The Lamar register., 1918-07-24

Jim usually reported and waited un-
til he was called. When he appeared
he complained that he did not feel
quite so well as usual. but he respond
ed promptly to his call.
He performed the routine duties pre-
ceding a trip. then ran to the end of
the yard; and as there were no cars
to be taken out. he coupled to a way
car, obtained his running orders, and
started.
His engine ran to the derail in the
lower yard. stopped, set It clear.
passed II, set 1t once more to the safe
ty position. and proceeded to the de-
rail beyond the tunnel. Here the op-
Grafton was repeated. and the short
train moved on its way.
With almost five miles of tortuous
track before them, they started down
the steep grade.
A great change passed over Jim as
they drifted down the mountainside.
1t was remarkable because 1t was so
sudden and unexpected. Perhaps 1t
was the Illness of which he had COM
planned or the strain of many trips
over the same line; in any event, in a
few minutes Jim's smiling placidity
was transformed into most irritable
nervousness. He snapped tartly at his
fireman.
At this point of the descent the en-
gineer was obliged to proceed with ut
most caution. Jim evidently had
kicked caution out Of the cab and was
dallying with death.
The fireman rushed to Jim's side and
seized him by the sleeve.
whats the matter with you, JImf"
he beloved. "Are you crazyT'
Jim turned to him with a vicious
leer.
Natter" The words rasped through
his drawn. white lips. "Why. we're
on our way to the devil. and you're
going along"
He laughed harshly. and the fireman
recoiled from him. Then in a flash
cane swift understanding. Jim's mind
had overturned.
The fireman approached cautiously.
"Why, surely. Jim. I'm going along.H
His voice was calm.
Quickly he leaped forward and,
grasping Jim by the shoulder. reached
for the throttle. Jim thrust aside his
OBTAINING hand and, with vigorous
push. sent him staggering toward the
tender.
Before he could regain his feet. the
engineer picked up a wrench and
waved 1t with a menacing gesture.
"ITl brain you," he grated. 'rf you
try to interfere. I'm running this en-
ginei"
The fireman looked at him helpless
ly. Jim was running to the devil and
death. indeed.
For a moment he considered the
a violent maniac with q wrench 10 .
dangerous foe.
He glanced out Of the gangway and
watched the right-of-way rush by. The
speed was becoming more perilous
with every plunge Of the drivers.
Jim sat leaning out Of the window.
The fireman could scarcely stand, 90
violent was the lurching Of the en-
gine.
He crept forward. but Jim turned
and discovered him.
Back" he snarled at the fireman.
Remember. I'll brain you II you don't
stay where you belong"
The fireman stepped to the tender.
cast an apprehenslve glance behind
him, and. observing that Jim was once
more intent on his mad purpose. he
clambered over the coal and climbed
down the steel ladder behind the ten
der.
Gasping. he burst into the way-car.
On the floor, their faces frozen with
terror, was the train crew. At sight
Of the fireman. their mouths gaped
stupidity.
In a few words he explained what
had occurred In the cab, and. after
some hesitation. they Joined him when
he urged them to help him to overpow-
er the insane engineer.
One by one they made their way in
silence to the cab. and then rushed at
Jim. He turned with an oath and
swung the wrench, but a hand caught
1t and held 1t aloft while the others
mastered him after a short struggle.
The speed of the train was reduced,
and. with Jim In the way-car and the
fireman at the throttle, the train was
halted a few yards before the derail
which would have hurled them down
H..