The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1898-05-11
An Operators St0Tu.

The life of telegraph operators in
The city is very unlike that of their
brothers in the country, and the duties
of the commercial" operator differ
greatly from those of the railroad man.
The latter's work may not, be arduous
Is the other fellows, but, it is fre-
4uently attended with much respon-
sibility. And one does not need to go
to Mexico or Montana in order to
satisfy himself that the railroad oper-
ator also has his share of close shaves
and hair-raising experiences. A veteran
'key-twister, who used to be en-
ployed nights on the eastern division
Of the Boston & Maine railroad in New
Hampshire, tells startling story of
his experience with burglar while
having orders from headquarters to
ytr' through freight. The predica-
, At in which he placed himself by
>.alling asleep at his post should be a
warning to all night operators who
have hand in the movement of trains.
'Just throw two or three shovel
fuls of coal on the fire every hour or SO
and make yourself comfortable. There
won't be much doing tonight, and
after No. goes-why, scoot home"
Those were the last words Ed said
to me as he buttoned his collar high
around his neck and hurried out of the
Office.
Ed was the regular night telegraph
operator at the little town at Hampton,
\,litueted on a single-track railroad in
Hampshire. He was not more
twenty-five years old, and the
y Of his work caused him to
Yent recreation away from
III dance was to come off
|wn hall or within ten miles of
|ould be there, provided he
nd some one to take his place
night at the Office.
5 only sixteen at that time. A
bars before my brother and two
young men, all older than my
had built private telegraph line
cen their hoWes in order, as they
yki0 ltoh learn how to "sling light
ming" we'll enough to work in busy
Office. Each became good operator
and in time found employment at his
trade.
Although an eager disciple of the
art, I was almost too young to have a
thorough knowledge of telegraphine
when my brother left home; but
knewienough about it to want to know
,Lore, and the day and night operators
Ut Hampton were annoyed by my
visits till they decided that I wasn'
IN entirely hopeless case and coillt
even be trusted occasionally to "sub
for them.
And that is what had agreed to de
bor Ed on the night mentioned-a colo
and clustering night in February.
The task was not altogether al
agreeable one. No passenger trains
stopped at Hampton after 6.25 o'clocl
in the evening. After no one eve
called at the station to inquire TO
= freight, and by half past 10 all sound
4 Of footsteps on the platform ceased
only dim light here and there coult
be seen, and everything about tn
|, place appeared to be dead.
A thick snow storm, which set il
during the evening, did not detract q
all from the lonesomeness of my quar-
Ners. ''But every place is lonesom
slpight," mused, "and one can al
wsSs have company to cheer him."
This thought coupled with the re
Election that in the morning I was t
ssceive 81. so for my services, quiete
my fears for the time being.
n A red, white, and blue lanter
were always kept burning in the ofIic
st night in case they should be neede'
quickly. I examined each of thes
lanterns to soc if it was properly file
and secured, looked after the fire /
1he big coal stove, rsadjusted the re
lays on wires Nos. 2 and 16, and la
back in the big, cushioned armchai
with the air Of one who had done hi
full duty.
Aside from the clicking OF the tel,
N greph (which was Intermittent an
nade me start when it struck mp su,
denly niter silence4onger than usua
~ that could be heard was the gronl
1ne end sighing Of the wind and I'll
zn6ossant aud wearisome hum-m-m-r
(. X = mem of the wires outside the st
1lon. Tho blending Of the last tu
,oounds was as dolefuI as the clang
# bGll buoy IN violent storm.
+. Ho1ve o'olock csme round. @'h
y too early for tnncheou, b
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