The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-04-11

away. He was in the habit of watch
ing this poin: for coming train ani
timing the run to the tower, and III
now looked in that direction for thu
express II he saw it he would have q
least three minutes-ample time to Lei
the special over the crossing. Then h
thought he would let it over anyway
and take chances. The signal was
thrown and the train moved ahead
There were only four cars and three Of
these had passed, when the express
which had been screened by the woods
flashed suddenly into view just beyond
the curve, coming at fun speed. Dan
ton heard the sharp, shrill blast Of thu
whistle and in just ten seconds saw
the train dash by at sixty miles IN
hour, almost scrsping the rear platform
of the special
THANK God.' said "Bob." who ha6
stood transfixed with horror.
''Close shave that" Dsnton re
marked, with q smile. ''If our friend
the reporter, had been here he would
have come pretty near getting chap
ter for his story. Whew!"
He laughed gleefully over the Incl
dent. He seemed reckless, demoralized,
and Bob" was prompted to give him
little warning.
"It may cost you your job, Al, he
said, as he left the tower.
''Oh, well, it will never harper
again." was the reply. 81 just looked
up the road q minute or two too late.
Who could have guessed that the ex-
press had passed the opening? l reckon
it made those fellows on the special
hold their breath. Suppose they had
been a few seconds later! That cid
compound would have cut 'em in two
and I'd have visions of Jail"
At four o'clock, when he again en-
tered the tower to 60 on duty, there
was wild look in his eyes.
Bob" urged him to go home anc
leave the watch to him, but he insisted
on remaining at his post. He seemed
very cool and calm. At Ave o'clock he
announced that both of the limited
trains were on time. They were due
at $50. Margaret. having missed her
afternoon walk with Bob" came oven
to see what had become of him. There
was complete understanding be-
tween the two. She brought some
trifie for her brother to eat, but he de-
clined to break his fast. At 5:27 the
northbound limited passed the open
ing.
Watch the clock and time her
Marcy" Danton said. "She ought te
be here in exactly three minutes"
AS he turned to look down the track
he placed his hand on the lever that
operated the switch connecting the
northbound with the southbound
track. Bob" noticed the movement
and horrible suspicion entered hi.
mind
"Margyv' he called.
The girl looked at him and he point
ed to Danton. whose gaze was riveted
on the curve two hundred yards away.
Then he moved close behind him and
took hold of the hand on the lever.
The rumbling of the two approaching
trains was becoming louder and
louder.
Look out. There she comes.' Dan.
ton screamed wildly as the train
dashed into view. Then, turning, he
saw the south-bound tearing on. Yes,
they would meet right at the tower.
Look. Marcy" he cried. Look,
Bob.'
Then, with mad shout and a weird,
demOniacal laugh, he braced his left
foot against :he wall, and, leaning far
back, pulled the lever.
Bob sprang upon Danton as a tiger
springs upon its prey, but the man was
a raving maniac, endowed with the
strength of dozen giants. A terrific
struggle, short, sharp and-s bloody, fol-
lowed.
Marcy, throw back the lever"
Margaret. obxdient to her lovers
stood ready. Bob had picked
up al iron bar, and with one blow had
knocked DantOn's hand of the lever
Then he raised the weapon and brought
it down on the madman's head with
effect. Danton reeled and
fell, with his head between the lever
and the wall. Margaret was unable
to throw the lever. Her strength was
not sufficient. To throw lit clear over
would crush Danton's head. Bob sprang
to her assistance, threw his whole
weight upon the long arm and. with
teeth clinched and eyes tightly closed,
lay there till the trains had passed on
and disappeared Margaret threw her
arms around his neck.
Bob, Bob" she cried, 'it's all right.
You saved them, yoH saved them! Oh,
Bob"
Rousing up he pulled back the lever
again and lifted Danton 10 the middle |
of the floor, then, pushing the arm back |
to its proper place, fell in heap beside |
his poor friends body.
"Al. AL" he cried, but there was no |
response. The iron bar had left its |
mark on Danton's forehead and the |
lever had crushed its way into the side /
Of the head, leaving fearful CHASTITY
''Oh. God, Marcy! I've killed him,
Poor Ar
mo. Bob, he breathes, he lives
noaned the girl. We must get him
home. I'll go for help. There comes
another train. Bob"
The authorities made an investiga-
ion of the affair In the tower, and the
directors of the company publicly
thanked Bob for the part he had
played in the tragedy A better place
vas found for him and he was rapidly
promoted. till he became assistant to
he president. Then ne and Margaret
we're married.
fCop~--~--- 49,.
There are times" said the man
With the oratorical manner. when we
Ire overwhelmed with humiliation at
he nouerleSsneSs Of the human mind -