The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1891-11-12

fury, while the wind roared so about
the engine that any ordinary tone oil
voice was inaudible, and even the
whistle itself could hardly be heard.
In few minutes the light at West
Troy Junction was seen. It's all
right. Go on!" tho signal meant.
Then the upgrade into Cohoes caused
sensible diminution OF speed.
At that time the Mohawk River at
Cohoes was spanned by long wood
en- bridge, high above the river, and
oil engineers had instructions to pass
over 1t slowly. So before reaching the
bridge the engineer shut off steam, and
using his air-brake, reduced the speed
OF his engine.
A moment more, and they were
rolling quietly and smoothly over the
bridge. When they were once over it, the
Unbelievable was again pulled out,
and the engine bounded through Wat
erford, and down the long grade to the
valley beyond.
Nothing was said in the cab as they
tore along. The superintendent on
one side and the engineer on the other
stood steadily watching. The fireman
on the footboard occasionally opened
the fire-hox door and threw in a
shovelfull of coal, while the
passenger sat in his corner, per-
haps enjoying the novelty OF his
experience, perhaps wondering if
he should ever reach Saratoga alive.
Now Mechanicsville was passed, and
the engine turned to the west, and
began climbing the long gradient that
the road takes from the valley Of the
Hudson to the plain upon which Sara
toga hes.
Next appeared the light at Round
Lake, and the superintendent could
not help thinking of the road crossing
just beyond the station, where not
long before train had been wrecked
in the night by a plank maliciously
driven in next to the rail. This had
resulted in a serious accident, killing
oneman and severely injurlng several
| others.
But before he could wonder whether
that might perchance be their fate,
Round Lake was behind them, and
the fatal crossing too; and he heard
the thud of the switches at East Line.
No agent there and no light; but the
switches were all right, and on they
went. Now they neared Ballston, and
for the first time since leaving Albany
the superintendent drew in his head
and looked at his watch. The engine
was running with steam shut off on
account OF the sharp curves at the
station.
The watch said eleven fifty-two.
Eight minutes left, and seven miles to
go! "Let her go, Will" he shouted
to the engineer, and the curves at
Ballston being passed, once more the
engineer pulled the trottle wide open,
and the engine raced toward Saratoga.
Now the bridge over the Kyaderos-
seras was crossed, a small stream
with long Indian name, that flows
into Saratoga Lake, and so on to the
Hudson River. Then the turnpike
bridge, three miles from Ballston, ap-
parently flew overhead, and the party
dashed down the long straight stretch
of decending grade that ends at Sara
toga station.
Now the lights OF the village appear
ed, but still the throttle was left wide
open, and the engine rushed on with
undiminished speed. Not moment
could be spared in running slowly, or
the whole effort might be of no avail.
Past the freight-house, past the streets,
and almost to the station the speed
was maintained.
Then quick shutting off of steam,
the air-break applied, and quietly,
promptly, the obedient engine stopped
justat the entrance of the United States
Hotel.
The rain had ceased. The passen-
ger and the superintendent both jump
ed to the ground, looked at the watch,
and found the feat had been accom-
plished. 1t still Lacked one minute of
twelve!
The gentleman was successful in his
business, for the judge, inasmuch as
he had arrived before midnight,
heard him, and granted the order re-
quired.
The engineer who drove the engine
that night carried Testament in his
pocket then and always. He was
even then studying for the ministry,
and is now popular pastor in one
of our Northern churches, no doubt
doing as thorough work for his Mas
ter to-day as he did then for the
railroad he served.
The superintendent has grown
older since that night, and would
probably hesitate now to order an
engineer to make such a trip. He
certainly would not unless he could go
himself, and enjoy another such wild
ride.