Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1893-03-16

before encountered awoman staggering
along the track.
"What is the matterl' ! inquired Ia as
loud voice as could command.
''For heavens sake. come quick" she
shrieked wildly. "Comc quickl The
train has run of the line! All are lost
nv husband-my child-dead-de /"
The horrible situation flashed over my
bewildered senses in moment. Just
around the curve was deep crossing,
and the rain must have washed down
the embankment in time to wreck the
evening express. This woman was the
only one saved, and she had managed to
crawl up 10 the station for assistance.
helped tho woman up on the plat
form, and told her to hurry into the
station house and wait until my return.
Then, with lantern in hand, started on
run toward the scene of the disaster
1t was barely quarter Of mile to the
crossing, but it seemed ages to me be-
! fore reached IL.
All was quiet; not moan nor shrek
of any kind could be heard. The storm
still ragged around. looked down the
embankment, expecting to see heap OF
broken, twisted iron mixed up with the
|
dead aud dying passengers.
| then examined the crossing and
found the line in good condition. A
small slip had been caused by large
current OF water, but everything-so far
as could see-was in perfect order.
What could it all mean And in an
agony of fear and dread stood still and
thought. In my excitement l had not
asked the woman where the accident had
happened, but took it for granted that 1t
was at the crossing.
1t might be half mile farther on, or
il might be mile or more, ! reasoned.
But, at all events, it would be better to
return to the station an get the right
place from the woman's own lips. So
turned nv face in the direction OF the
station once more and began running
with all my strength.
As hurried along glanced occasion
ally at the line to see if it was In good
condition. When I reached the new
switch. which was used for siding trains,
l suddenly stopped. The switch was
turned. could not believe it possible
that had been so careless as 10 leave II
in such q condition. If the express should
come along when it was turned, nothing
could save her from being dashed dowr
q steep embankment.
While / was still wondering at the
strange condition of things / heard th'
long, shril shrek of the belatcd and, al
| supposed, wrecked express. The mex
moment the headlight of the engine
rushed in sight around the curve ant
made long path Of light along the line
There was evidently no accident, bu
there would be one in few moments /
the brake was not turned back.
This could be done in one way only
7 by reaching the station before the trail
! reached the switch, and turning tn
, heavy lever that connected the two
Could | do it9 l started for the station
on a dead run.
} I do not know how / reached it.
was dimly conscious of running blindl
through the darkpess, stumbling agains
, the rails, and finally leaping upon tn
platform, Selling the iron lever despel
atey in both hands.
= l heard the heavy bolts fly into the
5 sockets, and then before could "key
t it the heavy wheels rumbled over tn
l switch. 1t seemed for moment tha
the heavy pressure would jerk the levo
, out of my hands, but l chung to it tens
n ciously, and finally the last wheel run
s bled over the fatal place.
Q The evening express oio not usual
It stop at the station, but merely slowed u
c to see If there were any passengers. BIZ
g before could recover from my excite
9 ment the long line of black carriage
d were brought to standstill and ii
q guard was hurrying toward me.
"Jim, /" he said, ''take this package an
;, lock it upsecurely in the safe until Gallo
2 for. Be very careful of it, for it is SOM
l. thing valuable. will explain later"
e Then, without waiting for areply,
showed a small, heavy parcel into n
4 hands. blew his whistle and leaped upc
!, the train.
The next moment the long line OF ca
y riages was swiftly flying southwark, an
" | was once more alone.
10 By this time felt so thoroughly e
rs hausted by the excitement and stra
q upon nv nerves that / reeled into {
station like drunken man.
IN / dropped into chair, completely b
IN widered. The parcel lay before me, b
Of | took no notice of it, my thoughts
d. ing busy with the strange events OF
Id evening.
IS. There were no signs of the woman W
a had started me off to find the wreck
be train. In fact, l felt too tired to scar
an for her. She had sent me on wi
goose chase and came near causing t
se death of many people, and to my mi
nv she seemed TO deserve punishment lit
gs short of death.
IN The storm was still raging witho'
d. The thunder shook the station to
he foundation, and the wind helped
IS. make il seem like O cradle rocked w
le- invisible hands.
lin remained seated in my chair, start
Ill blankly at the wall for probably
It'll minutes. A thousand thoughts and c.
ng lectures flashed through my brain duri
that time. and then, as / involuntar
ice turned my head, started back with
The nervous lump. In the doorway stood
red woman who had told me about the &C
zen dent.
ed Good heavens /" l cried, "what
ln- the meaning of thisY"
ar She smiled, displaying her wh
teeth.
led 1.-THE meaning of whatl" she asked
the the ouietest manner possible.
rg- Jumped from my chair. :.
lad "Of whatf" / shouted. "Of tell
JOS me that the express had jumped
rds track-that your husband and CT
of vert dead. That's what, madam"
till She laughed softly.
re- '"That was ruse to get you to le
me. the station" she replied. f" You are s.