The Elbert County tribune., 1903-12-17

81 n 8 speed? 1t is queer expert
2x sxS ence, especially to one not
NxxeNkk at all accustomed to that
peculiar mode Of travelling. and is cal
culated, under some circumstances. TO
try the nervous system TO its utmost
tension. If you would realize the
power and irresistible force of loco
motive under headway, step ON the
rails for moment, on dark night.
and look up the long line of perspective
at an on-comins engine with its blaz-
ing signal lantern in front. like the
eye Of Cyclops, and its roar. echoed by
the trembling earth. like some fabled
giant's breath 1t is the very epltome
of mechanical power harnessed to the
service of human intelligence. What
frightful means of sacrifice. what
marvellous agent for good,
Again, stand on the platform of
side station while the express train
passes at its average speed of thirty
miles an hour. and you have another
example of the amazing power of
steam. Your nerves will involuntarily
contract themselves as the train rushes
swiftly by, your eyelids will close me
chanically, and you almost gasp for
breath as the air vacuum surrounds
you, caused by such huge and rapid
atmospheric displacement.
But 1t was upon an engine itself
that the experience of which we write
was gained. and though some years
have now intervened it is as fresh in
the memcry as ,hough it had occurred
but yesterday:
.
that we were to start from Burling-
ton, Vermont. for Boston. The Janu-
airy thaw had failed to put in an ap-
pearance that year. and the cold in
that northern region had been intense.
bedding the frost TO n great depth in
the soil. After purchasing our ticket
for the Lightning Express. MS it was
called, and placing valise and storm
coat safely in one of the passenger
cars, we had strolled about the depot.
until we finally paused beside the large
and powerful locomotive which was
to draw the train on its downward trip
1t was Il superb piece of mechanism.
with its brass mountings as bright
as patient toll and incessant care could
make them, while the iron and steel
parts conveyed n sense of enormous
strength even at n glance. The huge
engine seemed almost endowed with
animal life as it paused there with re-
strained power, like Il thoroughbred
horse impatiently at the bit which
crrbs him. The engineer and firemen
We're both in their places, quietly
awaiting the signal which should start
the train for the South 4 sudden
. L.
den upon locomotive; it would be a
new sensation. Was it possible to
do so tonight? / asked the engineer.
who shook his head, but still answered
me pleasantly:
There Is the superintendent yonder;
ask him"
Seeking the individual designated as
the superintendent. was both pleased
and surprised to recognize in him an
old friend. who whom, years ago. |
had been on intimate terms l finally
told him that | had a singular request
TO make. and expressed my desire to
ride with the engineer. He somewhat
reluctantly assented TO my desire, but
not without numerous cautions, and
the remark that 1t was quite excep-
tlonal to grant such a privilege TO any
one.
Walking to the side of the locomo-
Sive, the superintendent introduced me
TO the engineer. and gave him direc-
tions to accommodate me as it re-
garded the intended purpose.
Five minutes later the signal bell
was rung, the shrlll whistle sounded,
steam was gradually let into the cylin-
ders. and the train rolled out of the
depot into the darkness. which for
moment was rendered more dense by
contrast with the well-lighted depot
left behind. l at once bestowed myself
so as not to be in the way of the engi-
neer or fireman, and curiously watched
the novel scene Immediately before
me, for that vas all 1 could possibly
see.
Never on locomotive before?r
questioned the engineer.
mo"
Cant see much such night as
this"
mo: it's ns dark as a pocket" 1
replied.
"Of nice summers day it's all very
WELL" continued the engineer. but of
n dark night-well. don't think it's
very jolly" All the while he was
looking straight ahead. with his hands
on the valves. to shut off steam and
to whistle down brakes" Mt an In
stants notice.