Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1890-12-05
D try the speed or the two engines.

ward ana grasp the reversing ROD. Blu
moments reflection showed me that this
might instantly seal my doom. Norris
would have grappled with me, and If it
came to struggle I was lost. He would
fling me headlong from the engine.
Then another thought occurred to me.
Heaven forgive me-but must strike nm
from behind in order to save my life. /
looked around for weapon. AS did so
he seemed to guess what l was at, and
turning round thrust his hand into his
breast. The next moment he held re-
volver toward me, while his blazing eyes
threatened instant death if l did not de-
sist.
After that gave myself up for lost. I'm
less Providence interposed on my behalf a
horrible end awaited me. Up to this had
felt the heat oppressive, but now shivered.
My hands were cold and clammy A band
of iron seemed to encircle my head.
On we tore, the engine swaylng fearfully.
Every moment l expected to be blown to
atoms by the bursting of the boiler. Norris
never ceased to rave about the race with the
President. And yet, though he was so alb
sorbed in his work, he kept his eye on me
the whole time.
Then it was that an idea flashed across
me. A faint hope sprang up in my mind
must overcome him by cunning; it was
the only chance.
l advanced to examine the indicator,
and, though my heart sank when | saw
the hand quivering at $50, l made it appear
as if were delighted
Good" cried, "we'll beat her yet! But
we want more COAL"
/ made toward the tender, placed my left
hand upon lump of coal and struck it
across the back with the sharp edge of the
shovel. The blow left cash from which
the blood flowed freely. gave cry and
Norris instantly turned round.
I held up my right hand that he might
see the blood dripping from it. Then l
stood with my back toward him and pre-
tended to bind up the wound. But l only
wrapped a handkerchief round it, and
quick as lightning drew out my pocket
book. / tore away the leaves which were
written on, and placing the book upon my
knee scrawled these words across the first
page:
Driver mad, wire, grease rails.
Then, holding it in my injured hand, l
thrust it under my jacket and returned to
the engineers side.
We were now rapidly approaching Wes-
ton, but knew that Norris did not intend
to stop. And was right. He blew a long
whistle, as if to startle the officials, and
the engine shot through the station like a
rocket.
But had managed to drop my pocket
book at the side of the track
did not dare to look back or make the
slightest sign to the Weston officials If
had done so I certainly would have got a
bullet through me. Still fancied I had
caught glimpse of a man hurrying for
ward to where the book had fallen.
The suspense was terrible. Even if they
noticed the pocketbook they might not be
able to understand what was written in.
side; for it may be imagined that under
the circumstances the scrawl was barely
legible.
had made up my mind what to expect
The next station was Red Fork, but fif-
teen miles further on. was sure the track
would be clear as far as this place, but
once past it we might encounter an up
train at any moment.
If the Weston people discovered my mes
sage they would wire at once to Red Fork
and there would be time enough for the
officials at that station to grease a portion
of the rails before we came on the scene.
Should this be done on any sort of an in
cline the wheels would slip on the track
and the engine would soon come to a
standstill. 1t was with thrill of joy that
/ remembered that there was such piece
of road just outside Red Fork station.
But if it turned out otherwise, and we
passed the place without being stopped,
resolved to lose no time in graphing with
the engineer. Come what might, l would
spring upon him and try to wrench the re-
volver from his hand. The case would
then be desperate; and it was as we'll to
die in a fight for life as to wait patiently
and be mangled in collision.
When / arranged all this in my mind
endeavored to resign myself to fate. I
could do no more at present. But the ago.
MES suffered during that short run from
Weston to Red Fork can never describe
The sterrible strain of suspense, the wild
rush, the swaying from side to side made
me feel sick and faint. l chung on with
out daring to look on either hand; if had
done so think could not have withstood
the temptation to fling myself from the
engine.
1t was getting dusk. I was only con-
scious of hedges, telegraph poles and
bridges skimming past me like so many
flashes. The hoarse shouts of the mailman
made my blood run cold. He seemed to be
working himself into a regular frenzy.
Red Fork one mile ahead!
One minute more would decide the ques-
ton of life or death.
drew my breath hard; trembled like
child. We had reached the incline The
engine went at it with dash. I glanced
out to see if any friendly figures were on
the track.
Not a soul was in sight. groaned and
almost fell on the floor of the cab. The sur
rounding objects seemed to fade from my
view, and in their place rose up a picture
of the old home away in England. I saw
the little cottage; looked into my mothers
face
"Oh, thank Godn'
Never before nor since did such a cry of
joy escape me, for at that moment l felt
the wheels of the engine slip.
Gradually the furious speed declined.
Norris dashed about the cab, storming and
swearing. Very soon we were almost at
standstill, The next second had jumped
to the ground.
Only just in time. The mailman had
turned savagely upon me, suppose sus-
pecting that had something to do with
the stoppage. saw his purpose and
ducked my head as o bullet from his re-
volver whizzed over it. Then I ran for
dear life down the track.
When I was out of range sat upon the
bank completely overcome. The reaction
was too much for me, and believe for q
minute or two 1 was quite unconscious.
But before became insensible heard an
other report from the pistol. knew what
had happened.
] was aroused by confused hum Of
voices. Upon opening my eyes l saw four
men standing around me. 1 got up at
once and we hurried back to the engine.
There stood the Grant upon the track
with full speed up, the wheels revolving
with frightful rapidity, but without max
ing the least Roadway.
One of my companions sprang on board
and shut off steam. Then he came to the
side, looked down, and exclaimed;
II say, boys, Norris has put bullet
through his brain!'
knew it.-Chatter.
a Te1egraphic Error.
eyes, indeed; send horse and carriage to