Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1900-08-03
THE RED SIGNAL.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

p1CCC VI UACandSC Auu OeCA ICAAOSCuS
and when Robert got the signal, sew
enteen miles away, that the express
waited, his orders were, "Let her come
on" He flashed the answer back with
a great sense Of relief that his tedious,
benumbing nights task was about
ended.
p He was just preparing to pack his
instrument, and to get his other traps
together, ready for the start home.
when he heard a terrible crash. He
could see a hurried moving of lights
through the thick veil of snow, and
could hear excited voices calling and
vociferating. r. ''.7 s.t
Presently one Of the men came run
ming to him with breathless Hold
the express at Hawleyv' @s.,s
my orders were to let her come
on" he replied.
But, hold her, hold her, for heav-
ems sake! A derrick has fallen right
across the trackv' 80" "
"Click, click" went the little instru-
ment under Roberts active fingers.
f1OlU Tue eXpreSS.'a
"She started five minutes ago." came
instantly back. ..t.... ..e
There was no time to be lost. Rob-
ert did not wait. HI seized a red
lantern and started up the road. He
must meet the express as far away as
possible, for in those days there were
no air-brakes, and it would take some
distance for the train to slacken speed
and come to a halt, since it would,
Of course, be running at full speed.
The snow was still coming down in
binding sheets; it seemed as if the
storms fury had increased, If that
were possible.
Not line Of rail was visible, but
only the softly-heaped ridges where
the wheels Of the last train that passed
had outlined the track.
Robert set out with frantic energy,
blowing his way through the damp
masses, struggling over the uneven
surfaces Of the ties, and slipping and
floundering to such a degree that it
seemed as If he made no progress at
all.
His lantern shed such faint CLEAN
that he was afraid, no matter what
his effort, the engineer would not be
able to see tia mere spark through
the whirling snow that enveloped it.
He had started none too soon, for,
with his senses painfully strained, he
was certain he felt the first vibrations
of the On-coming wheels. It was like
a spur ne did not need, for he was
already putting forth his utmost
strength.
1t .was,> indeed, the vibration sent
along the hidden rails, for presently
he heard a distant, muffled rumble as
the train crossed a bridge. Inches
seemed Of value in this crisis, and ne
plunged forward as many more steps
as he dared before taking a stand to
make his despairing signal.
AS the sounds approached and be-
came distinctly audible, he planted
himself firmly between the rails and
waited for the first break of the head
light through the white storm to swing
his red warning.
Nearer came the train, flying along
at throbbing speed and now almost
upon him, it's painting breath echoing
from the deep sides of the rocky cut
at either hand. Then it's great head
light cleaned vaguely upon him like a
pale moon.
Robert swung his lantern in q wide,
slow circle at first, and then faster
and faster as the engines glowing
eyes became more and more distinct,
There was no answering whistle.
They dill not see it.
He leaped over the rail into ditch
alongside, and from that scrambled to
the opposite bank, screaming and fling
ing his arms wildly about as if his
puny voice could be heard above oil
that roar.
No answer yet.
The full rays Of the headlight were
on him, and the engine nearly abreast,
when with a final vehement swing he
let go the handle of his lantern and
hurled It headlong into the window
of the engineers cab. AS he did so,
he sank helpless upon the ground.
In a second there was a terrific
shrek OF the whistle, and Robert
could hear the grinding of the brakes.
That he was not too late, that the
train would be saved, were his last
thoughts as he became unconscious.
Presently he was aware of moving
lights about him, of voices and Of
somebody trying to lift him I'D and
stand him on his feet.
wake up, Robert. What's the mat.
ter? Where is your lantern?" said a
kindly voice.
1t was Sandy Odds, the fireman.
Was it all dream. No, for the
snow still fell, and he was chilled and
wet and weary.
1.-THE express?'' he gasped.
"She stopped with the tip of her nose
just at the Derrick" was answered,
in the same questioning tone.
"Why--why didn't she whistlew
asked Robert, fit to cry from exhaust.
ion. and still dazed and excited.
Sandy, shook him a little, and tried
again to get him on his feet.