Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 March 1891 — The Black Cat Train. [ARTICLE]

The Black Cat Train.

The Madison branch of the P., C., C. & St. L. sports what is called by the railro d boys the “Black Cat” train, says the Louisville Times. Some time over a month ago the train, in charge of Conductor Wheedon, pulled out from Columbus, and just beyond that city the trainmen observed two black cats crossing the track ahead of the locomotive. It was jokingly remarked that this was a sign of ill-luck, and, sure enough, the train was wrecked a few moments after. Fortunately nobody was hurt. Since then the trainmen claim to have seen one or both black pats crossing the track ahead of the train several times, and some mishap always followed. Night before last the black cat Crossed in front of the train again, and sure enough the engine brake her “saddle” a few miles below Columbus. This is the last piece of ill-luck credited to the black cat. It is said that the trainmen are becoming nervous over the persistence of the ebon-hued feline, and next time they see it cross before the train will tpra back for a freah start at the risk of a discharge. Ihe belief in the evil influence of a black cat is as old as the hills, but is especially strong among railroad men. One of the recent applications oi electricity that promises toi be of considerable benefit to sea-going men is a log for registering tho rate of travel oi high speed vessels-