Los Angeles herald., 1907-11-24

what, and was stepping upon the rail, at the
switch, when the whistle from the train not far
away down the valley, caused her to start slightly
and slip, and with gripping thrill of horror, she
felt her right foot wedge tightly between the
converging rails
Recovering herself in an instant she jerked her
foot back, which instead of loosening it, caused
it to become more firmly fastened than before.
The singing of the vibrating rails struck a chill
to the girls heart, and she stopped quickly to
unite her shoe string In her eagerness the
string was Immediately pulled into hard knot
which the frightened girl only tightened, in her
frantic efforts to release her foot.
From the loudly increasing rumble, she knew
the train was nearly upon her. Another sharp
whistle for the crossing told her that it was only
just beyond the fruit trees Mr.. Norths ranch.
Raising herself quickly she again jerked her
foot, but without avail
In desperation, she tried with all her strength
to break the string, which tied her to her
doom. Glancing up, she the huge monster
around the trees, then several frightful
shrieks from the locomotive and with the
sound of the harsh grinding of the wheels and
of escaping steam in her ears, she sank into a
limp little heap upon the track.
The past few days had been the most miser-
able George Miller had spent. He had been
unjust and unkind to the girl he loved, and the
realization. that he. alone was to blame for his
present unhappiness did not add to his peace Of
mind. His love for Nellie was deep and sincere,
and the mere thought of the possibility of losing
her was maddening to him. When he learned
that she intended to remain in the country
Sunday he Immediately started out to see her
and implore forgiveness for his fault.
AS he drove out of the avenue and saw Nellie
coming along the road toward him he thrilled
with pleasure at being again so near the girl he
loved moment later the young man expert
enced an uncomfortable sensation, when he saw
her turn from the road and walk briskly down
the railroad track.
Did she recognize him? Did she wish to
avoid him? he queried mentally, he allowed
his gaze to follow her.
Suddenly she slipped and George leaned for
ward eagerly, but drew back, as she recovered her
balance. Just then the train whistled, and he
wondered why she did not step off of the track
'"The train is very close; why in Heavens
name don't she get off that track?" he said aloud
as he raised himself to get better view. "My
God! She is caught in the SWITCH" he exclaimed
and for one brief instant he felt sick and help
less, he saw her rise quickly and try to release
her foot, then stoop again.
Springing to his feet he snatched the whip
from the socket and rained heavy blows upon the
frightened horse, which fairly flew along the road
Again Nellie and made another futile effort
to eXtrcate her foot, then she sank down upon
the track. moan of agonized despair escaped
him, as the engine came into view from behind
the trees and the engineer made almost super
human efforts to stop the train, but George knew
1t could not be done in time. Scarcely checking
the horses speed, he sprang from the buggy and
ran in desperate leaps toward the imprisoned
girl, taking his knife from his pocket as he
ran. The distance short, but seemed long
indeed to George, as he hurried madly on, deter
mined to rescue his sweetheart, share her
frightful death. The hot breath of the Kissing
shriekng engine seemed almost to touch him, as
he reached Nellie and made swift slash with his
knife at the obstinate shoe string.