having upon his head the wide
square blue cap which these men are
required to wear. Moreover, worked
in gold braid on the front of the cap
was the word Conductor"
Like the majority of conductors,
Joseph Williams for such was his
name) had broad frame and was
square shouldered. 1t is said that
the motion of the train tends to give
conductors their sturdy shape and
solid appearance. That he was brave,
alert, and efficient, had been proved
by his recent deed; and, on account
of it and his manly bearing, she i'm.
mediately reposed great confidence
in him.
She told him that she was the only
daughter of Robert Brakeman, who
kept bakery in New Haven, and
that she lived with her parents in a
little home in the western part ofthe
elm City"
Mr.. Williams received permissionto
accompany her home, he telling hel
that on account OF the shock und
fright which she had sustained, she
ought to allow him to go with her
especially as he was not on duty that
day, and would not Inconvenience
himself by doing the favor. She saw
an eager look in his eyes, and she
blushingly gave her consent. 1t was
very evident that each welcomed an
excuse for their continuing together
As they walked along, the CONDUCTOR
admiration for his companion rapid
ly increased; and it was not to be
wondered at, for she was one of those
winning maidens that no man who is
susceptible to female charms can help
liking. About twenty years old, she
was slender and graceful, with beau.
tiful, thoughtful face, which indicat-
ed innocent enjoyment of life. But
her greatest charm was the singu.
lar artlessness Of demeanor and con.
tiding. yet shy manner, utterly un.
conscious of her captivating ways.
She was ready-alas! perhaps too
ready-to believe in everything that
| was fair IN loxoly ,,nop opl onDaoro, 4