Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-05-08
a FRIENDLY FOE.

As strange an adventure, perhaps,
as any man Can relate, fell 10 my lot
while | was experimenting the con
struction of branch railway in the
Province OF Hydrabad, Southern In
dia.
This branch was one hundred miles
in length, running from Hydrabad to
a small military post called Wadi,
where it joined the Western Railway
of India. From Wadi, almost half
way to Hydrabad, extended the i'm
mense jungle of Osur, frequented by
various wild beasts, and by still
more savage people, II class of de
praved Hindoos, who lived in huts in
the rec6sses of the forest, and subsist-
ed on wild fruits and game.
To these people the railway was an
object of detestation. They had a
wholesome dread Of the English, how
ever, and with the exception of an oc-
casional theft OF tools, or the casting
of spears at our wolkmen, they did
not modest lis.
1t was formidable undertaking to
build u roadbed through such a dense
and marshy jungle, but we overcame
all difficulties nobly, and were soon
nearly half way to Hydrabad.
AS the railway progressed the tele-
graph line was put up at the same
time, and thus constant communica-
ton was kept up with Wadi. At u
point only five miles distant from the
eastern edge of the jungle, and nearly
forty-five miles from Wadi, we erected
a transit station, installed therein
telegraph operator, and brought for
ward large quantities Of tools and ma
chinery from Wadi. Just when every
thing looked most favorable we were
startled by rumor that the wild men
OF the Jungle were arming themselves
and swarming together with the
avowed intention Of Staying the en-
gineering corps, and destroying the
station.
The news came to us from sources,
the reliability of which we had no rea-
son TO doubt Our party comprised
five Englishmen and large number
Of native workpeL. These latter we
promptly armed, and prepared in
other ways to defend the station.
The jungle men owned very few fire
arms, and if only our workmen showed
proper valor, We had little fears a. to
the result of the attack. That very
night, however, every one OF the ras-
Gals scuttled off. fearing to face the
enemy.
Only the five of us were left, and our
situation was decidedly serious. 1t be-
came even more so an hoCr later when
we discovered that telegraphic com
munication with Wadi was cut off.
The rascals mean business" said
Jack Hunt. This looks as though
they were preparing for an immediate
attack. What had We better do?
Strike for Hydrabad or make stand
of itf''
The station must be defended |
replied, decidedly-for Of course the
responsibility was all on my shoul-
ders. I'VE can't afford to lose our
tools and machinery. | can see but
one way to save them. must take
the trolly, try to run through to Wadi,
and bring Captain Kennedy back
with detachment Of troops. Mean
time YOU fellows must hold out like
grim death"
You'll never get through, said
Jack; its madness.
III try it" replied, briefly, ''and
any way it. our only chance.
No further objections were made
and was soon ready for the start.
A mysterious noise coming from the
direction Of our feet led to the dis
covery of two Of our runaway work
men who were hiding under the station
floor. The rascals agreed TO accom-
pany me as trollymen on condition Of
complete forgiveness.
The trolly is simply comfortable
seat. mounted on four wheels, which
runs of its own accord down grade
and is propelled over steep places by
the trollymen. for whose convenience
a step is attached to the rear OF the
seat. Under the troIly was a small
rack. and in this | slowed my rife
and ammunition. retaining revolver
in my hand, ready for use.
The first five mile stretch was per
fectly level. The trollymen bowled
me along rapidly. and | kept close
outlook on both sides of the jungle
Six miles from the station a heavy
down grade commenced. nearly two
miles in length, and as We approached
this point my spirits began TO rise.
/ could hear the labored breathing Of
the trollymen as they painted along.