The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-06-12
A RAILROAD ACCIDENT.
a drummer Relates the Story of TeYTih
Experience on the Rail.

Experience on the Rail.
1t was on a rather raw unpleasant
winters night that quite party had as
sembled in the waiting room of coun-
try station, expecting to board the
east-bound train.
Word had been received that the train
would be an hour late, and, to while
away the time, some of the people pres
ent told stories and related adventures
that they had experienced.
There were many stories told of vary
ing interest, but one that struck the
writer most forcibly was the following,
related by a drummer:
1T was in the winter OF 81 that | was
making trip to San Francisco over the
Union Pacific. One evening l was sit
ting in my seat, waiting until it should
be late enough to retire. My eyes pain
ing me somewhat, | did not care to
read, so / sat by the window gazing out
into the darkness. The absence of
moon and stars made it impossible to
distinguish anything. Occasionally the
flicker of a lamp in a settlers cabin
gave evidence that there was some hui
man being in that uninha bited waste.
Sometimes as curve was turned. the
rails for distance could be seen lighted
by the headlight of the locomotive.
''Gradually, as | sat there, sleep be-
gan to overpower me. My eyes were
continually closing, my head nodding,
| sat enjoying that dreamy feeling. try
ing to decide whether to doze there
longer or go and summon the porter to
make up my berth. | never decided.
Seemingly without slowing up, the train
dashed into an obstacle. l was thrown
to the floor amid the general wreck, and
utter darkness followed.
IL tried to rise, but could not. Some
heavy object, a car seat or piece of
framework, was wcdged IN above and
keeping me down. l felt no pain, ex-
cept that caused by few bruises and
my cramped position. The shrieks of
the wounded were heartrending to hear,
and the sound of escaping steam in the
darkness made the situation all the
more horrible.
Il spoke. There was no answer. The
few passengers of the car were either
dead or by some chance had been
thrown far from me- 1t was of no use
to call. The survivors were probably
doing all in their power to rescue the
wounded. My turn would come in time,
and was much better able to wait than
the others. SO lay there quietly. try
ing occasionally to move and ease my
crampcd and somewhat painful posi-
ton.
"Gradually the sound of escaping
steam subsidized, and the cries of the
wounded grew more faint. Then |
fancied | heard a dim cracking sound.
| listened attentively Yes. it was the
sound of burning wood. The wreck
was on fire. Could they put it out?
Would | be rescued before the flames
reached me? ! called for help. There
was no response. The cracking
sounded nearer and louder | smelt
smoke. Although the night was cold
and raw and | had become somewhat
numb, | now grew warmer.
The cracking had grown to the
roar of a raging furnace. The smoke
Could it be that | was to be burned
alive? How could meet with a death
so horrible? | called and shrieked for
help, but could distinguish no sound OF
rescuers. | was almost stiied by the
smoke, almost scorched by the heat.
Through space in the debris ! could
see light 1t was the fire that was
creeping on to devour me.
81 do not remember any particular
thoughts of that occasion. All. my
energy was devoted to calling for help.
| thought neither of home nor friends
nor of previous deeds. | did not even
stop to realize the awful death that
awaited me. The thought of being
saved was the only one that entered my
mind. Breathing now was almost i'm,
possible. My head was aching from the
intense heat The roar of the fire was
deafening At last full in my face
came the bright flames, and gave VI
all hope of being saved.
"Then a voice close to my ear said:
"'I guess, young man, you would find
it more comfortable in bed than hud.
died up on the floor between the seats
l am afraid you will burn your fore.
head on that steampipe, too
81 opened my eyes. There was the
conductors lantern full in my face.
had gone to sleep and fallen on to the
floor. l lay cramped up between the
seats, with my head resting on the iron
frame that incloses the steam pipes
Soon after retired in the proper man.
ner and went to sleep under much more
pleasant conditions. 1t was the only
railroad accident l ever experienced. -
Boston Herald.