Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1891-09-18
IN THE RACE.
BY PAUL GRANT.

A large picnic started out from
Daleville, going TO Frechill spring,
where, beside the spring, there was a
grove, a bandstand and a dancing
platform.
Half the village went, as is the way
with villagers when on pleasure they
are bent.
A long train of coaches stood ready
to take them, aud the railroad officials
had put John McKee in charge of the
human cargo, for, though a young
man, he was reckJncd as one of the
best engineers on the road: careful,
cool aud quick wiucl, qualities much
priced by railroad off ;ials in This day
of heavy damages. lie had need of
all til Sc good qualities before The day
was out, as will presently be told.
Mckee had been looking forward
for some time 10 this picnic. Dale
ville was his native place. and he had
an engagement TO escort one of the
village beauties TO it. lie had been
halfway cnga ed 10 her, but that was
off now, dandy drummer coming in
between them. Dazzlcd by his iinery
and airs Jenny considered him quite a
feather in her social, village cap, and
Mckee was very sore about it.
OF course the railroad officials did
not know of all this when they selected
him for the engineer for the run, rail-
roads taking no stock in love affairs.
Mckee now stood in his work ing
clothes, and watched the crowds as
they arrived and disappeared in the
train. His keen eye sooa spiel out
Jenny, escorted by the dressy drum
mer. As lie leaned out of the window
Jenny saw linn. Sh, turned away
her head and talked to his rival faster
than ever.
"All aboardn shouted the conduc-
tor
Mckee laid his hand on the throt-
tie, and the engine gave vent to an
oar-spiuing scream. lie cnvied the
thing. He wished lie could scream,
too. Then the started Off
They passed through Tanton with
out stopping. On a siding there was
an engine all steamed up, waiting to
take out train as soon as it was
made mp. A mile or two beyond the
town Mckee halted at q water station.
As the thirsty engine drank, the en-
gincer jumped out and pcered about
to see if all was right.
The gay picknickers called to each
other from the windows, laughing and
joking, whilst some of the boys felt
obliged to get aut and stretch their
legs.
Amid the din and .clatter the watch
full engineer heard a strange noise,
and, looking mp the road, lie saw the
engine they had left on the siding
Numbering down on them. Somebody
had fooled with the switch, and some
how the throttle had gotten open, and
in the temporary absence of the crew
the engine felt it incumbent on it to
join the picnic party. Another moment
and it would be on them.
Mckee sprang on his engine, threw
the throttle wide. and, leaving some of
of his crew and passengers behind,
started Off as fast as lle could with his
human freight.
The engine behind ran. along at a
moderate pace, as though, uainvilei,
il felt some hesitation III 10 ming the
pleasure seekers. Bat every moment
this hcsilancy lessencd. and its speed
increased.
Faster and faster it came down on
the long tain, whose engine, like a
thing of life, struggled aud strained
TO bear it out Of danger.
The astonished passengers, when the
train so suddenly started off, wondered
what was the matter. Some pulled
the bellcord, some shouted: ''S.opl
Stop! The conductor, the boys are
left behind.p
Indifferent to their remonsirances,
Mckee increased his speed every min
ute.
Then some of the passengers spied
the engine in pursuit of them, and
iheir cries and screams rent the air.
ssOh. we are LOST!
Some were dumb with fright, while