Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1894-10-17
ALpENA ARGUS
MISCELLANEOUS.
MY EL0PEMENT.


tonight Ben"
The "her" referred to was the
Conc, Number 81, one OF the
staunchest and fastest express en-
gines that ever pulled an express
train out of Aver, and Ben was my
"stoker" or fireman.
"All right, Ned" he replied as |
swung myself down from the cab
after a long run in from the west,
and started off toward the depot.
1t was just dark, cold, stormy
October night, and if there was
ever happy fellow, it must have
been myself, Ned Haskell, ten min
utes later seated in the warm dining
room of the depot, with plenty OF
time and warm supper before me.
But this happiness was too great to
be lasting, however, for / had scarce
ly begun my meal when the door
swung quickly open and my stoker,
one of the best fellows that ever
lived, only trife wild at times,
came hurriedly in, and seeing me
seated at the table came over to
where | sat.
"I'll be hanged if ] haven't a
mind to let you finish the jobT he
said. sd give dollar if could
eat like that" And he stepped
back and gazed with admiration at
my display Of talent-of eating
when hungry.
whats upnow?" Iasked, swal-
lowing half cup of coffee and
preparing to follow with the other
half at once.
"Good heavens, Ned, how often
do you eat, anyway" he asked, but
without giving me time to reply he
added, "But I've got to stop you
now. Old Hanson's down to the
yard, swearing like trooper because
you got away before he saw you"
Hanson was the superintendent
of my section of the road, and |
knew that something was wrong
somewhere, but replied as coolly as
could:
"Never mind. Tell him I'll be
down after supper.
"But that won't do, Ned. We've
got to catch the 7.45 express into
Bos ton, and she's been gone ten
minutes now. I've got the engine
out and all fired up again. She'll
be blowing by the time we get back
will not say that | said anything
out of the way, but felt very much
inclined to at this. / seized a large
piece of pie and gave it to Ben, who
| knew had not yet been to supper
and picking up my hat went out
followed by Ben munching the pie
Reaching the yard found Han
son there, pacing up and down in
a storm and growing like a hun
cry dog.
"Can you catch the 7.45 before
she reaches Boston," he asked
hurriedly.
81 can try it, sir. Why DOM
you telegraph"
There's the trouble" he snarled
1.-The wires down. can't"
"Well, what is itp There's nc
time to fool away now," | said, moi
in very good humor at the pros.
poets. Moreover, | had no very sin.
cere liking for John Hanson, Esq.
! He drew out a letter from his
pocket and handed it to me.
"Catch the express, Haskell, and
give that letter to Conductor Davis
Whatever he gives you, bring back
to me without delay"
| thought that there was some.
thing rather mysterious about this
but it was not for me to question
so | turned to Ben and asked him
if he had taken water.
Not drop, Ned"
"Never mind the water" cried
Hanson impatiently. you've goi
enough to run down with"
"Mr. Hanson. I'm running this
engine" | relpied, 'but can't do il
without water. If you can, just
take my place."
He turned away with something
like an oath, and backed up to the
tank. Just as | stopped the engine
under the pipe, lady sprung light
ly into the cab.
"You must let me go with you,'
she whispered, and then stepped
back into the shadow that my
fireman might not see her.
| was quite amazed at her sudden