The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1897-02-04
AN ILLUSTRATION.
RUNNING WILD.
Taste not, Touch not, Handle not.


The following is published by re
quest of the superintendent of pres
work, w. G. T. u. of Weldon:
A locomotive engine stood upon the
railroad track, with every part of it,
giant frame prepared for work. flow
like thing of life it seemed, with it.
nerves and sinews of qulvering stee
ready to vlbrate in response to the
touch of a master hand. Its fiery eve
shot impatient glances down the track
as though it were restive under the I'm
posed restraint OF waiting.
The engineer, whistling softly te
himself passed here and there ON hi,
work of inspection. Nothing escaped
his vigilart eye, in all the movements
of cranks and pins and piston working
smoothly, the steam coming out in hot
breaths from the migty lungs was
at the proper gauge. and everything
in perfect order. AS he buttoned his
coat about him, preparatory to mount
ing his seat, he remarked to the fire.
man, "Jim let's have drink !"
Within stones throw OF the track
was saloon, warmth, row of shining
bottles which suggested something to
keep the cold out" and the music of a
violin making it all the more inviting
to men who we're about to start on !:
cold aud lonely journey.
The two men quickly crossed the
track opened the door OF the saloon, and
and it closed behind them. But as it
shut the back door opened, and anoth-
man went out-a poor miserable bloat-
ed old sot, whose bIe..r eyes looked out
from beneath a mass OF tangled. un-
combed gray hair. AS with unsteady
steps he shambled down the bank to-
the railroad track and approached the
engine, he saw that there was no one
in the cab. he climbed up, put his shak-
ing hand on the throttle, and pulled it
wide open.
/ was only minutes work, only
one pull, and the engine, like fright
ened steed, dashed down the track and
out OF sight.
What fearful thing it was when
"running wild !" This smooth, SHIN
ing beautiful creature which but a mo-
ment before stood quietly waiting for
its legitimate work was now like fiend
unclaimed, as 1t spurned the track with
Wild noisy feet.
Shall 1 tell how the frightened on
lockers gazei after the "wild engine"
IN speechless horror? How strong men
grew n,>s.rs md women wept and wrung
their hands.
AS 1t flew past a telegraph station,
the operator knowing that the express
train would come laundering along in
ten minutes, sent hasty message over
the wire to the conductor
Engine Sc running wild. Side
track"
Down, down, down the grade. sped
the messenger of destruction faster
On its errand of death Like a meteor
shot through space, leaving shower
of burning sparks in Its path, on it sped
ever gaining fresh impetus as 1t
rushed down the steep hillsides and
across the peaceful valley. Kissing in
g!ee, on, on, it flew! A sharp snap as
rod after rod gave way under the fierce
strain of the rapid rotation of the driv-
ing wheels A glimpse of white
face in the cab-only
glimpse, and it was gone
Whlte-lipped men, holding their watch
es In their hands, whispered. 80, God
will they NEST on the bridge?" Oh,
tor a telescope view of the train In
which were loved ones, all unconscious
of danger, while the death angel flap
ped his dark wings so near
Aud now, ON the still, evening air,
clear and istinct, sounds the whistle
OF the doomed train. Scarce had its
echo ceased reverberating among the
hills when the crash cam@
The wild engine had done its work,
and the turbid waters Of the river OPEN
ed their fioodgates and swallowed up a
score of victims while as many more,
crushed and mangled and bleeding,
moaned their lives away before another
night came.
Who was to blame for this bloody
sacrifice to the monster, Appetite for
the quick frightful pangs of dissolu-
ton for the slow and awful waiting
for death that fingered for the agony
of hearts that broke in homes made
ready for joyful meetings?
First of all, you who permit death TO
he dealt out over thousands OF coun-
ters YOU whose voice has authority to
command the trafilic to cease in day
YOU who have knelt before the god of
wealth till its yellow glitter has blind
ed you TO the beseeching eyes that inn
piore you to speak the word that will
not only cut short your earthly reve
nues, but, AS an offset, would reduce
for crime and disaster.
IF Won knew that yol or those dear