Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1898-11-09
A MAD REVENGE.


d. G. and G. R. railway.
Returning from our honeymoon, left
my wife in Stockton and proceeded to
Wayburg, intending to remain at my old
post until relieved, which thought would
be in q few days, as my offered resignation
had been accepted at headquarters. The
engineer on the "up" train was Mark
Moore. rather handsome young fellow,
who had been my rival for the hand of the
woman called my wife.
When the train stopped at Morelands, I
alighted from the passenger coach and
walked forward to the engine. Mark was
busily engaged oiling the machinery
"How are you, Morgan?" ~ said as he
espied me and held out hisVand His
disappointment seemed to have left him,
and he was very pleasant. 'Going to
Wayburgp"
Eyes"
"Just get in with me, then, he said.
Ireplied that would do SO, and when
the train moved away was occupying a
seat in the engine, chatting with the en-
gineer.
Zone hardly notices the ascent, but the
descent Is an entirely different thing. /
was thinking, Morgan, what q terrible
thing it would be If an engine with full
power on were to become unmanageable at
the top of the grade and dash away.
"And II a man bent on revenge were to
place fellow creature bound on the en-
CINE, what a terrible death he would has
ten to with almost lightning rapidityl"
The following night was dark and tenn
pestuous, and / alone occupied the sta
ton, watching the little machine before
me. That day new engine had arrived,
and Mark Moore had been put in charge
Of 1t. From o'clock in the afternoon to
8 saw him moving about the engine.
Until 10 I watched the little machine.
Then Mark opened the door and stepped
into the small apartment
"Are you receiving a dispatch, Nor
ganf" he asked.
"No, Mark Why do you askp"
Because II you are not wish you
would leave the CHECKERS bit and come
and look Mt my Red Bird by lantern light.
I am going to run down grade to Chal-
mers, reverse the engine and run back.
The train will not be due here for an
hour, and I can go to Chalmers and re-
turn within 20 minutes"
We walked into the great temporary
shed where the new and beautiful engine
stood, ready to run off at the command of
its master
II dare not be SO long absent from my
post at this hour, Mark"
"Pooh, man, there's no danger. You
must go with me-"
"But cannot, Mark.
He put his lantern on the ground and
then sprang erect.
"You shall, Morg Grenoble?" he cried,
and before could answer him he dashed
me to the earth and planted his knees on
my breast.
"Not word out of you, Morg, )" he said
fiercely, producing rope. "I'll tell you
what I'm going to do. You know we
were discussing the consequences attend
ing the rush of maddened engine down
the grade. reckon I won't go to Chal-
mers, but will send you clear to the bot
tom of the grade"
"Mark Moore, you are mad" said.
"Would you murder me in cold blood and
others who are coming up on the II 10
passenger"
eyes" no said coldly.
I might have resisted, but resistance
would have availed me nothing, for was
constitutionally weak, while he was a
lion.
"Therei' he said at last as he closed the
furnace door. Everything is ready for
your ride. You'll go right through Stock
ton, but reckon you won't have time to
stop to speak to loving Laura. Goodby,
Morg. Write when you get to the foot Of
the grade"
The engine was moving, and he leaped
off.
MAY heaven have mercy on your soul,
Mark Moore" shouted after him.
The grade between Wayburg and Chal-
mers was quite steep, and before reached
the little town the speed Of the Red Bird
and its tender seemed to rival that of the
telegraph.
The towns with their glimmering lights
appeared and were gone in flash.
The manner in which was bound per-
mitted mo to look out of the window.
did SO, and Stockton, the home of my
wife, greeted me with its many lights.
Ahead I saw many people waiting for
the 1110 passenger.
The next moment / was carried past
them.
I saw their astonished faces and heard
piercing shrek.
recognized the voice as my wife's.
There was one hope for me-just one.
Perhaps the operator at Stockton had
telegraphed down the grade, and. thus
warned, the coming train would switch
and save it's passengers from death.
Looking out, saw far ahead the glar-
ing headlight of tho southern train.
To me it looked as though it stood ON
my track. Evidently the train had not
been warned.
Suddenly heard man shout, "Stand
back" and then, crashl all was dark!
"Is he injured much?" somebody asked.
Sympathizing faces bent over me, and
surgeon was examining my wounds.
"The ties stopped the engine" said the
surgeon. ''We received a telegram from
Stockton informing us that the new en-
gine was rushing down the grade. The
southern train was switched off upon its
arrival here, and we set to work to pilc
innumerable ties on the track, which,
thank heaven, checked your mad career"
Telegraph to Stockton" said, Ito my
WIFE"
1t seemed as though every bone in my
body was broken, and I cannot tell how I
ever survived through the prostitution that
followed.
But I did, to find my hair rivaling the
spotless purity of the snow and crows feet
on my youthful forehead.
My rival was never tried, for the third
day following his arrest he was conveyed
to an asylum, hopeless maniac. -Ex-
change