Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-05

former.
1t looks little that way" replied 1hatch-
er, VINO, a moment later, began backing his
tram on the turnout
That done, and long and tedious wait in
sured the engineer concluded to walk down
to one OF the houses in the little village where
friend lived. There could be no objection
70 sucn course, as the engine would be left
IN charge of Jarvis Brinton.
The latter adjusted matters about the loco
motve with view to the long delay before
him, and sat down on the engineers box to
examine, the printed timetable of the com
pany, with which every employe was fur.
This was not particularly interesting, and
he did 1t because he had nothing else with
which to occupy himself. The passengers. Of
course, complained, and uttered all sorts of
unc,oomplimentary things about the company,
which now and then found itself unable to
run its train according to schedule time.
JARVIS had no more than unfolded the large
sheet OF names, figures and printed regula-
tons, with view Of poring over them by
means of the small lamp hanging overhead.
when lie saw Superintendent Dunbar climbing
on the engine.
"Take this seat said Jarvis, moving on
the box.
81 thank you don't wish to sit down.
I'm tired OF sitting. in the cars, and will rest
myself by standing
He. took his place in front of the door of
the furnace, which was opened 80 as to pre-
vent steam making too fast while waiting.
Though the manner of Mr.. Dunbar was
courteous Jarvis noticed that he was not in
good humor: Evidently his trip over the line
| had shown him a careessness among the en-
ployes which displeased him.
| He stood with his hands crossed behind the
back of his thin spring overcoat, and kept his
in no trifiing mood.
DO you ever run the engine" he abruptly
asked, fixing his keen, gray eyes on Jarvis
Occasionally take turn, with Thatcher
watching me closely"
you've been on the road some six months,
| believer"
eyes, sir; lacking a few days"
where's Thatcher"
NJust over yonder at Dunham's. III signal
| to him il you want him"
Never mind. Hello! What's up now, L
wonder? Everything seems to be going wrong
to-day"
The telegraph operator at the station was
deserted in the gathering gloom of night, rum
ming in great excitement toward the engine,
with yellow paper, on which was written
telegram, tiuttering in his hand. Knowing he
was looking for the superintendent, the latter
advanced close to the foot-rest of the engine
The young, man climbed up beside him in a
twinkling, white and trembling.
'Ihe very mischief is to pay!" he exclaimed.
"What is it?'
"There's a runaway engine coming from
Baylngton at the rate OF about a mile min
ute. What's to be done?'
"How long ago did it start?'
The agent jerked out his watch
about fifteen minutes. It's due here in
five minutes. What's to be done?"
Throw it off the track That's all we
can de-"
"How?"
"rurn the switch. If you don't it will go
on to Des Cartes, and make sad havoc, and
likely enough kill several persons"
They've telegraphed all along the road to
look out for it; but we may as well throw
it off here. Shall turn the switch"
"Yes-"
"Hold oni' interrupted Jarvis. II believe
l can save the engine without HARM"
"How?" asked the astounded superintendent.
He hurriedly explained, and Mr.. Dunbar
called to one of the brakemen:
"Turn the switch, so as to let the engine on
the main track. BE quick, for there's not a
second to spare"
Wondering what it could all mean, the brake.
man hurriedly obeyed the orders of the super.
lintendent
To BE Continued Next Sunday