The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1891-11-14
DID HIS DUTY.

Bennie Waters got up at daylight that
morning to build the Are and warm the
room for his mother, who was not strong
and found the keen air of the early spring
so trying in their rudely built cabin, few
miles cut on the plains, from the village
All the time he was about this labor of
love. he was thinking of tie fortunate
opening likely to be his that day.
He had been searching for something to
DO in the village, for matters we're getting
serious in their little home. The mother
had been sick SO long. and their expen es
had been so heavy. that the little they had
saved against time of need was now
completely gone. Next 10 nothing re-
mained for them to live upon, and, if pos
sible, he must find work of some kind TO
keep actual want from the door.
So for two or three days previous TO this
morning he had been looking for work,
but without success. He was either to
young or not strong enough. or they had
no work for a boy, and he had become
well-nigh discouraged The evening be-
fore, however. Just as he was about TO give
rp trying further for that day, he had
stepped into She store of Field Il Swim
burne, hardware dealers, and asked if
they needed boy. He was shown into
the Office, where ne found Mr.. Swinbui ne
alone.
That gentleman, after making some in
quiries as to Dennie's age, and where he
lived, said
"Yes, we do need boy; but Mr.. Field
is now out of town. You may come to-
morrow, however at nine clock, and we
will see what can be done for you. Mind
now, and be on time, as we shall hire the
first boy that comes along
What wages would you be apt to
pay?" Bennie ycntured 10 ask.
"Oh! two or thre. dollars week." an
swered Mr.. Swinburn, carelessly. 1t
depends altogether on how well you
work.
So Bennie built the fire, and busted
himself in cooking the potatoes-all that
they had for breakfast-happy at the pros
pect before him. and sure that he would
do his best to earn the highest wages sug-
gested. On that amount he felt confident
his mother and himself could, with proper
care live comfortably until she was able to
work again.
The br akfast--if dish of potatoes can
be called breakfast--oace ready, he went
to the door of his mother 's.room and called
her.
Only think mother" he exclaimed, as
they sat down at the table, I'm 10 have
work to-day; ard If I n. worth ii, I'm to
have three dollars II week, and that III be
enough for us 20 live on.
Yes, i..d ed responded his mother.
But fear you are too young TO upd r.
take so much; above all, to take your long
wall, after each days work
/ -
m ther," he asserted confidently.
When the poor little meal was finished,
he brought in several huge armfuls of
wood, and arranged, as far as possible,
for his mothers cofmort throughout the
day, ana then put on his coat and start
ed.
Here is Your scarf, Bennle," said his
mother, calling him back. 1T may be
chilly as you walk home tonight, and you
will need 1t
He laughingly took it, not realizing then
how it would be of special service to him
an hour later.
1t was hot yet eight O'Clock, and Le had
ample time to reach the village before the
appointed hour, The m st direct way was
down the railroad track; and he hurridly
tripped over the ties, as happy as a boy
could well be.
Within mile of the village tie track
made a sharp turn to the right, and en-
tered what was known rs Henway's cut.
where the road bed had been blasted
through solid rock for Il number of rods.
As Bennie reached the curve, he, as a
precaution, glanced back along the track
TO be sure the S:45 passenger train was
no where in sight, and then entered the
cutaway.
When about baf way through, how
ever, he suddenly stopped, for in front of
him lay a large boulder, which had fallen
from the cliff above, and completely
blocked the passage.
But it was possible to Chamber over it,
and Bennie began to do so. Then he as
quickly got down again, the thought Rad
come to him that the train, No. q, com
ing around the curve at full speed, would
not have time to come TO full stop be-
fore reaching the obstruction, and a
smash up more or less terrible in its re.
suits, was inevitable, unless some one
gave the warning.
But if he waited to warn the train OF
the danger, he would not reach the village
at the appointed hour and might lose the
place. Indeed, Mr. Swinburne said if be
was not there on time they should hire
some other boy.
There was not time enough to go OF to
the village and have some one sent to tlig
the train, at least it would be Il tremen'
dous risk to do so.
The first house back up the track was d
full mile away and TO go there and leave
word TO stop the train would also make
Kim late Mt the store.
For moment he hesitated. More than
this; he actually left the cutewav and
went short distance up over the cliif to-
ward the highway. Thenlhe came back to
the track and with quivering lip sat down
He knew it was his duty whatever his per-
sonal sacrifice to stay there and warn the
train.
Il can't leave here, he resolutely said
"even if do not get work and we have
To beg"