San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-12-15


fastest engine on the roadp'
Monkey declared that the President was
faster" replied.
"Then he lied!' cried Norris. THE
President faster-we shall see, we shall
seel"
l thought his manner very strange, to
say the least of IL. But / knew his ways
and said nothing. He was always consid.
cred rather eccentric Besides, he was
easily excited and could not bear TO be
cOntradiCted. Still there was not a driver
on the line better acquainted with his bust
ness.
And, by the way, have forgotten to say
a word as to his appearance. Well, then,
he was a big, powerful fellow, with broad,
red face with bushy beard. 1t was hard
to deal with such a man. If he once put
his foot down there was no getting him TO
bulge until his humor changed.
We were now coming close upon Water
ford station, and had already done about
five and twenty miles of the journey. Ben's
eyes were still upon the track. 1t was all
clear ahead, yet l expected to see him close
the throttle and slow down while passing
through the station.
But was mistaken. With a roar and
rush we slashed right through, and the
next minute we were tearing along level
stretch on the other side.
More coal" Not only the words them
selves, but the manner in which they were
uttered caused me serious alarm. began
to suspect that something was wrong
Still, if he>itated it might only aggravate
him, 50 | flung in small quantity.
''GO On-gU on
What was to do? didn't dare TO re-
fuse. The Wild look in Norris eyes fright
ened me, and went on shoveling in the
fuel. | glanced at the gauge. Great
heavens! it marked $50! This pressure of
steam, where no cars were attached to the
engine meant a fearful rate of speed.
The engineers manner was strangely al
tered. Instead of being silent and morose.
he was now excited and talkative
THAT'S it, he cried, and could barely
catch the words above the roaring of the
engine Nov we are travelling! Ha! ha!
The President faster than the Grant, Not
likely! I'll catch up to her yet, see if
don't!'
Shall ever forget these terrible words
They actually seemed to paralyzc me. As
stood there, clinging for support to the
side of the cab, the awful truth flashed
through my mind. The engineer was mad
And, worse still, he was under the delusion
that the President was on in front. With
this insane idea in his head he determined
to try the speed of the two engines.
Ny first impulse when | had partly re-
covered from the shock was to spring for
ward and grasp the reversing rod. But a
moments reflection showed me that this
might instantly seal my doom. Norris
would have grappled with me- and if it
came to a struggle was lost. He would
ding me headlOng from the engine.
Then another thought occurred to me.
Heaven forgive me-but must strike him
from behind in order to save my life. |
looked around for "A weapon. As 1 did so
he seemed to guess what / was at, and
turning round thrust his hand into his
| breast. The neat moment he held a re-
volver toward me, while his blazing eyes
threatened instant death if | did not de-
siSt.
After that gave myself up for lost. I'm
| less Providence interpOsed on my behalf
horrible end awaited me. Up to this had
felt the heat oppressive, but now | shivered.
Ny hands were cold and clammy. A band
of iron seemed to encircle my head.
On we tore, the engine swaying fearfully.
Every moment expected TO be blown TO
never ceased TO rave about the race with the
President. And yet, though he was 50 alb
sorbed in his work, he kept his eye on me
the whole time
Then it was that an idea flashed across
me. \ faint hope sprang up in my mind.
must overcome him by cunning; it was
the only chance.
advanced TO examine the indicator,
an1 thp1lph lpart sank when |
the hand quivering at $50, made it appear
as if ! were delighted.
Good cried, well beat her yet! But
we want more coal
made toward the tender, placed my left
hand upon Il lump of coal and struck it
across the back with the sharp edge of the
shovel The blow left a cash from which
the blood flowed freely. | gave a cry and
Norris Instantly turned round.
held up my right hand that he might
see the blood dripping from it. Then |
stood with my back toward him and pre-
tended To bind up the wound. But | 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, |
thrust it under my jacket and returned TO
the engineers side.
We were now rapidly approaching Yves
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