The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1900-01-04


were Decx on the car. ana tne capitG1n
signaled the motorman to 20 ahead on th
return "Trip.
I'VE should be able to run the 90 mile
back to Cleveland nicsly In two hours,
he said to Jim. II must be there at /.
o'clock. and we have clear track all tn,
way. We've had litigation over this road
and It isn't doing 4 regular business yet
but we'll be running on schedule in day
or two" F
They were out of earshot Of the others
and Jim leaned toward the capitalist.
Mr.. NOrcross," he said. 'have you no
tlced that the motorman has been drink
ing heavily?"
"No!" cried the capitalist. HAS the
idiot started one of his periodical sprees
Best man in my employ when he's sober
When he's drunk, he's stupid log. Keep
your eye on him, jim"
The young man nodded and started
down the aisle to the motorman's vesti-
bule.
1t might have been ten minutes later
when he noticed that the speed was in
creasing to really dangerous rate.
Looking ahead, he saw, mile or so
away, a sharp curve. He knew that It
was highly hazardous to attempt to strike
1t at that high rate Of speed. He reach
ed forward and caught the motorman by
the arm. The latter turned, with an
oath, and, unsteadlly rising to his feet,
struck at him blindly. Jim flung him
aside, shut off the power and put on the
airbrake. The car slsckened speed re.
luctantly, but finally came to a standstill
half way round the curve.
Then Jim turned. The motorman had
fallen and struck his head against the
ironwork at the end Of seat. He was
lying on the car floor unconscious.
Ethel was unaware that anything I'M
usual had taken place. She sat in the
last seat at the rear, with her back to the
front of the car, her companion. Miss
Mayer, beside her. Presently her father
came down the aisle and stopped.
II was beginning to wonder where all
the men were," said Ethel as she laid
her hand aHectionately on her fathers
arm. II felt quite neglected. Are we
waiting on switch2"
"There has been a little accident, my
dear" said her father. Were not on u
switch"
IAN accident, papa! Who is hurtT
'"The motorman, but not seriously. Jim
says it's scalp wound and broken col
lar bone. He's got him all bandaged
up nicely, and as soon as he gets over the
effects Of the--the shock he'll be In very
fair shape"
as .Jim--Mr. Protheroe a surgeon
too?'
Hes something Of surgeon" replied
her father, with laugh. "It's another
one Of those things he learned at that re-
markable college. 1t seems half dozen
Of his college mates had planned haz-
ardOus trip to the Bad Lands, and they
knew they ought to have surgeon-doc-
tor along so Jim volunteered and took q
six months course in the rudiments."
Ethel looked out of the window.
Where are we, papa?"
About ten miles from nowhere"
snarled the capitalist. "And I'm needed
in Cleveland at 3 o'clock for a most i'm.
portant conference"
"WelI, why doa't we 60 ahead?'
without motorman2 Besides, we've
busted something In the running gear.
1t happened In slackening up suddenly.
~ yUu near tu6t
"Now | hear 1t, papa"
"That's Jim under the car, trying to
tinker up the break"
"1s he mechanic toow
Despite his anxiety, the capitalist
laughed again.
at seems so." he said. "It's another
thing be learned out there in Kansas. /
suppose we are Just beginning to find
him out. You were right about 1t. He
isn't much like the other youngsters Of
his age"
Still laughing, Ethels father left the
car and Joined the two eastern college
men, who were standing not far away.
Ethel raised the window and looked out.
As she did 10 she caught sight Of Jim.
Hatless, coatless and vestless, his thick
hair wildly tumbled and his face smudg.
ed with dirt, be was facing her smiling
father.
"Waiting for orders, SIR" he said. with
J comical pull at his hair.
"Can you run motor. tooY asked the
capitalist.
1--WE had some experience at It," re.
Piled Jim. Father built tho Alfalfa and
Stony Ledge Electric road, and ran the
irst motor over it. II you'll cit with me
md keep me posted on the points, I'll |
promise to haul you through on time"
CAL right. my boy, Run her through
IN schedule time. and III give you a peg
nanent job"
The capitalist looked up and caught his
daughters eye and laughed again.
As Jim turned away Ethel called softly
o her father.
Daddy" she murmured, don't You
orget TO ask Jim up to dinner tonight"
Her gratifed parent looked up ut her
With a quizzical smile that called swift
lush to her cheek.
Gan aboard" shouted Jim.-CIsvsland
Plain Dealer.