The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-11-20
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} RAILWAY GUARDS STORY. (
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We were on the platform at Kings
Cross. The evening train for Aberdeen
was drawn up, ready for its world IA
nous journey. Everyone was eagerly
waiting for the whistle which betok-
ened the time for departure. This was
the train that had run so well in that
renowned race of last year, which had
thrilled all the British nation
"a fine train. sir" ] said to a guard
of another late train. who stood by
me, contemplating, like myself, the
busy scene, and whom / knew slightly.
AYE. sir, 1t is fine train. this one.
Talk about excitement. Why, / could
tell you regular story about 1t, that
night as we ran from Kings Cross here
to Newcastle without a stop. That
was something like a run, wasn't it?"
1T was, indeed; and if it is not
troubling you too much I'd like to hear
your story just while we are waiting
to see the train pull off"
VERY well. sir. Let's sit down on
this seat here. We shall be less dis
turbed"
We did so, and my friend commenced
his tale.
Il was the guard of this train on that
particular night, sir our usual course
was to run to York without stop, then
on to Berwick, Edinburgh, Dundee and
Aberdeen. Where we did stop it was
the least possible time we could. Three
nights before, though we had gone a
large part or the distance at eighty
miles an hour. the other company had
beaten us by about five minutes.
But this night all our officials not
only hoped, but had made all prepara-
tiuns both for beating the London and
Northwestern, and also breaking the
record. We had orders that it was to
be done. if at all possible. at any cost;
hence we were all, for the two prcced-
ing days, i'm a state of intense excite
ment.
II was sitting at home the day be-
fore the eventful run was to take
place, smoking my pipe and thinking
deeply, when | was aroused by sharp
knock at the door on opening it,
found tall. fair haired gentleman Of
about 30, who asked smlingiy if Mr..
Jamcs-thats my name-was at home,
and if he cOuld see him.
II informed him of my identity and
invited him in. Having offered him
chair | asked him what might be his
business. He smiled affably as he said:
well, Mr. James. I'm afraid you
don't often get visitors on my errand.
"u ale' l uelIeNe' TO ne the guard on
t"e o'leaI NoItherh Express 10 ADer-
ueen 'oihoiroW hlEht
nat is So ! replied, watching him
keenIy ana awaiting hiS-neXt inquiry.
well have learned--hy what
means hced not saN-What, probably,
HloSl OF you ON the line think is quite
a secret. VIZ, that there is to he a
very determined attempt by your train
tomorrow nlght to beat the record, as
We'll as the other company's train.
am not seeking information as to this
SINCE you VIII see that know it, But
L thouGht IL as well 20 call and ask your
private opinion OF the chances of sue
cess II you would not De aNerse to Civ
hlS me II on lhS a. l. You see, | am
very We'll known man in the racing
WoIlu. lou nave doubtless heard Of
b--@ 90!
nodded and he smiled again.
Exactly. Nell' we have the offer
ol net OF hoOo to 45OO that your
traln docs not beat the London and
northwestern tomorrow night | am
OF course, inclined to accept the bet
put thouGht II wise Just to drop in and
ask your opinion first (on the strict
a. u 2s TO the chances of YOUR sue