Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-12-31

BETTY IN The CAB
Nv LILLIAN sENNET.THoMPsoN.
(Copyright.)

tSODyTlkht
II can't, Miss Betty. 1t wouldn't
do, you know. You remember your
mother"
The girl stamped her foot impatient.
" as she stood on the platform at
Clayville. looking up at the young en-.
gineer who was leaning from the win.
dow Of the cab, cap In hand, a per.
picked expression on his face.
II don't care" she declared muffin
ously. I'm going to ride in the cab
with you. You used to let me. Don't
you remember? Mother won't mind.
Please, Mr.. Bell"
The engineer remembered quite
we'll; in fact, too we'll.
"All right" he said resignedly. 81
suppose I'll have to take you, If you
insist"
He reached down the gangway and
helped the girl in, to the intense de-
light and curiosity of the few loung-
ers on the platform. Then he took his
place at the throttle, and a moment
later No. II started on her 20-mile
run to Riverdale.
No. II was running easily along the
smooth stretch of track about a mile
east Of the bridge when Betty, wearied
of watching the woods and sky, turned
her attention to the engineer.
"Wha is it, Ed?" she asked.
Bell was anxiously peering ahead,
striving to pierce the gloom that shut
down like a mantle in front Of the
glazing headlight.
RED lantern" he replied. Were
almost at the trestle. I dare say
there's something wrong there. The
rains we've been having for the last
week have swollen the river"
The fireman came over to the right
side of the cab.
Can you make out anything?" he
asked as he climbed into the cab and
stood by Bells side. touching his cap
respectfully to Betty.
Bell shook his mead. Betty leaned
forward to look through the window
and her hat slipped from her knees
She stopped to 1t, just as the
engine quivered to a painting stand
still. The shock threw her forward
and losing her balance, she slipped tc
the floor of the cab. At the same in
slant two dark figures leaped from the
bushes beside the track, n on each
side of the locomotive.
Hands up" came the command
and the engine crew found themselves
looking into the barrels Of two very
serviceable revolyers.
Bell gave an exclamation and start
ed to rise. There were two spurts Of
flame from the darkness, followed by
loud report. The engineer swayet
slowly back and forth, and ther
pitched forward, his head and shoul
ders half out Of the cab window.
'"Put up your hands If you dom
want the same!" snarled n of the
dark figures.
~ The -fireman's hand had gone swift
ly to his hip. He drew 1t forth hold
ing something that cleaned in thu
darkness. There was another fasf
and report, and he sank into a quiv
ering heap at Betty's feet.
Get a move on, JIM" exclaimed
n of the masked men. Them fel
lers won't do no harm. and there's nj
time to fool"
Betty raised her head and listenet
intently. Save for a gasp of horroI
when the fireman had gone down, sh'
had made no sound.
She realized instantly that shoult
the highwaymen discover her pres
ence in the cab her fate would b
sealed.
They we're some distance away now
She could hear their footsteps at thu
car door. There was a confused nois'
of shouting-a piercing cry-then 81
lence.
Trembling in every limb. the CIR
rose to her knees ana bent owe tn,
body Of the fireman. He was YER.
still. On the breast Of his shirt
patch Of scarlet slowly widened. Sh'
took his hand, 1t lay limp and power
less in her own.
Her fingers sought his pulse, Blu
could detect no faintest futter.
great wave Of horror swept W. her
He was dead! For a moment sh'
knelt faint and sick; then she crawle'
to Bells side and dragged herself t
her feet.
He stirred uneasily and groanet
Thank heaven, he still lived, although
he might be seriously wounded.
Ed" she whispered. Ed"
He opened his eyes and looked u
at her, vacantly at first, then with
dawning light Of recognition.
where's Phelps?" he asked veal
ly.
Betty s%huddered and pointed to tn
huddled figure on the floor.
Are you badly hurt, Ed" sh
whispered.
my left arms broken, and I've go
a crease alongside o: the head; Blu
I'll be all right. You're not hurt?"
mo. They didn't see me. They'r
In the express car after the money
What shall we do"