Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-09

workmen use, was pushed from siding on
to the main track just as 1 passed the tow
er. There was big block of quarry
on It, l hadn't time to pull up so me and
my mate jumped. And then came the
crash"
At that moment a stern-looking man in
dark-blue clothing called the engineer
aside Quin went forward a little, reluc-
tant to believe the startling story he had
just heard. But he found the block of
stone lying partly on the track, ami near it
were the spiintered remains of the hand
truck. He re-raced his steps, keeping along
the mountain side, until he discovered the
branch track Fer some distance from the
point Of junction it was covered with
wreckage. He took it up beyond that and
followed it for few yards TO where it end
| ed at buffer. The spot was sheltered by
some miscreant had undoubtedly launched
the truck on its murderous errand. What
could have been the motive?
BY Joyef' Quin suddenly muttered.
shining object caught his eye, and he
stopped and picked up a small cigarette
case made of gun metal He was about to
open it when a hand touched him on the
shoulder. He turned and saw the hard
faced man in blue.
rs that yours?" the latter asked, sus-
piciousy.
No, found it here" said Quin 1T may
prove to be q strong bit of evidence"
III relieve you of it, The stranger
showed a silver badge under his coat. My
name is Burns, and am railway detec-
neighborhood."
ouin was satisfied, and handed over his
find.
"A fendish crime has been committed"
he said.
Yes assented the man, as he slipped
the cigarette case into his pocket, and
trust l shall soon discover the author Of
it."
He made further but fruitless search Of
the spot assisted by Quin, and then the
two went back to the scene Of the wreck.
The excitement was still intense, and
large crowd had gathered. The bear and
the hyenas had been caught by some of the
circus employees, and they were now dashed
with ropes 10 stout trees. Quinn looked
about IN vain for the rhinocer0S, and hap
pening to meet Burchel1, he asked him
what had become of the brute.
at must have been the first to get
away" was the reply. The whole side of
It's cage was knocked off"
Il saw the old rascal, sir" spoke up the
manager. He went tearing down the
track, ahead of the lion. and then turned
off toward the river"
I'VE must go after him at once" said
Quin, before he does any damage or is
damaged hin self" He hurriedly explained
to the prop ietor why he was anxious
for the brut IS recapture. You shall have
your own pI '-e,'' he added.
That won't make up for my loss,'
BurcheH replied, bitterly. But it will be
all the worse If 1 am let in for a heavy
bill Of damages Wait moment, and I'll
go with you. l am the only man who can
do anything with MoIoch. 1 have good
bit OF influence over him."
The wounded had been removed to the
tower. where the village doctor was doing
what he could for them, and further surg
ical aid was expected from Harrisburg
+, within few minutes. So as many of the
circus employees as were needed could be
spared, and half q dozen speedily set off
with Quin and Burchell, carrying coils of
stout rope, and taking firearms In case Of
an emergency.
The party hurried down the track-it was
now broad dsylight-and when they got a
little beyond the village they heard a
cla,uor in the distance, and saw, thorugh
| the foliage of orchards and gardens a
| crowd of people gathered by the bank of
| the Susquehanna. Suddenly O couple OF
shots were heard.
Hurry" cried Qun. 1.-THE farmers are
! popping away at the brute"
Their old muskets went do any HARM"
/ exclaimed Burchen.
! They quickened their pace taking a lane
l that led them to a farmyard, and then
| skirting. the side of a plowed field which
| extended to the river. Here on the grassy
| b@rk. dozen men and boys were jumping
about excitedly and shouting themselves
hoarse; an old farmer was 5amming q