Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-01-14
WHY HE WAS DISCHARGED.
Fright of a Young Brakeman Left Alon
 In the Wilderness of Arkansas.
Special Correspondence.l

Special Correspondencel
 ST. LOUIS, Jan. 7.-I had occasion this morning to go with a friend to the freight terminal that connects with the Mer- chants bridge On our way back he fell into a reminiscent mood.
 You never knew,'' he asked, that l was once brakeman, did you? Well, was, on one of the roads that runs through the Arkansas wildernesses and terminates here I met with much difficulty in get ting the job so much indeed that if had not been fairly infatuated with the notion of being a railroad man I should never have persisted until won my point.
 II did not continue twisting brakes very long, but quite long enough to suit me. got a terrible scare one night, and my subsequent conduct was what brought about my discharge. was attached to a repair train, and We were at work in the interior of the state, where the population was sparse and the stations were far apart. forget exactly the occasion of the order, but anyhow about midnight was directed to remain behind with a red lantern while the train proceeded. I was to 9ag pas senger train expected to follow in about two hours. At that point the line threaded the densest woods imaginable and as the lights of the CabOose of the repair train
 
 likely to be very dreary and very lonesome.
 My gloomy anticipations were shortly fulfilled. While yet I could hear the puff ing of the engine in the distance began also to hear the most frightful noises in the forest on either side of the track. IL seemed to me that the woods were thrOng- ing with fierce wild beasts In 15 minutes I was in perfect fever of fright, and this was followed by sort of emotional shak- ing palsy. My teeth Chattered as though had the aGuc, and was covered with cold sweat I believe 1 would have died from heart failure, brought on by fear. if had remaipCd therC another l5 minutes, let alone two hours Su. in an agony of dcs pcration, l picked mp my lantern and ran down the track in the direction from which the train was to come. had some hopes of meeting it if I went far enough, but these hopes were not realized. WheT had coVcrcd about five miles, l came tC a clearing in which stood log hut. Tl this hut l applied for shelter, and after had succeeded in awaking the inmate: was kindly received and made as comfort able as possible till daylight. I must hay, forgotten all about the train; but, forth nately for its passengers, 1t was hours lat and did rot come along until 10 O clock il the morning, long after had awakened ana returned To my post as uasInan- If I had not been foolish enough l. i tell a brother brakeman of my fright ant I flight, might have held the job probably for no real harm had been done, but as i was my services were very shortly dis ! pCnsed with.
 I What werr the noises I heard in tn woods' Nothing but the yelling of coyotes but they were just as horrible to me thel as if they had been the crying of tiger and the roaring of lions. No, have neve been sorry that I did not remain a brake man, but I have always been ashame that ran away, and think my discharg because did was a good thing for me. l taught me to hold my ground. no matte what the apparent danger and difficult in so doing w. F. ID.