Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-11-23
CHAPTER vi
The WronR S,Uitch Light

NICMBER 337 rocked and swayed it's
IN great driving wheels caught by the
verse; tried to hold back the heavy Night
Flyer For moment Peggy thought IL
would jump from the tracks, so tremendous
was its struggle against the force of the
trains speed
Peggy was astounded at this sudden clash
Of strength. At instant the fainting
engineer had been sending the great loco
motive hurlng forward with all the power OF
hundreds of racing horses and In the next
by an astonishing twist of his skill he had
turned all this mighty force into halting the
rush of the train. Which would win-the
force of the rush. or the force put forth to
stop the rush? For second there seemed
Il doubt.
Then with a shrek grinding, a jarring
and humping. the Night Flyer came to a
stop with It's cowcatcher just touching the
rear platform of the standing train. Engineer
Bills quick action. prompted by Peggy's
alarm, had saved scores Of passengers
Up ran the superintendent and conductor
to see what was the matter. Bill. now wide
awake and alert met them at the steps OF
the cab.
60 back and see If that switch light is
right" he shouted.
The superintendent and conductor gave
him one look then raced back along the
train Peggy. realizing that something very
important depended upon what they found at
the switch, flew after them.
The switch light was burning brightly its
green face turned down the main track.
IAN open switch, and the light showing
"It was a deliberate attempt to wreck the
train. I knew Bill would never run by a red
light" exclaimed the superintendent.
Peggy's sharp eyes movement in
the bushes near the switch.
There's a man hiding in the bushes" she
cried.
The superintendent and conductor did not
wait to where Peggy's voice was coming
Iar F,r tln
trce they pulled out a man, an evil-looking
foreigner.
'I almost got him, and my gang may get
him yet" growled the struggling prisoner
and he mentioned the name Of the important
Government official who was aboard the train,
hurrying to catch the boat for Europe.
This is a big plot" declared the super
intendent as he and the conductor turned
the foreigner over to two husky brakemen.
"If It hadn't been for Bill It would have sue
ceeded.'
Peggy thrilled at this, for she knew that
it was her guardianship OF Bill which hao
enabled him to save the train,
Bill was waiting on the engine and he
looked a lot better.
Hurry up and give me orders" he cried
II can still get the Night Flyer through on
time II you hustle"
The superintendent gave the orders the
Flyer backed out on the main track. n man
was left TO look after the switchlight and
the train sped on its way. Fred. the fireman
had hurt his leg in jumping and was taken
aboard the train. In his place the super
intendent shoveled coal, and he did It with a
skill that showed he had not been promoted
to his big Job by anything except hard work
Bill grew better with every mile as Number
337 dashed along making up for lost time
when at last the lights OF the big city at the
end of the line loomed up ahead, the
engineer was almost himself again. and he
was happy because the Night Flyer had come
through on time.
"Great work, Bill" cried the superinten-
dent You'll be rewarded for this"
"I owe It to my good fairy" declared Bill
"If It hadn't been for her, I'd never been
able to stick It out Thank you good fairy
he added as Peggy blew out OF the cab.
Peggy thrilled again with gadness-glad
that she had such thrilling ride on the
Night Flyer, and glad that she had been the
means Of bringing It through safely.
She never knew hcw she got 5ack in her
cosy chair in the bay window. but suddenly
she awoke. and there she was safe and sound,
I'm neGt sueels's story Psgpy fckes a part
! N Judge oicl's conlieqt remonce3