The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-06-24

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tried, the outlaw behind me would
send bullet crashing through my
brain. How could warn the crew OF
No. 80 OF the impending dangerY
"The station ten miles above Rands
reported No. 32 on time. Soon 1T
would be at Rands. Never did time
pass so quickly. 1t was now 1927
O'Clock and No. 80 must be coming in
to Rands. Suddenly an inspiration
flashed through me like an electric
shock. Why could | not warn No. 81
with my heel? In my leisure moments
l had amused myself by learning to
send with my foot, never dreaming |
that it would ever be an advantageto
me.
81 quietly pushed open the key with
my heel and called 'R' three or four
times as fast as possible, when was
interrupted by the desperate.
"'What air you wiggling your foot
about on that table for?
"'My foot has become eramped, re-
manning in one position so long
replied, as carelessly as could, al
though my heart was in my throat.
"I'm so sorry,' he said, sarcastic
cally. commenced calling r. again,
1t was now 10:40 o'clock and No. 81
must have left Rands.
"Too latel Too late. Oh! my God!
the agony OF those moments were ter
rible.
"Ah, some one broke me; Il r.
Robbers are going to wrech No.
80 at trestle just north OF her
81 was ticking when suddenly l re-
ceived q blow that sent me to the
floor, and left the key wide open.
"'D-n you, what were you ticking
on them wires?' cried the outlaw.
"'How can 1 send anything with
my foot?' l tremblingly exclaimed.
That's Just habit OF mine-drum-
ming on the key with my heel
"'Habit or no habit, you won't
put your foot on this table again to-
night.
"He evidently believed that I could
not send with my heel, but it was not
his intention to take any chances.
81 wondered what the operator at
Rands would do--put on his ground
wire, and report what had said to
the dispatcher-or just think l was
trying to scare him, and lock up his
office and go home. l thought the
latter more probable.
anyway, it was now too late to
stop the Inflated fast mall it would
soon plunge off the treste carrying
it's cargo OF human beings to certain
death.
81 lay there waiting for the dread.
full crash to come, in such an agony
of suspense that the next day strands
OF gray were found in my hair. All
how blamed myself for not thinking
, OF using my heel before l did.
Suddenly the sounds of rifle shoti
in quick succession came from tn,
trestle.
"'The boys are attacked, exclaimed
, the desperate, excitedly, but by G.
{ you shall not escape unhurt. Ant
placing the muzzle OF hisrcvolver clos
: to my head he fired.
~ fell back unconscious.
t "When l regained my senses, tn
l room was full OF men, one OF whom
/ was bandaging wound on my head
and explaining to the Others the eX
tent OF the same.
d GA close shave but only a seal
!. wound, men," he was saying. 4 dare
Y say he will be all right in few days
All! he is conscious now,' he SAT-
: tenderly, as slowly opened my eyes
g Tell us all about it, young man.
o 1T was rather laborous task, a
7 the wound on my head was exceeding
ly painful, but went ahead and IT
9 lated the whole occurrence from tn
G time the pistol was pressed agains
my head, until | was shot.
4 "When | had finished the gentleme
t who had bandaged my head, and who
afterward discovered was o docto
explained how Operator Rhodes, a
r Rands, when he had heard my mes
g sage, did not wait for the key to close
e but ran out doors, mounted his horse
which he had already saddled an
bridled to ride to his home, and afte
/ he had reported No. 80, and Gu
g through the woods at breaknec
speed. He knew that No. 80 invarif
t bly, stopped for water at q waite
; tank, four miles from Rands, by raj
t but only two through the woods. II
had reached there just in time to elm
J. on the rear car and give an alarm.
"The train was then run ahea
a until in about two miles
Hamlin, and the conductor an
r o detachment OF United State
b soldiers, who we're luckily on boarC
went ahead on foot and surprised til
|, outlaws, who showed resistance, an
d were fired into, two OF them being xii
ed instantly. The others were q
s that moment ornamenting o Telegram
; pole.
"And now my narrative draws to
q close. Two weeks later | was ordere
to report here, and was given the pc
L ition OF second trick dispatcher.
My promotion dates from thC
d day."
j. but what did Mr.. Rhodes get?" SON
h one asked.
!, "Mr. Rhodes is now chief dispatcl
l, err"
> Iron Rust and Fires,
J. A writer in Iron says that il oxid