Los Angeles herald., 1906-09-23

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and the five American leaders, or
bosses, ranged themselves alongside the track
to watch the thrilling sight
At the first blast of the whistle, the en-
gineer the siding drew back the window
slide of his cab and thrust out his head re-
gardless of the falling rain. The telegraph
operator turned his back on his clicking in
strument. and, with pipe in mouth, rushed
out to witness the crash
The expectation of all was that the first
pile of ties would throw the engine from the
track, but you know how it scattered them
with rush and undauntedly plunged into the
second distractions.
Great Scott!'' exclaimed one; isn't there
any way of stopping that engine? There goes
her headlight
One of the timbers of the second pile de-
molshed the lamp in front of 49," but did
not affect her progress.
The spectators were standing so close to
the frog that they rushed out of the way be-
fore it was reached and destroyed. They re-
turned the moment the engine stopped.
I'VE must look out for those Italians" said
one of the bosses, forcing his way forward.
Don't let them get on the engine"
1t was well the Americans thought of this.
One of the swarthy aborers had been struck
by flying splinter and received stinging
cut. 1t was not dangerous but it exasperat-
ed him. He uttered fierce exclamation in
his native tongue, and made dash for the
engineer.
AS the dark face and flashing eyes appear
ed Jarvis saw by the light from the furnace
door the fellow clambering like a monkey up
the side Of his engine.
He had an ugly knife in his hand; but be-
fore he gained chance to use it, Jarvis let
fly with his right fist, landing it between his
eyes.
The young man from sunny Italy went
spinning outward in sthe darkness, and Jar
Wis never saw him-that is, to recognize him.
His companion, however, began crowding
forward to avenge the blow; but the sturdy
Americans caught the foremost, flung them
back and gave them to understand that
nothing OF the kind must be attempted
1t is more than probable the laborers be-
lieved they would please their employers by
their course; but when they learned other
wise they desisted.
Have no fear," called out one of the
bosses as he and the others climbed up on
the engine; "a fellow that has the grit to do
Il thing like that shan't be hurt"
Did | reach the frog asked Jarvis, with
IA laugh \
Reached it and broke it, so we shall have
to lay another some day when you're of
duty Where's your fireman 2"
I'm afraid he's hurt" replied the engineer,
with an anxious expression, as he peered
backward in the darkness.
The door of the furnace being open, the
cab was filled with a food of light, SO that
the faces of all ON the engine were as plainly
visible to each other as at mid-day
Just then, Ned Thatcher, sitting on the wet
ground some distance up the road, came to
the conclusion that it was time he received
attention. He had a clear, resounding voice,
and when he began to yell at his topmost
bent, he could have been heard mile away.
He isn't dead, that's certain" said one of
the bosses, with a smile "A person who can
make as much noise as that is long ways
from his last Sleep
He certainly needs some attention" said
jarvis, who, looking around, saw the engineer
OF the freight locomotive climbing upon his
own. Hiram, if you'll draw my lire, I'll go
after him."
you needn't do that; Wen bring him in"
said another of the bosses, who nodded to
his companion, and the two stepped upon the
ground, and began walking toward the injured
fireman, whose extraordinary yells guided
them unerringly to the spot.
Didn't you get hurt?' asked the other en-
gneer.
a was pretty well shaken up, but believe
Tn all right"
IF Ned is much harmed. I'll put him on
my engine and take him to Bayington There's
no getting by you to Des Cartes, but the way
is clear up the road. | suppose you'll have no
objection to taking the chains off the wheels
and allowing ne to switch myself upon the
main traeE?" was the inqniring remark of
Hiram addressed TO the leading boss.
"0f course not"
That's the best thing l can do III go
and get ready"
But the telegraph operator, who was indus
triousy smoking his pipe ON the locomotive
regardless of the furious clatterng OF the in
strn,nant in his office suddenlv smoke.