Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-08-22
TELECRApHIC BLUNDER.

/: !:
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1t was a night in the midst Of winter
the air sharp and bracing, the moon
In her full glory floating majestically
through the clouds. The little station
at Longley was crowded with busy,
jostling throng Of travellers and idlers,
some congregated there from mere
curiosity, others expectant Of the ar
rival of some relative or friend.
Sauntering up to the engine ! was
agreeably surprised to find an ol
friend of mine, Ned Hughes, in charge.
extended my hand, and he graspea
1t cordially, and said
why, how are you, George? Glad
to see you. Are you going up with me
tonight
Eyes," | returned, giving his hand
a hearty shake. There is suit com
ing off at R tomorrow, In which
am to appear for the plaintiff, SO !
find myself obliged to 60 up tonight"
"Of course you will accept seat In
the cab?" questioned Ned, smiling.
For the benefit Of those not inform
ed upon such matters, will state that
the cab Is the cover built at the rear
of the locomotive for the protection
and shelter Of the engineer and fire.
man.
with pleasure"
had been acquainted with Ned
Hughes from youth. We had studied
together with an eye to the law, but
when the college days were over he
had chosen for his calling that of a
locomotive engineer. Law was dis
tasteful to him, he said, and involved
too much waiting. He was as frank
and generous fellow as ever breath
ed, though at times a. little too daring,
approaching almost to recklessness.
He was great favorite, however, with
both railway officials and employees,
and was, withal, perfectly conversant
with his business.
The new engine from Crawford had
Just been coupled on the train, and we
both stood admiring 1t, 1t seemed so
much thing of life-throbbing,
trembling in every joint, the steam Is
suing from the escape, the fre-box
glowing, the brasses Of the cylinder
rejecting the brilliant lights overhead.
the bright polished rods, the drivers
newly painted, the word Mora" in
silver letters upon the cab-all deeply
impressed me.
"All aboard"
These words sounded along the plat.
form, and presently the conductor tap
ped Ned on the shoulder.
I'VE are an hour late tonight" he
said, land we have only two hours In
which to make Rawdon."
1T is eight o'clock now" said Ned,
"and will put you in Rawdon at ten
on time"
Ned's assertion, be is known, was
a somewhat startling one. The rate
Of speed he contemplated was sixty
three miles an hour, with two stop
pages for coal and water. The conduc-
tor whistled.
You're much the same old Ned" he
said: "but that's a little too much.
No, we'll pass the up train at Quincy"
The bell was ringing. Ned sprang
into the cab, following. We moved
slowly out Of the station, the motion
being necessarily slow at first, but
rapidly increasing as we left the city.
Ned examined the indicator, the hand
Of which pointed to l25. He then
pulled down and securely fastened the
safety-valve; the fireman looking on
but saying nothing. He then looked
into the fire-box, and directed the fire.
man to fill 1t with coal, adding
I'VE make Rawdon tonight by ten"
The fireman seemed to take the
whole procedure as a matter Of course,
by which concluded he was used to
Ned's vagaries, but | comics to an in
voluntary shudder.
Ned saw my anxious look, and re-
marked
"lt's all right. The conductor wants
his train put through, and | intend to
put 1t through"
But" | interposed, consider what
might be the consequences.
mo, danger" muttered Ned. 1.-THE
road is a good one, with few curves
and no other train on"
"And how about the passengers?"
Ned Laughed.
"They are agreeable, especially the
business portion Of them. They are
willing to take a little risk for the sake
Of speed. Besides, the train is an ex-
press. and concurrent circumstances
render 1t necessary that time should
be made. Are you at all nervous?"
Ned asked.
mot at ALL"
| think my voice belied me, but
made an effort to regain my COM
posure, and settled myself for observa-
ton, Ned having turned to his work.
Gradually became a part Of the
scene. The throttle was wide open.
the indicator pointing to 240 A cold
chill struck me when saw that. We
were rushing over the road at an alb
solutely fearful rate Of speed, the
Mora" straiping in every nerve, the
quick exhaust too rapid to be counted.
Ned was intent upon his work. one
hand upon the throttle. the other upon