The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-06-14
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 'SGet out of here. then!" yelled Con- over, ejecting him bodily from the cab. The engineer missed the ster and tumbled prone in a blasphemous heap, to the wet track side Conover did not waste a second look at him but slipped into the drivers place and threw off the brake. He had served his term as engineer during his up ward flight through the various grades of railroad achievement; and was as comfortably at home at the throttle as in lis private car.
 The wheels caught the track and the great mass of metal sprang into mo- tion.
 ''Is there anything else I can do, sir?" piped the obsequious agent
 '.No!" snarled Caleb glowering back at him through the open window. If there was, you wouldn't be measiy irty-dollar-a-month station roust- about"
 Settling into his place, Conover knit his red brows and peered forward through the downpour and mist, along the shining track. He could not af- ford the time he had lost. To make 1t rip, every notch of speed must be crowded on. There was fierce ex- hilaration in Caleb's alert light eyes, as he set himself to his new task The fireman, who had been crouching on the tender, now worked his way for ward into the cab.
 ''Hello!" grunted Conover. grossly. I'd forgot you. l s'pose got to SLOW up while you jump"
 'Tf I was a jumper, sir" replied the at the station"
 With stolid unconcern the fellow set about stoking- Conover erinned.
 "If we live past that bridge" he re- marked. you'll make your next trip as pass'nger engineer. Steady. now"
 The locomotive was at top speed once mere. Around a curve 1t tore, listing far to one side. Straight ahead, tied bridge-a blur of brownish-red spanning a hundred foot drop; at whose bottom boiled a froth of white fretted water cut here and there by black lumphead iboulders. 'Slow to 10 Miles an HourI" read the patch of signboard at the bridge's head. At either side of the railroad embankment stood knots of country folk. idly watching the condemned framework
 At sixty miles an hour the locomo- tive swept into the straightaway. A scattering chorus of cries rose from a dozen lips as the shadowy giant bulk leaped out of the mist.
 Then, in the. same instant. the dull rumble Of wheels on a. ground track was changed to the hollow roaring roll of wheels on a trestle. A jar of inn pact-a sickening sway Of the whole wood -and-steel structures snapping,
  Iowa wind borne scream from the group of panic-stricken idlers now a furlong behind;-and once more the changed key of the driving wheels was succeeded by solid, .roadbed be- heath the rails.
 '.Scared?" asked Conover, over his shoulder, to the fireman
 I've just been too near to death to feel like lying" returned the man in a. siclxly attempt at f1umor, ESQ I might as well own up that for sec ond or so I could hear few harps twanging My hearts still some where around the place where I swal- low"
 you've got grit" vouchsafed the Fighter, straining,. his eyes to pierce through the mist in front of them. Mans made of dust, the parsons say, sprinkled in yours an mine. An I like you better for not bein' ashamed to tell you was afraid. The brave man ain't the one who don't get scar ed; he's the feller who's scared stiff and goes ahead just the same. l guess I'll have to change that new fob of yours from pass'nger engineer to somethin' in my own office. Now, chase back to your work. I've got other things to think of besides jawin' with you.''
 The Junction was reached and pass ed. No longer on his own road, Con- over was less certain that the way would be left clear for him. Yet his was open, and he sent his locomotive along with no let-up in its terrific speed.
 ''I'iI make it. he said once. under his breath. eff Bourke can only hold 'em-n he can only hold 'em!"
 Over went the lever, and with an other shrill shriek the engine slack ened speed They had rounded a bend Directly in front was a station: Be- side 1t stood a long train, blocking the single track In a bound. Conover was out of the cab. Shouting to the fireman to follow. he set off at a run through the mud puddles that lined
 'twhatcher stoppin' forp' he demand ed of the conductor who stood by one of the rear cars.
 waiting for the Directors of the road," answered the conductor. three minutes ago. This trains a To- cal. so we're holding it till" Conover heard no more but broke zine.
 Do you mind gettin' into trouble?" he panted to the fireman at his side. "I'n stand by you"
 You're the boss,'' replied the man, putting on a fresh burst Of speed to keep up with his employer.
 Good! I'm goin' to steal that en- zine. You uncouple her an scramble aboard I'll tend to the crew"
 They had reached the locomotive as he spoke. The engineer had left his cab and was stretching his cramped legs on the platform. His fireman lolled from the window. smoking a pipe. Conover never breaking his stride, swung aboard the cab and threw open the throttle; the same mo- ment his follower yanked loose the old fashioned coupling pin, disengaged the air brake and gained the tender with a flying leap.
 The whole transaction was completed before either the engines crew knew what was going on- The rightful fireman found himself toppled from the cab straight into the arms of the who with a yell had sprung aboard. The two, clasped lovingly in each others arms, rolled swearing i'm to a roadside mud-puddle;-and the To- comotive was off.
 Conover, at the throttle. laughted Ifcrrf ha f11