The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-10-05


the end OF Tmck II at the coal docks,
and Il took an hour and half TO get
her on the rails gain.
Dan was new fireman and should
not have touched the throttle, but he
did Il to save Ben Bnlch, engineer,
from a rcprlmand and dement's for
being late at his engine. Bcn had
a sick wife nc home, and Dan knew
that was the reason for his tardi-
ness.
The yardmastcr was angry ut the
awkward result of Dams venture, and
said some savage things. But because
Ben was respected by him and be-
cause Ben understood Dams motive
and because Ben would have 1t so the
report went In TO the superintcndents
Office reading as II the engineers hand
Instead OF Dams had been on the throt-
tle-Dan kept his new job and "hls
chance" my fault, anyway" said
the engineer, when Dan protested.
"Ought TO have been here"
Dan Corycll could not forget II, and
s1ore allegiance to Ben. He did not
know how he could ever pay the debt,
but Il seemed to him lifelong obllgn-
tion, and he kept on the alert for his
opportunity.
This story tells how his opportunity
same and how he used It.
II coming events really do east their
shadows before, no one had eyes 10 see
the forewarning of the occurrences Of
that bleak November night. Dan had
5ust finished coaling up and swung
himself over to his high seat as No. 30,
pulling the evening express, left the
long bridge above Nettleton and pound
ed out on the embankment once more,
on her way TO the city. The hollow
roar OF the train on the high trestle
gave place 20 solid hum over stone
ballasted sleepers, and Ben cut down
the stroke ms No. ~ settled into her
gait. Dan had leaned forward for a
look at the track ahead when the thun-
derbolt came.
"Throw up yer hands,"
The words were shouted almost in
Dams ear, and h, turned uncompre-
hendingly. He had read enough news
paper stories of train robberies to un-
derstand the phrase, and he had heard
the command perfectly. Only the diff
aculty of understanding quickly that
he, Dan Corycll, was actually q victim
OF real hold-up made this compre-
hension slow.
His understanding was helped might
lily, however, by a steel ring some
eighteen inches from his nose--the
muzzle OF -four-calibre revolver.
The fireman's hands went up. He
had thought-when he read the stories
what he would do under such cir
cumstances. But something in the
pair Of ugly eyes he now saw back
Of the revolver put ideas of resistance
out Of his head.
Then he looked at Zen. The engineer
had turned and was staring over his
shoulder, open-mouthed. Mt man
standing on the steel apron between
the cab and the tank, and covering him
with pistol as the other man covered
Dan. There was no fear in Ben's face
even Dan recognized that on the in.
stant-but there was plenty of amaze
ment.
"Stop herr commanded the man who
faced Ben.
The engineers big-left hand mechan
ically frightened on the throttle, but he
made on other move.
"Get busyw dictated the bandit, NOV.
ing forward.
Ben turned and pushed the throttle
home, while his right hand sharply ap
piled the air. No. 81 slowed with d
jerk, then slowed again and stopped
Ben was not lacking In courage, but
his valor contained the element OF dis
cretion.
snow look out for 'em!
The man who had given the com
mands turned quickly, dropped from
the engine, and disappeared in the
darkness toward the rear OF the train
His fellow stepped back to a place mid
way between his two charges and eyet
them alternately. holding his pisto
ready to meet hostile or insubordln
Rte move.
Now" he said, ~ you two mr.,
good you won't get hurt, and you cai
put your hands down."
He settled back against the edge o
the cab door and pulled the curtain
somewhat about him, for the win,
was cold.
He wore no mask, contrary to al
Dams ideas of an up-to-datc train rob
Der. His face was dark, clean shaver
and rather thin, the features, especial,
the nose, being well-cut.
The eyes were dark and carried |,
them the light of reckless readiness t,
hght.
Dan looked him over from head t
foot in silent astonlshment. 1t was al
most past belief, this sudden break /,
the routine of his life He was wildl,
excited, and his muscles were instinct
lively tense for the action which h
dared not initiate.
He looked again at Ben, and some
thing in the engineers attitude IN
stantly alarmed him. 1t meant fight