The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
Warned by the Wire

w armed Dy the wire.
have in mind an incident of my life that
has been a great mystery TO me-a mystery
simply because it has never been explained,
even to the smallest extent.
Back in the COS, when railroad building
was new on this coast, l was telegraph
operator for q small road running between two
OF the mountain towns in this State. In con-
structing the line was utilized as travelling
operator my duties being TO remain with the
construction force and handle the wire run
ming to headquarters. Ny instrument was of
that variety used for light telegraphy, and
could be easily transported from place to place,
batteries and all.
The division superintendent and myself oc-
cupied hunks arranged for US i'll a small, red
boxcar that had been fitted up with a few con-
veniences and so arranged that while on the
road we would be able to enjoy few of the
comforts of civilization.
We generally retired about 8 O'Clock being
tagged with the days work, and as a rule our
slumberS were undisturbed until aybreak.
The night I have in mind, which was the be-
ginning OF this mystery, was cool, and being
worn out with the labor of the day l went to
my couch prepared for good rest. No sooner
had l touched the pillow than l was lost in
slumber. Just how long slept DO not know,
W
ing. But certainly was aroused by the tick
ing OF my instrument, q most unusual proceed
ure after sunset. 1t seemed to be running wild
but the sound of it fully restored me to wake
fitness. 1 listened attentively and my prac-
ticed ear caught the words as they came to me
clearly and with great regularity.
Could it he possible that was yet asleep?
got up and walked over to the little shelf
upon which rested the key No, 1 was not
oil J,
the ominous click licked out the following
sentence:
':Spike-driver Cation viii be killed in the
new cut tomorrow at 1890"
was appalled, and bewildered at this intel
ligence, and sat down to think it out There
was no use tor me to attribute it to super
natural influence. l did not believe in such
things. Finally went back 90 bed, with the con-
viction that some one had hoaKed me from the
other end. Calmly and without mental dis
G mfort l rolled over and went to sleep again.
II the morning the matter was almost forgot
ten and the gang of men went out to work as
was the daily custom. I saw Cation pass my
door with the spikehammer on his back, but
merely recalled the message of the night before
for an instant AS he passed from view for
got all about it and turned to my key.
had been working a few hours and in or
der to stretch myself little got up and stepped
d
to the cut to see how things were getting on.
AS 1 turned the curve which brought the sec
ton men into view dull, rumbling sound
struck my ears and looking up saw to my hor-
Tor about twenty tons OF rock fall away from
the main bank and come crashing down over
Cation, the spike-driver
In an instant l knew it was all up with him,
and when we recovered his remains they were
crushed out of all semblance to human be-
ing.
Imagine my feelings when 1 recalled that
message of the previous night, and the indif-
ference with which l had received it. Was 1
responsible for Cations death? The thought
disturbed me greatly, but after looking at the
matter from every conceivable point OF view,
came to the conclusion that l was not Cation
was marked man and he met MS fate.
l confess, however, that was not as regular
in my slumbers after that, and would awaken
with a start at the slightest suggestion OF
tick from my instrument. The strain OF an
ticipation was awful.
Cation was insured, and the widow received
over $4,000. One day l saw her, and as she
seemed more contented with the money than
with her lamented husband l gradually got
over brooding about the affair. 1t took me six
weeks though, and l am sure it told upon me-
After time lett pass out OF my mind alto
gether, as my head was filed with the business
of getting the road to the next town.
Fate, however, did not intend that should
be free from misery, and the next visitation
came to me under quite different circum-
stances. 1t was late in the afternoon and
was getting away by daily report. When 1
sent thirty and closed the key my receiver
straightway licked back:
'sTie-walker Hopkins will fall in culvert at
:25 and break his legs
This time I acted instantly, and manning a
handcar with eight men, L urged them to
backtrack with all possible speed. 1t was 20
when we got under way and there were two
miles 10 cover. Never was a handcer sent
along the rails like that one The minutes
seemed TO glide away with wonderful ra pidity,
but, as l feared we were too late. As the car
swung into the canyon L saw Hopkins throw
up both hands and stumble into culvert
Our speed was so rapid that it was impossible
to stop the car as we passed over him, as he lay
on the rocks beneath grooming with pain. 1t
took US but a moment TO get to his assistance,
but both legs ,-ere broken and he was helpless
1t was no use to grieve over this accident.
had taken every possible precaution to avert
the disaster, but without success.
gave as reason for my hasty manning of
the handcar that wanted to see the unfort-
innate man on some track business, and that
forgot to give him the order in my excitement