The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-04-12
SAVING THE EXPRESS.
A Trip on a locomotive.

tOl O CO0Pio Va "Sono3 - wv
to take a vacation" said the general
manager of the G., D. & P. Railroad.
Kent Ballard was night telegraph op-
orator for the c., D. & P. road, in the big
terminal station at Chicago. He was
eighteen years old and as bright, capable
and faithful an employee as the company
had in their entire system. As the gen.
eral manager came and leaned over the
window shelf of the telegraph Office, with
this pleasant announcement, Kent look
ed up gladly and gratefully.
ri would like little outing, sir" he
said, eff it is perfectly convenient. It's
been pretty steady work the past year,
and I confess that I am bit tired.
When can you spare me, sir!"
"Day after to morrow, if you wish.
We will have a man at our disposal,
then, and can put him on your work for
a couple of weeks. Have you any idea
what you would like to do, or where you
would like to go-auy vacation plan in
which I could be of any assistance to
you9"
Kent hesitated moment. II have had
plan in my mind for some time, sir, "
he said at length, "but hardly dare to
mention it even now. 1t would be ask
ing great favor of the road"
"Out with it, my boy !" cried the gen.
eral manager. eff it doesn't involve US
too deeply in financial embarrassment"
and he laughed good humoredly-"1
can promise you it will be.granted."
II want to make trip over the road
on locomotive" said Kent. ~ should
like to go clear to the Pacific coaat if
there is time. If could venture to ask
you for permission to go out and back
with the engineer of one of the overland
express"
"Why of course you can, my boy I"
exclaimed the general manager. "Say
no moro about it. Make all your prepare.
tions, and come to my Office to morrow
for your pass and written permit, in case
anybody should dispute your right of
way. t will speak to Mr.. Faley, the en-
gineer of the midweek overland and he
will be ready for you on Thursdays out
bound trip"
"Thank you, sir,-ever so much |"
cried Kent. lit will be a great pleasure
to me, and I shall never forget your
kindness"
Kent Ballard told his mother next
morning that his pet vacation project was
to be realized. II have always longed to
cross the Rockies and see the Pacific" :"
he said, "and now, if you can spare me
for a couple of weeks, mother, am off.
Fred and George will take care Of you.
They have had their vacations already,
you know"
On Wednesday Kent went up to the
general managers Office and got his pass
and permit. ~ have also reserved sec.
tion twelve in the sleeper for YOU" said
the manager. "You will want good
comfortable bed at night, you know.
Here is your ticket. And as for your
meals, get them in the buffet car regu-
larly. The steward understands"
"oh, sir, you are too kind p cried
Kent.
"No, am not |" laughed the manager.
"a man can't BIZ too kind-it's impossi-
BILE. You must remember, too, that you
have served us faithfully, in difficult
and responsible position for three years.
You deserve favor now and then, &C.
cording to my way Of looking at things.
Well, good-by to you and pleasant
trip"
The midweek overland express pulled
out at ten o'clock on Thursday morning
with Kent Ballard in the cab of the Mo-
gul locomotive.
"Our first run will be express for fifty
miles," said Mr.. Faley, The engineer,
"and you will have good chance to see
how No. 3l2 behaves"
It was trip full Of profit and delight
to the young telegraph operator. He
was very fond of all kinds of machinery,
and the mechanism of the engine proved
a most fascinating study as they whirled
along over the rails. Then the ever
changing scenery, the bustling cities and
towns along the route, the big rivers over
which steamed on spider.we steel
bridges, the wide level prairies, across
which they raced at whirlwind speed,
occasionally sighting herd of deer or
frightening up flock of prairie chickens
all these things made an endless pro.
gramme of interest and pleasure for Kent
Ballard. Then what q thrill passed
through him when at last they came in
sight of the towering Rockies, with their
terraced foothills, like natures doorstep
to the mighty range.
So far the overland express had
whirled on its long Western trip without
the slightest adventure. There had not
been an hours delay. The train Was
sharp on time, and if everything went
well its journey would be completed in
twelve hours. They had now reached
the ascending grade over the foot hills,
and were slowly crawling upward toward
the pass between the great snow. capped
peaks, through which they were to gain
the Pacific slope. The scenery was indie
scribsbly grand, and Kent's eyes never
wearied of feasting upon it. "Oh, il
mother could only see these grand noun
tains |" he thought. "And if I ever gel
promoted to good salary, she shall?"
Nine hours passed, and at length the
great engine, with an almoat human sigh
&c ra1;af otonnod nantinp on q aide