Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1909-07-08

hurrying clouds Of black vapor that
they had rolled into tle sky.
As far down the track as one could
see. away to the vanishing point where
the two burning fronts "f the fosest
seemed to join. 1t was the same
"Whrw" exclaimed Hal 'Thk ia
scorcher' III let Der out q bit and
make rush through it,
Just then Brainprd leaped into the
cab
"What are you doing, Kinsley?" he
shouted 'You are not goinr on?"
"Going on?" gasped Hal. utterly
amazed "Of course I'm going on. I'm
not afraid Of little fire. | hope: but.
by George. Tom Brainrrd. believe
you are"
"l:everse quick. man. and hack us
out" said Hralnerd In n harsh. vehe
ment voice. sriring the engineers arm
with both hands YES. rm afraid
Reverse her. tell You"
Hal pushed the conductor aside With
a thrust OF Ms strong elbow. "nont
you know better than thut:" cried he
angrily whats the matter with YOU.
Tom Rrain+rd? You act like crazy
man."
"I'l be y dead one and you and the
boy. too. II You don't back out" per
sisted Rrainerd DO yon know what
we've got for frci"ht?"
Hal and Roy looked at him half
frig htened He had certainly lost his
senses, they thou"ht.
"No. and | don't care" said Hal
But what IL IT,"
"l!lastn" powder" screa med the
conductor.
"\rhat:" cried the brothers together.
"Yes. tons Of II for the Siverlon
mines. Aud the handlers loosenpd the
slaves Of two or three kegs when they
loaded It. so that there's loose powder
scalt tered all about the next car"
Kinsley pulled the throttle wide open
"Sit down. Tom" he commanded
calmly without looking at the CON
ductor. I'VE can't 30 back. The fires
all along that way by this time We
must put her through Coal up. Roy.
but not too much. Quick, boy.
When In a position of peril deter
mined strong willed man makes up
his mind to II certain course there IL
something about him which makes all
others yield to his plans Brainerd
did not attempt 10 assert his authority
over the train. but sat perfectly still.
his nsts clinched. his eyes set. Roy,
pale faced. but steady. fed the tirebox
as If he were part OF the machinery.
The engine leapel and bounded under
Hars hard driving. crashing and rat
Ting 80 fercely that the roaring
faInes on either side sent no sound to
the ears OF those I'm the cab.
Suddenly Rrainerd sprang up. took a
spare shovel. some cotton waste and q
bucket Of water and left the cab. Roy.
turning, saw him on top Of the freight
car. scraping off the sparks and swab-
bing out the little fires which started
upon the dry boards Of the roof.
'Tom's brave fellow" said Hal.
ut was the worry and dread that made
him weaken You see. he knew wher;
the fire WAS and knew what be had
got to carry through 1t II he met 1t
But he's all right from this on"
Hal had momentariy taken his eyes
of the tracf while saying this When
be turned them back he gave a nerv-
Gus start and then. seizing the whistle
cord, signaled Down brakes! while
with the other hand lie closed the
throttle.
Jump. Roy. and put ou our brakes
back there"
4 great burning tree lay across the
rails ahead. Even while Roy threw
his weight on the brakes he was think
ing What shall We do now!" and be-
fore he had finished turning the iron
wheel he had thought.
The drag and Jar behind showed that
Brainerd. obeying Hal's signal. was
setting the car brakes. aud soon. the
reduced speed allowing it.. Hal re-
versed.
Tie locomotive. sliding ana grating
along. came slowly 10 a stand some
yards from the blazing obstruction.
Before the train stopped Roy had
opened his knife and cut away the
leather curtain which closes the back
OF every engine cab. Rolling up the
curtain, he plunged It into the water
tank. drew 1t out dripping wet. threw
1t over his shoulders and. with an ax
In his hand. jumped down and ran for
ward toward the burning tree.