The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-02-28

dbl not dare TO look back or make
tho slightest sign to the Weston
officials. II l had done so certainly
would have got bullet through me.
Still fancied had caught glimpse
OF man hurrying forward TO where
the book had fallen.
The suspense was terrible. Even IL
they noticed the pocket-book, they
might not bc able 10 understand what
was written inside; for IL may be i'm
agined that under the circumstances
the scrawl was barely legiblc.
had made up my mind what TO ex-
pect. The next station was Red Fork.
but fifteen miles farther on. was
sure the track would be clear as far as
this place but once past II we might
encounter an up train at Any moment
IL the Weston people discovered my
message they would wire ut once 10
Red Fork, aud there would be time
enough for the officials ut that station
TO grease portion OF the rails before
we came on the scene. Should this be
done on any sort of an incline tho
wheels would slip on the track and the
engine soon come 10 standstill. lt
was with thrill OF Joy | remembered
that there was such a piece OF road
just outside Red Fork station.
But IL il turned out otherwise. aud
we passed the place without being
stopped. resolved to lose no time in
graphing with the engineer. Come
what might. / would spring upon him
aud try 20 wrench the revolver from
his hand. The case would then be des-
perate; and IL was as well TO die In a
fight for life rs to wait patiently and
be mangled in collision.
When l arranged all this in my
mind endeavored to resign myself TO
fate. | could do no more ut present.
But the agonies suffered during that
short run from Weston TO Red Fork /
eau never describe. The terrible
strain of suspense. the wild rush. the
swaying from side TO side. made me
feel sick and faint. chung on with
out daring to look on either hand; il l
had done so l think l could not have
withstood the temptation TO fling my
self from the engine.
Ii was getting dusk. was dimly
conscious OF hedges, telegraph poles
and bridges Swimming past me like
so many flashes. The hoarse shouts
of the mailman made nv blood run
cold. He seemed TO be working him-
self into n regular frenzy.
Red Fork one mile ahead!
One minute more would decide the
question of life or death.
drew my breath hard; trembled
like child. We had reached the in
cline. The engine went ut il with
.ok r ria
friendly figures were on the track.
Not soul was in sight! | groaned
and almost fell on the floor OF the cab.
The surrounding objects seemed to
fade from my view. aud in their place
rose up a picture Of the old home away
in England. saw the little cottage;
looked into my mothers face
"Oh. thank God!n
Never before nor since did such
cry of JOY escape me. for at that mo-
ment felt the wheels of the engine
slip.
Gradually the furious speed declined.
Norris dashed about the cab storming
aud swearing. Very soon we were
almost at standstill. The next sec
ond had jumped to the ground.
Only just in time. The mailman
had turned sayagely upon me. l sup
pose suspecting that had something
to do with the stoppage. saw his
purpose and ducked my head rs bull
let from his revolver whizzed over il.
Then ran for dear life down the
track.
When / was out OF range sat upon
the bank. completely overcome. The
reaction was too much for me. and
believe for minute or two was quite
unconscious. But before became in
sensible / heard another report from
the pistol. | knew what had happened.
was aroused by confused hum of
voices. Upon opening my eyes saw
four men standing around me. 1 got
up at once and we hurried back to the
engine.
There stood the Grant upon the
track with full speed up. the wheels
revolving with frightful rapidity. but
without making the least Roadway.
One OF my companions spraug on
board and shut of steam. Then he
camo TO the side looked down. and
exclaimed:
IL say. boys. Norris has put bullet
through his brainl'
L knew it Chatter.