The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-07-25


came up and looked into the engine and
said: 81 thought that wasn't the old
mans whistle"
Here we ate supper at one of the Har-
vey eating houses, and though I had
eaten the greater part of delicious
lunch from Mr. HOLSTERS pail l again
ate raveuously. l was introduced to
number of passengers as the new en-
gineer, and by some good-naturedly ban
tered about my entertaining way of
whistling, by others eyed askance some
what nervously.
Again we climbed into the cab, and
again 1 was allowed to "open the throttle
notch or So" as we took another run
ming leap for Newton.
AS we neared the yard limit the en-
gineer, who stood at my side said, "Give
her some air; don't you think we can
stop before we get TO that headlight?
more air; there, not quite so much: do
you think we can stop?" apparently
somewhat anxiously. as we seemed
to be bearing down on another engine;
then with a we'll feigned sigh of re-
lief, which l earnestly echoed, as We
took the siding, he said, latter all, we
will go around that engine-hadn't we
better?"
1t was 8:20 and we were at the end of
our journey, and I was indebted TO Mr.
ments of my life.
It is said that there are engineers and
then there are men who run engines;"
Mr.. Strunk is one of the engineers, and
one of natures nOblemen as well.
In farewell. he said. IF you are ever
on my train again come be my guest;
| MIR. Hollister and 1 have been highly
| honored by this occasion. Are you tired
or seasick; does your head ache? No?
oil
| bit sore from pulling that whistle? Well,
it will be tomorrow
| He had not seen my Indian clubs at
| home.
At Newton where I stayed a few
! hours, was indebted to Mr.. Clarence
| Smith formerly of Topeka young man,
/ and to Editor Reynolds of the Republi-
| can for many kind courtesies.
! But 1 was to return at 1850, 1 presen-
| ted my return permit to Conductor r. b.
| DonOhue and he in turn gave it to engi-
neer Hamilton, who lifted me into the
engineers seat at once as if had been a
! feather, and l found what fantastic tricks
a head light which CLEANS along a few
| hundred feet in front can play the imagi-
| nation.
The thoughts which come consequent
| upon the experience are not its least en-
tertaining part.
L
and rode to Emporia, meeting Hon. Tim
Mccarthy, who was quite carried away
with my courage as he gallantly called
| it instead of another quality curiosity,
said to be peculiar to my sex.
At Emporia I again went forward, and
| as Fireman Whitcomb lifted me into his
Own place he said, "Getting a little tired,
aren't you?
Don't GO to sleep. else we'll have to
| tie you up there" Then he said in an
swer to a question, Danger? Oh, we
don't have time to think of it,
Yes I've been in two head-end collis-
lions; once jumped because 1 had a
chance and could do no good by staying;
the other time, l did not have time"
| Then he began explaining the signals
to me, saying that red light meant dan
| ger
A few moments later | really was
| growing quite drowsy, it being near 4 a.
NJ, when just ahead cleaned red light,
| and our speed seemed just the same.
! My breath came quick and l said,
"What's that?"
He explained that 1t was slow down
! signal. Then he said laughingly, You're
not sleepy now, are your,
Sure enough, | was not sleepy, but as
| / felt the iron band of his muscles, as he
! lifted me down, I knew it must be new,
new woman who could aspire to all of his
| work, and much as l have fallen in love
with an engine, was quite willing to
| leave its care to strong armed resOlute
men such as he, and go home to rest.
| BECKY SHARP.