Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-03-30
The Argus Daily Story
An Unexplained Affair-By F. a. Mitchell.
Copyrighted. 1911. by Associated Literary Bureau

1T is impossible-tha is. we shall
have a smashup on the way
''Never mind the. smashup! Get
therep'
He said this as one who would pre-
fer to die under heap of metal to be-
ing taken. l began to doubt If it was
money he was getting away with.
determined to apply test:
You have killed government off,
cial," said. "and are endeavoring to
get out of the country"
He paled. He was about TO deny the
charge. but changed his mind
And as such would you help or de-
ter meY'
ST would sacrifice my own life to aid
you"
VERY well: will trust you. This
morning l gained access, through a
confederate in his service, to the office
of'-he gave the name OF the official
we were intending to assassinate-
"and killed him. l timed my act to
board your train"
"a confederate uncoupled the coach
esq"
Yes"
Another cut the telegraph wiresT
"Others-several others"
put on every ounce OF steam pos
sible and pulled the throttle wide open.
do you know" said, that and
two others have been working all win
ter to accomplish the deed you have
doner
"No"
1--WE have. You. working on other
! lines, have anticipated us. Had We, In
| stead Of you, succeeded another would
| have been here in your place. You
| can understand how feel and cannot
| doubt that every nerve in my body will
be strained to save you"
| For a few minutes l gave myself up
to thinking how to avoid other trains
and like dangers. Then l said to the
fugitive:
I'VE must play a part. You can per-
senate n government official. Tell those
along the line that there has been an
assassination in Moscow and the per-
petrator is on a train ahead Of US. At
the first station south of which there
is telegraphic connection order the
train dispatcher to send word for all
trains and distractions to clear the
track. L, as trusted engineer Of the
road and the government will, If nee
essary, confirm your story"
l shall never forget the look he gave
me.
"Goodr' he exclaimed. "what a re-
markable coincidence! Without some
unforeseen misfortune we shall sue
coed"
We soon pulled up at q station, and
my passenger hurriedly called out
what 1 had suggested. and without
stopping l drove on. We knew not IL
the order he gave would be obeyed.
but we believed it would. AS we rat
tied along we saw trains sidetracke6
and persons gaping at US, though they
only saw us as by fash of lightning.
Every switch was properly placed for
| u.s. Twice we were obliged to stop
for water. but the fugitive ordered
those connected with the tank to get
TO work so sharply that neither they
nor we lost time.
Then we came to a station where
the station master had put out a red
flag. AS we approached l suggested
to my man to simply cry haste. l
slowed down as we passed the station.
What is iii"
1--WE have a telegram from Moscow
to stop all trains or engines"
1t was evident that the wires had
been repaired.
"You have not been ordered to stop
usr' yelled my companion. 1--WE are
on government business that admits
Of no stop. An assassination has been
committed. The assassin Is ahead Of
us and we must catch him."
l waited for no more. but pulled
open the throttle, and, with a jump.
. our steed shot forward. Half an hour
passed, during which we ran through
, villages, ratified over bridges, plunged
/ through cuts, while all along the road
both the people and the railroad OFF,
! Gals stood gaping at US. AS we drew
near Odessa - my companion was
/ marking the time with his watch.
: while | noted the miles-we saw an
/, other red flag. Just beyond It a
4 switch was turned to throw us off.
But noticed man standing with his
{ 1 hand on 1t, and believed the matter
to be q bluff. At any rate, drove on
, ut full speed, and an instant before
t we reached the switch It was turned
i to let us go by.
But my heart was In my throat.
2 We both believed that we would be
J, prevented from getting on the boat at
5 Odessa and determined to outwt the
D officials by stopping half mile from
: the station. We pulled up In a wood
3 and ran for the boat. AS we approach
: ed It we walked leisurely like any 9th.
Z er passenger, but were Obliged to bur.
e ry toward the end In order to get
I aboard before the withdrawal of the
gangplank. Then we both went to a
o dark corner. where we kept out o,
4 sight till the vessel was well away
v from land.
d Who my companion was i never
n knew-never wanted to know. came
6 to America. where I have lived ever
l. since. If I go back TO Russia I will
h either go 10 Siberia or the scaffold.