Omaha daily bee., 1896-08-15
MADE MIR. GRUBB FIRE.
Miss McNeaI Ran the Engine While
He Kent Up Stenm.

He Kept VI Steam.
AS the result of being defeated by Miss
Natalie McNeal in a bicycle race recently,
E. Burd Grub, jr., of Burlington, N. j., a
| nephew of General Grubb of Edgewater, who
| was once minister to Spain, and son of Henry
Grub, a wealthy retired broker, paid one of
the most novel wagers on record. 1t was
nothing less than to serve for two hours as
fireman upon a locomotive while the fair
victor sat at the throttle. Miss McNeal is
the daughter of the wealthy iron founder
and a society belle.
One afternoon, while riding her bicycle,
relates the Philadelphia Times. Miss McNeal
met Mr.. Grub, both being mounted upon
their bicycles. They were about two miles
from the foundry of Miss McNeal's father,
| and when a race was suggested Miss McNeal
replied: VERY we'll; let it be to the foundry.
Only the loser must do two hours work"
The wager was accepted and the remark
ablo sight of two persons, representing sew
eral millions of dollars each, pedalling along
a dusty road like frightened sprites, was
afforded the people of Burlington. The two
| miles were soon covered by the racers, Miss
McNeal coming in at the finish ten yards
ahead Of Mr.. Grubb.
The payment of the wager began an hour
later. 1t was hugely enjoyed by the young
woman, II not by Mr.. Grub. A yard en-
CINE of the Pennsylvania company is char
tered by Mr.. McNeal to shunt cars In the
foundry yard. Jerry. the engineer, knows
Miss McNeal. The young woman ordered
GruDD TO enter Tue CAP OF the engine ana
then followed.
Now, you'll have to do the firing" she
said to Grub, 'and you must keep on a
good head of steam, for we are going TO
make some quick runs" Then she pulled
the throttle wide open, and the locomotive
sprang ware The young millionaire
took off his coat and started to heave in
coal, He was clumsy at first and handled
the large pieces with his hands. Then he
wiped his hands on his white handkerchief,
and a moment OF two later nIopped his brow
with 1t.
of a mile in length, and the engine and
crew Travelled from one end TO the other
several Tines, Jerry, the engineer. stand
ing beside the millionairets daughter.
Finally Miss McNeal expressed a desire
for more space than the foundry yard af-
forded, and took the locomotive out on
the main track, She sounded a few shrill
blasts OF the whistle, which brought the
occupants of the nearby houses 10 their
doors. Then, with the big bell changing
and the whistle footing, the engine sped
down the main line TO Burlington.
The tracks run through the main street
of the town, and The racket OF the bell and
whistle attracted widespread attention.
There were roars OF laughter at the pic
ture young Grubb presented. HIS white
duck trousers were Just sufficiently white
to show that he was not a regular stoker'
The perspiration poured down his face.
but he kept manfully at work. II was all
great fun for tho millionaire's daughter,
but Grubb didn't enjoy II a bit
The locomotive ran half a mile past the
town. and those who failed TO see 1t pass
down were informed OF the affair In time
to be at the station to greet 1t on the return
trip. Mr.. Grub was kept at work exactly
an hour and a half. Miss McNeal then re-
Tented and ran the locomotive back to the
foundry yard