New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1891-06-10
THE TRAIN DISPATCHER.

between the ends OF the arc with a,
monotonous regularity that made
one sleepy. The air was damp and
chilly outside, only to make the CRATE
a dispenser Of warmth and comfort.
The constant clicking at my desk re-
lleved the louesomeness, as I sat with
my thumb and two fingers on the key
and my eyes on the clocks dial send
ing the trains in security along the
various lines Of the road. ~.
The comfort and happiness Of men,
women and children were intrusted
to my vigilant care. The response
bility OF the position Cain only be APP
preciated by one who is, or has been
placed in a similar position sat all
alone with invisible chances fixed on
the network Of iron bands, where
trains were sweeping over miles OF
space with lightning speed, while the
far reaching throb of electric power
came to me from distant stations to
locate every movement that guided
my unerring Judgment.
Every delayed train became an OBJ
ject of concern as it sidetracked for
the regular or made up the time be-
tween long runs, thus keeping my
nerves up to the tension which made
Lite a constant round of duty.
[ Hooked drowsily at the clock, my
eyes were heavy with sleep. Oh! for
something to rouse me. l walked the
narrow space in front of the railing.
I opened the door, the cool air blew
on my face to bring new life to the
sluggish blood that was stealing all
my senses. 1 involuntarily shivered,
as the cool breath OF night swept
through me to make me draw nearer
to the fire.
I peered into the glowing bank OF
Goals only to relapse into deeper un-
consciousness, when rap at the door
startled me. Glad to escape from the
incubus that made me dull, welcomed
the intruder with bluff.
"Come in
A rough looking figure stood by my
side. The broad-brimmed SLOUGH hat
half concealed the fierce look that
made me feel uncomfortable as his
Withholding eyes stared steadily into
mine. Was the man lunatic lust es-
capped from the asylum? Insanity was
evidently stamped upon the neglected
face
care you the e1ator?"
eyes; what do you want?" ...
"Here is a note for you. You dare
not refuse the request contained in the
letter. You recognize the handWrit-
ing?''
[ hurriedly glanced along the lines
to catch the import. My heart stood
still. ~ II
go! [ will be at the appointed place."
l was instructed to see that YOU did
come. I will show you the way"
Iglanced at the face, upon which a
frigld determined khad settled with
a savageness that made me tremble.
The letter was before me. Without
noticing the remark, read every line
that burned into my brain.
etWait. l will come
l arose from my seat glanced sharp
ly at the clock, noted the time, which
was propitious, for 1 could spare an
hour without danger, drew on nv
overcoat and followed the strange
man, who seemed entirely oblivious
to surroundings as he strobe forward
with an energy that made walking
anything but a pleasure.
[ halted and dropped behind a cor
ner; In a moment his clanlmy, bony
fingers were around my throat 1 was
powerless to resist A choking sensa-
ton made me weak and timid. With
a movement that he seemed to under
stand, the strong grip on my neck was
relaxed. Again we strobe forward to
turn into byways which were unknown
to me-
[ was betrayed; what was the
terrible danger that made my duty a
culpable neglect? Already the mo-
ments were flying, a chilly sensation
swept through every nerve as [ thought
Of the helpless lives intrusted to nv
keeping; but onward hestrode. I could
feel the basilisk charm OF the bloodshot
eyes that resembled Goals Of fire as
they cast watchful glances behind. We
halted at a remote house on the
suburbs; with a heavy rap he stood
waiting for an entrance, while his in
human expression was intensified by
the sickly glare5of a single tallow dip,
whose dull rays struggled through the
1ingy panes.
A shutting gait from within and a
cautious turn of the key opened the
door to reveal the outlines Of q bent
figure that shaded the candle with one
nind, while a SUSPECT ous cunning stare
vas fixed upon the newcomers.
Without a remonstrance I followed
my guide through the rickety passage
chat ended at a low, wide portal, 4
which was securely closed. Quietly
The limping figure drew from the fad
ID cloak a bunch OF keys and with ex-
RENE elaboration pushed open the
1oor.
The subdued hum of voices reached
IS family as we passed along mar