The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-11-14

Escape OF Alan ana Jualtn.
most without jar, on the outskirts oil
a city whose name Alan never learned
For the bIplane was barely at a
standstill before he was out and, reel
ing with the giddiness that affects men
after long flights, making his way as
best he might toward the managers
Office connected with a trainyard i'm.
medlately adjacent to tho spot where
they had come to earth.
Lavish disbursements of money won
him his way against official protests
that what he demanded was an tmpos'
sibility. Within twenty minutes, leay'
ing Coast to follow on when and as
best he might, Alan and Judith were
spinning through open country in the
cab of an engine running light, with
only clear track between it and the
special.
The several hours that ensued be
fore the rear lights Of the special were
brought to view were none too many
for the task imposed upon Alan OF
overcoming the scruples of the en-
gineer and fireman.
Another minute, and less than fifty
feet separated the two-the special
train and the light engine, both bur
Ting through the light at top speed.
With word to the engineer Alan
crept out along. the eide Of the boiler.
with only greasy handrail and mar
row foothold between himself and
what meant death, or something close
~ resembling it, should he be shaken
off by the tearing wind and the sway
ing Of the locomotive.
It seemed an hour before he worked
himself UP to the cowcatcher-now
within four feet of the rear platform
of the special. 80
On this last he could see woman's
figure indistinctly silhouetted against
the light through the door, and bestde
her man in white coat, clingng for
dear life to the knob of the door
holding it against the frantic, Efforts of
some persons inside to tear it open.
Another hour of suspense dragged
out-or such was the efTect-whlle the
light engine with intolcrable slowness
bridged those four scant feet.
At length It was feasible to attempt
the thing. Rose Che could see her
strained white face quite plainly now
was halt over the rail Of the car ahead.
ready to jump
His heart failed him. It was too
hazardous risk. He dared not let her
take it.
Something very like shot sounded
from the train and something very like
bullet whisted past his cheek, and
proved the signal for several more.
Strangely, that knowledge steadied
his nerves. straining forward and
holding. on to a bar so hot that II
scorched his palm, he offered hand
to the girl on the rail.
Her hand fell confidently into It. She
jumped. His arm wound round her as
she landed on the platform of the COW
catcher. He heard her breathe his
name. then hurriedIy passed her be-
tween himself and the boiler to the
footway at the side. The fireman was
waiting there 10 help her. Alan turned
his attention to Barcus.
To his dismay he found that the en-.
CINE was losing ground. The space
was widening rapidly as Barcus re.
leased the knob and threw himself
over the rail.
By a miraculous, flying leap, the
man accomplished that incredible feat
and gained the platform.
An instant later ten feet separated
the engine from the special, as the en-.
gineer applied the brakes.
And this he did none too soon: for
at the same time Marrophat aud an.
other appeared on the rear platform
and opened hot. but, thanks to the
widening distance, Intellectual fire.
The engine ground slowly to halt
as the rear lights OF the special train
swept from sight round bend.