The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1903-04-10
anc was to have been best man at his

an1 was To have been best man at his
wedding
He believed Throcnlorton was limo
cent because he couldn't believe other-
wise. But there We're the facts. and
when he thought of them there WIS a
lump i'll his throat
Ted Elzic. Doyle's fireman, had just
| rakcd The crate when n squad of the
boys came By.
whats the news:" asked Ted.
"Tlroc's guilty an got to swing"
came back from the crowd.
Fifty juries couldn't make me be-
liev2 Throc killed Ollie Grah'm." said
Doyle, emphasizing with his fist on
the window sill.
The day had been sweltering, clouds
had gathered and the night was black
1t WAS down grade, and Tom Doyle
with hand on throttle valve and eye
on the rails. was ready to slack at
the curve.
the engine struck the curve flash
OF lightning and the focus of the head
light met full on the face of the cliff
The sight Tom Doyle saw made him
reel and grip the lever.
"a letter for Mr. Absalom Conway"
called out Goggin. the worthy proprie-
tor of San Francisco gambling den,
putting emphasis on MR. Absalom."
That's you. Alb, | reckon" he added,
tossing him the letter.
Mr.. Conway eyed the letter full a
minute and, looking rervously over his
shoulder. tore the envelope
W--o, Aug 4. 1899
Friend Ab-They say my nerves is
broke an l mus run half time or throw
up. I'll divvy my runs with you. an II
my nerves don't mend yours is the job
fer good. Right away you must come.
An it's yours l am. TOM DOYLE.
In the cab of No. 40 sat Absalom
Conway to divide the run with Doyle.
Fed Ellie was fireman. There was dis
liant thunder; big drops began to pat
ter and the wind raised. a storm was
IN.
Jump into the cab. Ted. just fore
we strike the curve" said Doyle below
his breath as he put foot on the engine
step.
Forked fire tore the sky, shattered
telegraph poles and played in blue
flames around the engine wheels as
they sped onward. i
a flash of tremendous voltage, and
the cliff glowed white within the head
lights circle.
Conway's hand dropped from the
lever, and he stood dazed and trem-
bling.
Me and Ted saw it, Ab," said |
Doyle. In mercy's name, what made |
you do it,"
Before he could catch himself Con
way exclaimed, She Tilted me, and l |
swore she'd never marry Throcmor-
ton"
And how did Throc come by the |
bloody knife?" asked Doyle.
II dropped it into his coat pocket rs
dashed by him half way back to |
town." replied Conway and, becoming |
logged, quit answering.
he fauluS OF Il circle drawn III chalk /
on the smooth face of the rock marked |
the place where the headlight focused |
as the engine struck the curve.
y frame supporting apparatus had |
been set opposite by Professor White
of the State university. 1t was con-
neeted by wires with the town power
house.
Judge Snlithson. members of the bar
and representatives of the press were
present. Old Graham and his wife
stood by, Throcmorton supporting |
them, and Tom Doyle, with Ted, was
much in evidence.
At signal from Professor White an
intense light from the apparatus was
thrown upon the spot.
There was Il suppressed exclamation
as picture appeared within the cir
Gle.
It, was more than life size and he
came palmer as the light intensified.
There upon the face of the rock
stood the grim counterpart of Absalom
Conway. His right arm encircled
Olive Graham's waist, his left hand
descended stroke.
lightning photography" said the
professor, lis classed as freak among
natural phenomena. The picture can
only be seen under light approaching
in brightness the flash that fixed it."