The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-09-30
AT THE THROTTLE.

hunchbacked boy bore the nickname
too without thinking it other than a
common title. Few who saw him
moving about with his mis- 3hapen
shoulders and underized form, would
guess that he had talent; but the
brilliancy of his large eyes, the
breadth of his forehead and the pleas
ant intelligence of his pa.e face did
much to redeem his deformity and
proved him, what he really was u
genius, He was noted for his con-
structive skill. Mechanics was his
passion and from making tiny water
wheels to whirr in the fOamiug noun
tain stream he soon progressed to q
study OF the engines in the round
house Mt the railway station. 1t was
the end OF a branch road and many a
dark monster was stabbed in tho sooty
building. He pondered over them
with an enthusiastic patience and an
al .ists zeal until he knew every part
perfectly and was often allowed to sit
up with the engineers OH short runs
ana even TO handle the throttle during
the switching about the yards.
Alpine junction was at the head of
canon One autumn day the mayor
OF the little city at the foot, looking
out on the plains to the east. visited
the town 10 ned to his own by the
railway running close to mountain
stream often crossing and reerOssing
It. In the afternoon the wind changed,
clouds came scurrying over Pixies
peak and big storm threatened.
About three o'clock teegra.n was
received for the mayor of the lower
town. Not twenty minutes after the
operator had, with grave face. cop
led 1t and sent off messenger a
covered carriage came hurrying
through the wind and rain, drawn bv
galloping horses The MAYOR alighted
and in moment was eXcitedly asking
the agent: When does the next
train go easto'
Eat six o'clock.
THAT will not do; I must 90 at
once How many miles is it to the
spriugsP"
Sixty"
81 couldn't get there in five hours
by horses. must have an engine.
A4riot has broken out between the
townsmen and the workers in the
smelling works. ought to be there
now"
"Pll telegraph the superintendent "
said the agent There is an engine
here. but it is against orders to let It
go. 1t will cost you considerable,
sir.
II don't care what it costs. Hurry
up the message"
The agent flew to his instrument. |
The indicator gave no answering
click. The wires between the station
and the springs were down. Either
the storm had broken farther east or
the rioters had cut them. He ex-
planned the situation to the MAYOR
well said he. fire up your en-.
CINE and let me go. 1t is for the pub.
lie good and | must 90. a"
The agent thought a moment
,"Ihere is hardly chance. The
man who runs the Pilgrim, Edward
Forester is sick. -
Then who can go with itP" asked
the mayors host.
II had thought said the aoant
hesitatingIy that as the track ia
clear and will be for two hours that
If you can get Forrester's consent
that maybe Ben might do it
The gentleman clapped his hands
1.-The very one, he exclaimed, and
in a moment he was away in his car.
riage to fetch the boy.
When he reached the station and
the mayor looked at the fragile
form and the frail face
be hesitated.
Have you ever run an engine
Doy?" he asked.
Yes sir little ways. But I
understand it as we'll as anybody
Then you think you can make this
'unP" NO
.'Yes SIR"
But the mayor hesitated to trust
himself to Ben's hands, and it was NOT
Until the officials host returned from
trip TO the sick engineers bed to re-.
tort that Forester said Ben was can.
lble. that orders were given to hurry
Up and try it."
The storm had risen in fury and
'reat driving gusts of rain came tear
nc against the windows OF the depot
md the hills were hidden in mist and
dismal gloom overspread. every.
hing.
In the midst OF it all there was n
umbje aud ar and the Pilgrim stood
leaning al the pat orm. Crooked
Zen wits 10 the cab with his hand on ,
be throttle while sturdy fireman
TODD chi I'd him.
he mayor looked again at the how ,
nd hesilaled.
'''e'll take you through all right" !
AID the agent. Climb up to the
remains seal and keep the bell ring ]
,g :
The mayor thought OF the scenes of '
loodshei perhaps taking place in 3
Is own t"wo. Flo stepped into the !
Ab SEE herr. said he 10 The r
Oung engineer If you take me /