The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1894-10-19


confusion, had turned the smile into a
laugh.
He wondered what sc thought of the
new man. Not much evidently, for
she was losing time, which she had no
business to do on that section of the
road. Still, it might be the fault of
the new man not knowing when to,
push her for all she was worth and
when to ease up. All these things go
to the making up of time. Still, it
was more than likely that old sc, like
Gilpin's horse, was wondering more
and more what thing upon her back
had got Hell have trouble" NUT
tered John to himself, when she finds
OUT
The conductor came in again and
sat down beside the engineer. He
said nothing, but sat there sorting out
his tickets. Suddenly the engineer
| sprang to his feet with his eyes wide
open. The train was swaying from
side to side and going at great speed.
The conductor looked up with
smile.
"Old &c." said he, lis evidently GO
| ing to make up for lost time"
''She should be slowing down for
crossing the &. and NJ. line," answer
ed the engineer. Good heavens ~
he cried moment later. We've
gone across the q. and NJ. track on
keen jump ~
The conductor jumped to his feet.
Heknewthe seriousness of such thing.
Even the fastest expresses must stop
dead before crossing on the level the
line of another railway. 1t is the law
Doesn't that jay in front know
annnpb tO sion al q crOSSlnp f''
at isn't that said Saggart. HE
knows all right Even the train boys
know that. Old Sc has taken the
bit between her teeth. She's running
away with him. He can't stop her
Where do you pass No. tonight -
AT Pointsville.
That's six miles ahead. In five
minutes, at this rate, we will be run
ming ON her time and her track. She's
always late and won't be on the side
track. / must get to S."
Saggart quickly made his way
through the baggage car, climbed on
| the express car and jumped on the
coal of the tender. He cast his eye
up the track and saw glimmering in
the distance, like a faint, wavering
star, the headlight of No. 6. Looking
down into. the cab, he took in the
situation at a glance. The engineer,
| with fear in his face and beads of per-
spiration on his brow, was throwing
his whole weight on the lever, the
fireman helping him, John leaped
down to the floor of the cab.
"Stand aside ~ he shouted, and
there was such a ring of confident
command in his voice that both men
instantly obeyed.
Saggart grasped the lever, and in
stead of trying to shut off the steam
flung it wide open. No. So gave a
culver and jump forward.
''You old fiend," muttered John be-
tween his clinched teeth. Then he
pushed the lever home, and it slid into
place AS if there never had been any
impeachment. The steam was shut off,
but the lights of Pointsville flashed
past them, with the empty side track
on the left, and they were now flying
along the single line of rails with the
headlight of No. growing brighter
and brighter in front of them.
Reverse her! Reverse her !" cried
the other engineer, with a tremor of
fear in his voice.
Reverse nothing,n said Saggart
''She will slide ten miles if YOU do.
Jump if you are afraid"
The man from the branch line jump
ed promptly.
''Save yourself" cried Saggart to
the fireman There's bound to be IL
smash"
''I'll stick by you, Mr.. Saggart,"
said the fireman, who knew him. But
his hand trembled.
The airbrake was grinding the long
train and sending a shiver of fear
through every timber, but the rails
were slippery with frost, and the train
was still going very fast. At the right
moment John reversed the engine,
and the sparks flew up from her great
drivers like catherine wheel.
Brace yourself" cried Saggart.
No is backing up thank God ~
Next instant the crash came. Two
headlights and two cowcatchers went
to flinders, and the two trains stood
there with horns locked, but with no
great damage done except a shaking
up for lot of panic stricken passen-
gers.
The burly engineer of No. 6 jumped
down and came forward, his mouth
full of oaths.
What do you mean, running on
our time like this Hello, is that you,
Saggart l thought there was new
man on tonight. l didn't expect this
from you"
Its all right, Billy. 1t wasn't the
new mans fault. He's back in the
ditch with a leg broken, should say,
from the way he jumped. Old sc is to
blame She got on the rampage.
Took advantage of the greenhorn."
The conductor came running up.
How is it p he cried.
Its all right. No. sc got her nose
broke, and served her right, that's all.
Tell the passengers there's no danger
and get 'em aboard. We're going
back to Pointsville. Better send the
brakeman to pick up the other engi-
neer. The grounds hard tonight,
and he may be hurt
Pm going back to talk to the presi-
dent" said the conductor emphatical-
w. Hes in a condition of mind to
listen to reason, judging from the
glimpse | got of his face at the car
door moment ago. Either he rein
states you or go to gathering tickets
on a street car. This kind of thing is
too exciting for my nerves."
The conductors inverview with the
president of the road was apparently
satisfactory, for old No. Sc is trying TO
lead better life under the guidance
of John Saggart.