Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-14

l in his breast, when all of the brute in him wants to save his own life, when
 he realizes the giving up in the wink l of an eye, and when his healthy blood pounds all through his strong bobby,
 when he can face the music of famine
 or fire or sword, then don't tell me that
 that man isn't hero when he gives up the game for the sake of some weaker devil whose life isn't worth the
 blowing out"
 That's my idea" said the soldier,
 beaming his satisfaction at such plain speaking, fits the brave man who has | suffered agonized fear and conquered 2 Don't you think" said the clergy man, stiff1y, "that we might close the
 window. The sparks from the burn- | ing snowsheds are rather disagree | able"
 The three strangers sat for awhile in l silence, and the coach, empty but for | the casual acquaintance, moved over l the hot rails, and the night grew fit | fully bright with ominous fireflies that flew out from the consumed sheds
 along the way. The heat became in l tense. The clergyman and the soldier sat in l unspeaking discomfort, but the third | traveller moved restlessly. At length | he rose and threw up the window 1 There was scorch of burning breeze I laden with particles of charred wood
 Far out into the night he thrust his
 body, steadying himself by the window
 frame as the onrushing train leaped headlong for the bridge. There was the sound of hurrving waters and the shrill kcall of whistle. There was sudden | bump and wrench, and the three men | came to their feet simultaneously.
 Good God!" breathed the clergyman,
 and the soldier blanched under the ugly
 red of his scar. The third man rushed
 to the platform, followed closely by l the other two. There they were met by sheet of flame spreading upward, and | the raucous scream of departing en- zine.
 "The baggage cars have caught fire
 and they have uncoupled us," cried the
 stranger as he caught at the molten 1 brakes; then in stifed voice he said:
 ''The air brakes have collasped. We
 can do nothing and the chances are
 that the bridge has given way" The clergyman stood on the first step, 1 ready for a plunge. Man." cried the | others, "are you insane? You would be dashed to death at the speed at 1 which we are going!"
 There is but one chance"
 The soldier and the divine clung de-
 spairingly to the last hope, and their
 eager eyes pierced the darkness for a sight of the speakers face. By pow | erful thrust they found themselves back into the coach and heard the slam | of the car door. The interior had be- come a furnace. The insensate mass | gathered momentum as it slid down | the incline to the bridge below. The
 mems faces were drawn into centuries
 of horror at the hideous fate ahead of
 them. Nevertheless, the man of God sank into the nearest seat and covered
 his eyes. With true martial instinct he
 had discovered the commander. The stranger stood with his back to
 the door, smile on his lips.
 We will plunge down into the river.
 It is drop of only 20 feet. The engine
 and the baggage cars have passed over
 it. I think, in flames, but at least
 saved from the watery grave" His
 glance rested upon the shivering frame
 of the seated passenger, and then he
 continued: We must take our turn in