Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1893 — Startled the Engineer. [ARTICLE]

Startled the Engineer.

A cruel joke was perpetrated on the engineer of the Louisville and [Nashville passenger train which reached this city late yesterday afternoon, says the Louisville CourierJournal. Several miles from the city the engineer was horrified to see what appeared to be the form of a man asleep on the track a short distance ahead. He frantically applied the airbrakes and blew the whistle in short, quick jerks, in the hopes of awakening the sleeping man. Immediately ‘heads began to pop out of the car windows, and as the supposed man in front was see* upon vne track they were quickly jerked back to escape seeing the sickening accident, which it appeared could not be averted. As the engine passed over the object the engineer and fireman closed their eyes and fancied they could feel the wheels pass over the body. When the train was finally stopped passengers and trainmen hurried back to the spot, where the dark object could still be seen, but now cut into several pieces. A search was already started for a doctor, when it was discovered that the mutilated remains were those of a dummy, with a pumpkin for a head. The figure had on a complete suit of cloths, and at a distance had a most natural appearance. The men returned, much disgusted, but greatly relieved, to the train.