The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1892-02-19
A WILD RIDE.


August, 1877, Intervening train from
Albany, known as the Day Boat Spe-
cial," stopped at Ballston Spa, The
superintendent of the railroad alighted
from the train and stood for Il moment
watching il as it sped on toward Saratoga
Springs, the next station, He turned
his face homewald, thankful that it was
Saturday night and that his busy weeks
work was ended.
Just then the telegraph operator ran
out OF the station and handed him mes
sage. 1t was the superintendent Of the
Hudson River Railroad. Itstated that
gentleman had left New York on the six
O'Clock train, who was very anxious to
reach Saratoga Springs without delay as
he desired to Obtain an order from a
Judge who was there in an important
law suit; that, as it was Saturday, it was
necessary to appear before the judge be-
fore midnight, and a special train was
needed to take the gentleman from Al
bany to Saratoga, since the regular
night train did not reach there until
nearly one O'Clock in the morning.
The message ended with the words:
"Can you do it?"
The superintendent reflected a mo-
ment. The Hudson River Railroad train
would be due at Albany at 10 Is p. IN.
That would leave one hour and forty-fiye
minutes for only 80 miles.
Certainly it could be done lie turned
back to the telegraph Office and sent as
an answer the single word: Yes"
Then he Immediately ordered an en-
CINE that was in Saratoga Springs to get
ready; sent another order to the train
dispatcher OF the road in Troy, telling
him what was to be done, and went
home TO get heavy coat, for the first
drops of coming shower were already
falling. t.eas
Returning to the telegraph office, he
watched the orders that were given by
the train dispatcher, and saw that every
agent and operator on the line between
Albany and Saratoga Springs was mott
fled of the special train that was to be
run, and of the probable time it woull
pass each station.
By that time the engine was ready anC
had come to Ballston. 1t stopped for {
moment to take the superintendent OF
board and then proceeded at moderate
rate to Albany.
There it arrived at about ten O'Clock.
The light shower which had begun
about eight O'Clock had become heavy
summer thunder storm, and by that tim,
had settled into hard, driving rain, will
a strong wind.
Through the midst of this the superin
tendent ran up to the station OF the Hud
son River Railroad and asked the station
MASTER Mr.. Foster, if the six O'Clock trail
from New York was on time.
Forty minutes late and losing time,
was the reply.
That meant that it would be clever
o'clock before it would arrive at Albany
Only one hour to midnight, and 80 mile
to go over a crooked road The superin
tendent began to be anxious, but still h
thought he could manage it, though
would not be pleasant.
He gave up at once the idea of taking
car for his passenger and decided that h
must ride on the engine. This he ha
brought up to the station yard of the Hud
son River Railroad, and arranged detail
with Mr.. Foster so as 10 save every min
ute after the New York train should al
rive
This took but a brief time and then ther
was nothing to do but wait, Hali-pa'
ten came; then ten forty-five, and mes
sage arrived from Hudson; "Train
fifty minutes late!"
Eleven O'Clock and no further new
Eleven ive--the superintendent had h
watch in his hand, counting every minu
and watching the long bridge that spar
the Hudson river at Albany for some sig
OF the approaching train.
Eleven ten, eleven twelve, and then NJ
Foster cried out: "There she is !" I'll
headlight of the train was seen comil
over the bridge.
Thenext minute the train was in Il
station. Then the question was how
find the passenger who was TO be carri
toSaratoga Springs The superintende
ran one way, Mr. Foster another, al
in the confusion OF the storm and Of t
alighting passengers from the long trai
two or three precious minutes were lo
Finally Mr.. Foster called out: He
he is
The gentleman was pushed upon t
engine with scant ceremony and plac
in the fireman's seat. The superinten