The Red Cloud chief., 1900-11-23

we Sllly-Snally over the dOing OF IL
much longer, we shall die like rats in
a hole, as the guard says"
Then we'd better tear these OBJ
stinate fools of the engine and man 1t
ourselves" suggested a frantic pas
senger. I'VE can rush 1t through
somehow"
mot SOL" was the calm answer.
Our only chance in rushing the dan
ger Is the speed. Now, II | and you, all
amateurs, man the engine and bungle
the thing, the chance Is we should
roast before we got quite through the
flames.
Now, ladies and gentlemen"-he
turned courteously to the passengers
surging round-"I must ask you to
trust your bodies to me-, and your souls
we'll. according to your several
creeds,"
With a strangely harsh, empty laugh.
the stranger assembled the engine.
turning his dark face to say peremp-
torily: Take your places aboard the
train instantly, every man, woman and
child!
Now, my friends. I'll tackle you!"
He faced round to the engine men.
So near was the train to the fro
that the heat was insufferable-the
faces OF the men we're almost skinned.
Warm work, my hearties, this!"
the stranger said, almost cheerfully, as
he beat the hot air slowly with wav-
ing hands, and pressed his face closer
to the scorched visages on the engine.
You get of this engine, mister!"
~furiously began the driver. I'll brain
any man who tries to boss"
The wrathful words ended in a sud
den sigh, and the drivers arms fell
softly at his sides as the invader OF the
engine turned to the stoker, a power
fully built man.
You heard what my mate said,
didn't yer?" struck in the man. You
git Off, or Ill-Ill-" There was
the same singular collapse, the same
lamb-like attitude. Both grimy men
stood motionless and meek facing the
intruder.
Just sO,'' observed the last equally.
Then, leaning over, his strident voice
changed harshly along the snow shed:
Every soul aboard? Keep ali win
dows and doors fast for your lives!"
What Is 1t. Gervis? Are we safe
YETI" family whispered GLADLY. The
girl, who had only seemed to shake
off her curious attack Of insensibility
within the last few minutes, was star
ing vaguely round the car.
She wondered idly why most Of the
women were on their knees, and why
the little children were clasped so
frantically to their mothers. Surely
the tiny creatures would be smothered
in such embraces.
And why was Gervis, her husband,
breathing in that c%uriously labored
fashion, as II he had been running
hard?
Then she became aware. as he laid
his cheeks against her own, that his
face was wet and cold, clammy per-
spiration.
"Gervis!" she cried, a vague alarm
awakening her at last, speak to met
Cant you pray, Gladdy?" whispered
Gervis. and the clasp Of his arms tight
ened round his wife.
Pray, Gervis? What do you mean?'
wonderingly said GLADLY. And Gervis
drew his brows together.
And yet was It not better that she
should know, poor little GLADLY in hel
newly welded happiness?
Outside the cars, now tightly closed
the men on the engine. who we're COINS
to fight the flames doggedly. were
grimly and rapidly making ready.
The heat had become intolerable
and redly glowing sparks were shower
Ing down the blazing roof. The peri
was already 80 deadly that there wa
no choice. A dash for dear life mus
be made!
Suddenly a great tongue Of fam,
darted along the roof with a hissini
sound. The haggard. white faces II
the cars could distinguish every tim
Der In the sheds wooden walls in tn
new glare. The fire was gaining will
a deadly sureness.
Quick, men! We are taking GU
hVCo III Jul hdtluS. ihClp, iCdNh IA
that bale Of waterproofng! We mus
divide II between us to cover as mucl
of our persons as we cant"
IL was a sharp, vibrating voice, witt
a note Of command, that hastily or
dered.
Then came the hoarse order 70
which the cowed %enginemen wer
meekly waiting.
Ready? Then go! Top speed"
The long train. with Its large cars
creaked and groaned; the tongues O
flame darted upward hissingly: tn
burning rafters cracked and snapped
the smoke rolled along In heavy cloud
that choked all who rode on the III
fated train.
God In His mercy. help us! We'r
on"
The train was cutting its wa
through the sheet OF fame that ha