The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-04-25

train was moving, land the hndlingn-the
rattle OF the cars drowned MS voice-''box
full' (how the steam roaredD Not one word
Of what he was saying could reach her now,
but he talked on, and when the steam ceased
to roar, and the train glided smoothly out,
he leaned from the window. "Good-by,
mother"
she heard aad waved her hand And then
Engineer Robinson pulled him to look at
some roasted cheStnutS the train hitcher had
sent UP for him.
It was a wonderful ride for the boy, vino
never ceased TO wonder at the proud old en-
CINE and Its magnificent strength.
But for all the pleasure and freedom there
was a shadow all day on the boyish face,
which neither the good things nor the wonder
full stories which Engineer Robinson brought
TO his entertainment could quite dispel.
He would climb up TO the engineers velvet
cushion and lean his elbows on the window
sill, and, dropping his cheek into his hand,
fall to dreaming while he watched the clouds
or the trees fitting by.
Once the train stopped to wait for delay
ed freight, and the engineer spoke 70 the boy
sitting silent at the window.
''Hello, Jack!n he said. You're not asleep,
are you! Engineers can't sleep, sir; remem-
Der that Whatever other folks may do, he's
got TO keep his eyes open"
Jacks eyes filed as he looked at his old
friend.
YES, sir" he said, "thats just what father
used 10 say"
Engineer Robinson turned to look out at the
other window down the track, the straight,
treacherous track along which poor Jack Con-
nor had travelled TO eternity.
The boy at the other window
Young Jack talked on; softly, but dis
tnctly.
and father said, the night they brought
him home, sir, he said: Every man may
jump but the enginesr-the engineer must
stick to the engine And he said, father said,
away off it seemed to me, like you try to
speak when the steam's a-siZzing, sir; he said:
Stick to the engine, and stand by your moth
er, Jack And I've been a-thinking, Mr..
Robinson"-the engineer leaned further out,
the sleeve of his blue overalls brushed his face,
while Jack talked on-"I've been a-thinking
all day as maybe I ought not to have left her
by herself a whole day"
The engineer answered without turning his
head:
sob, she's all right, Jack; she's safe"
'But you know what father said. Stand
by your mother, Jack and here l am away
off on your engine, sir"
The delayed freight ratified by twenty min
utes late; the fireman threw in some coal, the
steam began to puff aud No. sped on its
way.
The wind, could it have spoken, must have
carried strange stories Of what it saw and
heard in its passage through the engine
box that day. Strange stories Of rough
forms ard gentle hearts, gruff voices and
tender words, bearded chin and childish
cheek pressed together in sympathy and love.
No. drew up on time at Antioch, $40 A
door few open as the whistle sounded four
times, as if to say, Hero I am, mother
A little form was lowered from the engine
and went flying through the mist and fog to-
wards the lighted doorway. As the train
pulled out Engineer Robinson leaned from
his window.
''Here I am, mother" the joyful greeting
rang out, and the engineer saw Jack go
straight into the arms opened to receive him.
II am coming, mother" that became a
very familiar cry among the nearest neigh
bors And more than one eye flied up
and ran over Is little Jack Connors voice,
thrilling and hopeful, rang out on the frosty
air OF u winter morning.
One evening he was late returning from an
errand upon which his mother had sent him
The clouds were heavy, as II they might hold
snow.
Mrs. Conner knew that Jack would be cold
and tired wnen he returned so she took his
basket and went out to the wOOdpile
IN gather the chips" she said, land save
him that much WORK"
But she had scarcely begun her task when
Jack came painting up the hill.
why, mother" he called, didn't you
know was conlingr
He expected her TO lean upon him; as he
grew older the feeling grew, and he was al /
ways disappointed if she failed TO do so.
One morning she went out to her milking,
and a strange dog met her and sprang upon
her.
Scarcely knowing what she did, she threw
the milking pail at him and screamed for /
Jack.
He came with a bound, Selling club as
he passed the wOodpIe.
I'm coming, mother" Old Peter Glass |
passing near head Jacks cry and ran down /
- Sc what was the matter. There ne stood +
between his mother and the ferociOus mad /
beast, fourishing his club and bidding the dog /
BECOME
Pete relieved the loyal little fellow by kill /
ing the dog, which. he afterwards declared TO /
his wife, was raving mad"
But mad or not he added, ut wouldn't (
a-hindered that boys pitching right IN 10 .
fight for his nanny. Ii always brings the ,
tears to my eyes somehow when l come in con
tact with that IuanfuI little chap OF Jack Con {
nCrs"
Peter Glass was not the only one whose /
heart softened for Jack Connor's son. Aye, /
many an eye wept and many heart bled
for him when the little fellow ceased 70 ap-
pear on the hill above TIE railroad track
Some lives there are that seem 70 run amid
sunshine and rose. Some ara
rounded 10 darker lines, and run always be
side the deeper abysses OF tragedy.
It was June, glad, sucshiny June, when
Jacks mother went one morning 20 cal on
sex friend and old neighbor ct the station
Just above Antioch.
Jack thought ne had never seen 50 fair
day-tbe SUI shone, the birds sang, and the
a0we=s ware everywhere
You can Cozle 70 meet me st y O'Clock,
Jack his mother said, as she kissed his
CHEEK IN Re sure to CONS on that train
unless something happens
IN be here, mother, said Jeck, ITO every
train until Won come"
The sun stIil snoRe when the train Cafe in
at noon. Jack thought the whistle sounded
mournfui. somehow. And tire engine slowed
up sooner tnan usual. 50 that the train cane
IN slow and solemn ike
And the telegraph operator had laid his
hand IN very gentle way On tie bcTSs head
ss be hurr.s6 past him. And Engineer Rob
inson never ouce looked out 20 speA& 70 lin
q D. tIrenEan. TO ts1r-a6 rs face tie CHR