Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1897-06-17
Under the Trolley Wires.
By Charles w. HARDWOOD.

n lie VA u We'll oo"'uS>
clear above the tumult of Hamilton
Corner, where the busiest thorough
fares of Winchester meet. Close at HAND
came a lake car, and Jim Connolly
springing forward with his iron rod
shifted it around the curve into Center
street.
Jim was switchboy for the Electric
Traction company. His post was the
middle of the street, where all day long
he lodged teams and turned electric
cars toward their various destinations
It was late afternoon now; Jim was
tired and rather lonely, and as he
glanced about for some acquaintance
his eyes lighted on Ted Casey standing
with back to him, on the curbstone
near by. A bundle of afternoon papers
was tucked under Ted's arm, but he was
staring idly at fantastic poster.
The opportunity was irresistible. Jim
quickly looked four ways, and seeing
that the corner was now free from cars
he darted over behind Ted and seized
him by the collar.
Jaw, le' me bel" cried Ted, deeply ag-
grieved. Then, twisting around, he
caught sight of his captor, and grinned
at him in friendly way.
"Why don't you sell papers?" de-
manded the older boy, releasing him.
1.-The last edition will come out before
long, and you'll get stuck"
"Goin' ter" asserted Ted, stoutly.
<'Sny. Jimmie, what's that in your
pocket?" With sudden curiosity he
snatched at queer object which pro-
truded from the inside of his friends
coat.
lie go!" Jim struck down the VEN
turesome hand. That's my life-pre-
server. Want to see it?" And with all
of an inventors pride he drew out a
peculiar sort of clamp which he always
carried about.
1t was formed of two pine sticks rude
1y whitfield into shape and hinged to-
;gether at one end. On the inner side it's
jaws were faced with strips of heavy
glass, whose use was not at once APP
parent.
whats it for?" asked Ted.
+'To handle live wires with. The glass
is proof against electricity" explained
Jim.
Ted eyed the strange instrument with
increased respect. did any live wires
ever get loose round here?" he asked,
eagerly. Say, Jimmie, le' me try it if
they do?
'They might break any time" Jim
replied, sagaciously. "You go and tend
to your papers,; you haven't any bust
ness with the power" He dropped the
clamp into a pocket, and, grinning sig
nifcantly, raised his switchrod as if to
strike the newsboy's leg.
But Ted glanced cunningly down the
street. Jaw, there's carl" he cried,
and forthwith seized the chance to dart
away and yell back derisively at his
friend.
"They might break at any time" he
repeated, quite seriously. Once he had
ventured to question Officer Wayne:
-'What would you do if wire broke?"
"Live wire? I'd clear the street and
send for Higgins" Higgins was fore
man of the repair gang. IF it dropped
onto anybody I'd have to ring up the
ambulance, of course"
With a hearty respect for the force
which kept all these cars in motion,
Jim had picked up, from motormen,
linemen and engineers, store of prac
teal knowledge which he was eager to
put into use.
His opportunity had been long in COM
ing, and this day promised to be as
monotonous as any other. But Is min
utes later the long-eXpected accident
occurred.
A car from the west side came out of
Pleasant street and started north. AS it
swung around the curve it's trolley
slipped off and caught between the cop
per wires, swapping one of them near
their junction.
The wire dropped into the street, and
for moment there was indescribable
confusion as it bounded and writhed
among frightened horses and scattering
people. The corner was quickly cleared,
and at safe distance ring of spec
tators formed to watch the wire spit
ting out blue and green flames on the
pavement.
Down on his Center street switches
Jim had been startled by a quick, jar
ring ring of the wires. He did not need
the cries and commotion, the rush of
people and the stopping of cars to tell
him what had happened. Instantly he
saw that his chance had come, and run
ming up he broke through the ring just
at Officer Wayne's elbow.
Live wire!" he gasped, plunging a
hand into his coat pocket. 81 can fix
it,"
He had started forward impetuously,
but Wayne caught him by the arm and
pulled him back, understanding only
that the boy meant to run into danger.
"Stand back!" said the officer, sharp
ly. Don't you know live wire when
you see it? If you touch that, you'll
never know what hurt you!"
'It won't hurt mel" cried the strug-
Cling boy, in a hot rage at this oppo-
sition. "I've got something to handle
it with"
But Wayne would not argue. 'You
stay here!" he gruffiy commanded
''Be quiet now! If you make any more