The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-02-11
A TERRIBLE RIDE.

1 began life on one of the big rail-
ways of the states as "cleaner" in an
engine shed.
1 had been employed in the shed at
Louisville for about fifteen or sixteen
months when I went on my first trip
as a fireman.
1t was very near being my last.
I firmly believe all the years of fly
ing about in an express since I was
made an engineer have not taken as
much out of me as that single turn of
an hour and a half. 1t occurred in
this way:
One evening the superintendent at
Louisville received wire from Wes-
ton-a station about seventy miles
down the line-to send an engine to
replace one which had broken down.
He came to the shed and selected the
Gen. Grant, one of the finest locomo-
tives on the road. Then he sent word
to the engineer and fireman to come
on duty and start on their journey at
z o'clock.
The driver, Ben Norris, was there in
good time, and busted himself with his
oil can. But Jim West, the fireman.
did not turn up punctually.
At last, when it was near the hour
for starting, he came into the shed.
One glance at his bloodshot eyes
and unsteady walk showed me that he
was the worse for drink. Poor fellow!
knew the cause of this, and from the
bottom of my heart pitied him. The
week before he had lost his little
daughter Kate, and to drown his grief
he had taken to liquor.
knew he was utterly incapable of
going on duty, and 1 also knew that if
he was discovered in this state it would
mean instant dismissal.
There was only one thing for it-an-
other fireman must be found immedi-
ately. If the matter was referred to
the superintendent it would be all up
with my friend Jim. From that mo-
ment I made up my mind to take his
place myself.
gave him in charge of one of my
mates, who promised to take him home
quietly thought that in few hours
he would have slept off the effects of
the liquor, and left word to have him
come on by the night train to Weston.
I had to explain matters to the engin-
eer, but he made no objections to my
plan. 1t struck me at the time that he
took the matter very coolly; in fact,
he seemed perfectly Indifferent as to
who went with him.
Time was up. l took my place in
the cab. Norris set to work at once
and we moved slowly out of the shed.
We were off!
While in the station l took care to
keep bending down, as if examining
the fire, so that 1 should not be recog-
nized. But once clear of the town l
stood upright and looked around.
II was a glorious summer evening.
We skinned rapidly past meadows
and corn fields and then dashed along
the bridge over the river. began tc
think l would enjoy the run i'm.
mensely.
1 next turned my attention to the
| engine. As I ran my eye over the
shining machinery felt gratitied tc
think that its neat order was chiefly
owing to my care. was proud of the
Grant and wondered if the time woulc
ever come when I should have charge
of it myself.
Twas so elated that I thought my
companion ought to be more lively
Ben seemed to think of nothing bu
his work. He stood with his hand ol
the throttle, and his eyes steadily tixet
upon the track ahead. l made one o.
two remarks, but he scarcely answered
me. While I was wondering at hi
silence he suddenly appeared to rous
himself. He glanced at the steam
gauge, muttered something which
did not understand, then bent dow
and examined the tire-box.
more coalr' he cried in a voic
which almost startled me.
complied without a word. 1nstea
of throwing in the coal recklessly
which I knew would only deaden til
fire, 1 piled it up carefully around tn
sides. Very soon the speed of the er
eine increased. We were rattlin
along at grand rate. examined tn
gauge and saw that the hand pointe
to 1876. 1 could not see the necessit
for this rapid travelling.
Mycompanion's attention was agai
fixed upon the road before him. Pre-
emily he turned toward me and e.
claimed excitedly:
"Who says that the Grant is not tt
fastest engine on the road?"
..Moxly declared that the Presldel
: was faster" replied.
Then he lied" cried Norris. "Tf
! President faster-we shall see, we sha
seef"
, thought his manner very strang
to say the least of it. But / knew h
ways and said nothing. He was a
WAYS considered rather eccentric. b
sides, he was easily excited and cou
|. not bear to be contradicted. st
there was not driver on the line be
ter acquainted with his business.
L And, by the way, have forgottt
to say word as to his appearance
Well, then, he was a big, powerful fe
low, with a broad, red face. and
? bushy beard. 1t was hard to de
with such a man. If he once put |
j foot down there was no getting him
i bulge until his humor changed.
We were now coming close up
- Waterford station, and had alrea
done about five-and-twenty miles
the Journey. Ben's eyes were still
on the track. 1t was all clear ahea
vet I expected to see him close t
throttle and slow down while passi
through the station.
But was mistaken. With re
and a rush we dashed right throug
and the next minute we were teari
along a level stretch on the other si'
..More coalr' Not only the wor
themselves, but the manner IN viii
thav were uttered caused me serie