Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 44, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 1 May 1875 — Page 2

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THE "MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

KITCHEN CONSOLATION.

Oh! this baking and brewing, This boiling and mewing, And washing of dUbes three Limes in a day!

Tbe griddle cakes taming, The nkimmisg for churning, The setting of tabft* and clearing away:

What 1» it but weariness, Work without cheerfulness, The same round of labor day after day

I'd rather be painting. Or sewing, or braiding.

Or spending my time In a pleasanter way

Thus my fancy kept dreaming O'er the hot dishes steaming, And wond'ring why I must a kitchen lire tend—

Till an angel's low whispering Compelled me to listening, And taught me these household discomforts to mend.

Is your work not the oldest, The osefulest, noblest^— In ministering daily to the life God ha» given?

If the work is unceasing Of washing and sweeping. Itemember that order's the first law of Heaven 1

Pray what gives more pleasure Than a welT-tseasfrued dinner. _, When tastefully served on the family boara

Thank God you can laborCan kneed, mix and flavor, And draw pleasant meals from the farmers rich hoard.

That heartoome delight. At morn, noon and night. When the family gathers for chat and good

Thtuf should you be complaining Of work unavailing, That brings Joy to the loved ones each day

In the year!

[Berlbner's Monthly.]

AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL ROMANCE.

CHAPTER I. THE ENGINE.

She wis a beauty. From bead-ligbt to buffer-casting, from spark-arrester to air-brake oouplfiig, she shene resplendent. A thing of grace and power, she seemed Instinct with life as she paused

upon

her breathless flight. Even while resting quietly upon the track, she trembled with the pulsations of her mighty heart. Small wonder that the pawengers waiting upon tbe platform came down to gaze upon the great express engine. No. 59. She seemed long and slender like a grayhound, and her glistening sides, delicate forefeet, and uplifted bead were suggestive of speed

anThe°en|rineer

stepped down from his

high throne with his long nickel-plated oiler in hand, and the fireman clambered over the glistening heap of coal and swung round the great copper-water-pipe that the magnificent creature might have a drink of pure spring water. The engineer looked eagerly up and down the platform as if in search of some one. Two or three tourist® of the usual type and astray idler were all to be seen. A trroup of big fellows were unloading mail bags, and beyond them the busy throng down the platform was lost to view. How lovingly he touched the shining arms of his great pet with the smooth clear oil, golden and limpid. Here her great cylinder, seventeen inches wido, and with a stroke of twen-ty-four, safely rested behind the sturdy buttress that held her forefoot so daintily thrust out In front. The head-light gleamed in ail tbe sparkle of plate glass, and her shapely rods fairly glowed in

On one side lay her

polished beaut}", boi

uoiler-feed pump, a finished bit ot me chanism, and ou the other was hung a 8team-injector lor forcing water into the boiler without the aid of the pump How porfect everything! Even the drivlng-wheols were works of art. From balanoed throttle-valves to air-brake she had evenr deviee that American skill bad produced, or that such an engine could demand, and her thirty-five tons of chained-up energy seemed the perfect expression of the highest mechanic art.

With a loud roar her safety-valve yielded to her pent-up vitality and filled all the air with clouds of steam. The engineer gazed proudly upon his noble steed, ana then looked anxiously down the platform to see if any came whoso presence would be welcome.

The fireman swung back the great copper pipe, and the idlers suddenly withdrew. The last trunk was thrown in, and the engineer climbed slowly up into his house. He looked anxiously about the long platform. It was nearly cloar, and he could see the gold band on the conductor's hat glistening in the gun.

Where can she linger? Why does she not como? 69 is here, and still she comes not. The gold-bande4 cap is lilted in the air. With one band on the throttle-valve, the engiueer glances down the long empty platform. The bell rings there is a hissing sound beneath the giant's foot the house trembles slightly the water-tank seems to move backward the roar of the safetyvalve suddenly stops tho fury of the great iron monster vents itself in short deep gasps clouds ol smoke pour down en everything. They almost hide the platform from view.

All! A dress 11 uttering In the doorway. Some ene appears abruptly upon tho platform. With both bands on the throttle-valve, the engineer leans out the window. A handkerchief is quickly flirted in the air. He nods, smiles, and then turns grimly away .and stares out ahead with a fixed look as if the world had suddenly grown very dark, and life was an iron road with dangers everywhere. The fireman shovels ooal into the fiery cavern at the engineer's fWt, and then stirs up the glowing mass till roars and flames with fbry. The steam-guage trembles at 120°, and quickly rise* to 125°.

The

vast engine trem

bles and throbs as it leaps forward. The landscape—woods, houses and fields seetu to take wings in a wild Titanic waits. Tbe engineer gases ahead with tight-run lips, but bis heart can outrun his locomotive, and lingers behind al the deserted way-station.

just as

—_ m» iw

CHAPTER II.

THX -naJWRAPK OPERATOR. f' With that perversity tor which railroads are famous, the line did not enter the town, but passed along its outermost edoe, among the farms and woodlands. This aflfceied the life of the place curiouslv. At one hour the station was animated and thronged with people at another it was dull, quiet and deserted by all ssve the station-master and his daughter. She it was who guarded tbe little telegraph received and ssnt the telegrams of the town, and did anything else that pertained to her position. She had a little box of a place portioned off in one corner of the ladiesr waitingroom, where there was a sunny windo* that looked flur up the line, and a Little opening where she received the messages. She viewed lift* through this scant outlook, and thought it very queer.

Were people always in a state of exciterZl everybody .have

And everything IS So bright and handsome. I" know you're proud of her."

John thought he was also proud of somebody else. Then they smiled, and the fireman whistled softly as he pushed back the water-spout. How brief the procious moments I

John pulled out a little blank-book and began hastily to tell her about the new prise the Directors had offered to the engineer who should travel five thousand miles with the least expenditure of coal and oil. It would take about twenty-seven days to decide tbe matter, and then the books would be all bandea in, and tbe records examined, and tbe prize awarded.

And if we oould get it!" It would come Tn very convenient for

She blushed a rosy blush, and, clasping his arm, she laughed softly and said: My dear, you must win it. We shall want it for—our

Lively, now! Here comes tho Condue'." What a friendly fireman! How sharp he watched for the lovers The girl prepared to spring down from the engine when the gold-Banded cap of the conductor came in sight. "Run up to the siding. Mills, and bring down that extra car/'

Aye, aye, sir. Cast off tho couplings, Dick.1' Then, in a whisper: wait a bit, Kate. Ride up to the sid- .» in

"Eit ig with us. Th« 6 girl neded no invitation.

Oh! I intended to. Here, let me tend the bell." Good! Do. Dick must tend the

^V^/th^a hiss and a jar the monster started forward, while the girl sat on the fireman's high seat with her hand on the bell-rope and one little foot steadled against the boiler. Suddenly, John turned the valve for tbe air-brake and reversed his lever, and the monster stopped. A deafening blast from tbe whistle. "Where is that signal maoi? why don't he show bis flag?"

Again the whistle roared in short, ick blasts. Why didn't I thinkof It be-

qui "Oh! tew?" "Think of what?" "That whistle. You oould use it to

Why, you see, I never exactly know when you are coming. I cannot your whistle from any other, and so sometimes mias seeimr vtm."

John, pulling at the tlm)ttlo valve.

sni

Tika

phabet.

mentf Did everybody have tfQ^hls in jhhn'ii *°The' next' taoradng the express tore the family that aemanded sttch tg«ath* Tfcf s^eMjnlWs»Pthrautrh the drlving rain, and less, heart-rendi imaseges? M|«s in ever den th

trains the station was quite deserted, stopped, and then Woked up to we and were it not for the ticking of the train.

and were it not for the ticking of tho clock, and the incessant rattle of fretful machine on her desk, it would be as still isachurch on Monday. At first with the burly engineer, nodded to the hSlfby lUtiningto the .nd Am .pr.ng lightly to th. strange language of

clock, and. the ino»»nt, rattle oMhe

l?e

Kate,

with

ratoV'w'ith'\m'«SKK. X% ••»»?Th°*roo,ke^Icbed5"Ib'1 S*ora ^"S'nd'tbSr' iStTtte dr','?b*.rain riowl/

Then there was John. She saw him for one hurried moment every day, and

the thinking of it filled many a weary hour. He was the engineer of the express, and stopped at the station every afternoon at nve and just be fere daylight every morning. She met him at the water-tank by da awoke to hear his tra the valley. She heard .. passed the grade orossing, a mile up the line, and as it pulled up at the station. ,,

work S&wedUWand bo- glow of theMUingsungtldmgherbMgbt

thTOih^tb«?°HTSe1!tohMdrednml"S "Tho roar of the train melted away on ipi^ and 2d never met. Finally, the air. Still, rtj .M»d took wiselv to reading books, and the tently. She would wait till she heard "a*"""1 to""1 eI0"* ^."meCJ'homK^bfthedla Business. tance. came this strange rhythmic song:

A smile and a blush lit up, her winsome face. How quickly love can learn!

That night, the waning moon sank cold and white in the purple west, while came out to see the awoke suddenly that tbe roar ot his

train

How and 8wee

If tLe night was calm, she heard the He has crossed faint rumble as it flew over the resounding iron bridge at the river. Then she slept again. He would soon reach tbe city, and on the morrow she would see him again.

The happy morrow always found her at her post, busy and cheerful as the long day crept away, and the time drew near day crept away, and the time drew near The last local train to the city left the for his train. Oh! if her window only station. The gray old station-master looked out tho other way, that she might

she wanted

little office and go out

close her

the water-tank

where John waited, oiler in hand, to see her. Strange, that he should always be oiling up tust there.

This time, she waited with calm face and beating heart to see if any stupid iassenger nad forgotten anything, that ue mast telegraph home. Fortunately, none came, and as the engine rolled past her window, she hastily put on her pretty hat and ample cloak and Went out on the platform. A few qutok steps, and she was beside thfe noble 59.

Tho fireman smiled a grimy smile, and, while, he swung tbe water-pipe over the tender, he gave a lively whistle. Tbe engineer tipped up his oiler with a sudden jerk, as if the piston-rod had quite enougn, and then climbed hastily into the cab. There she sat on° the fireman's perch, radiant, blushing, and winsome.

She's a beauty—perfectlylovely, and a Westinghouse, too! I tried to see you yesterday, and aren't you very proud of

John thought be was rather proud of i. she was perfect. Ran her one hundred and fifty miles yesterday, for the first time. The little electrician was charmed. To think that John should be appointed master over the Company's new express engine. Dear fellow, he bad run that old 13, till she was ready to rattle to pieces. And now, what a magnificent machine he had beneath him!

CHAPTER

'fir: .-y

THE OTHER OPERATOR.

Tbe last local train to the city left the

maa -Kn Ao iwniA mnnd the curve in the Ko.r.ru.rn trunks into the freight see No. 59 come round the curve in the woods! The station was always full at that hour, and messages were sure to come in

TERRE TT ATJTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

won't do to practloe now. Soe ho*f,tht the telegraph wirss wltbaUw moaning

a ^ncU^ row

"'""'."J"'™* buret out with .deaf.

the notes so far

away! There! He has crossed the bridge. Deix John!" Then she slept again. &

out the lamps on the platform, roll-

ed the baggage trucks into the freight house, ana, naving made the tour of the switches to se© that all wm dew for tho main-line night mall, he returned to his little tioket den. ...

His daughter still sat reading like a demure cat in her little corner. The old man remarked that it was ten o'clock, and time to go home. "Leave the key, father I'll lock up and return home as soon as I have finished this chapter."

Tbe old fellow silently laid a bunch of keys on her desk and went his way. The moment he departed she finished her chaptor in a flash, and laying the book down, began to operate her telographlc apparatus.

No re]

gone to No response. reply. Good. Now, if the operator at

-hTv.

SE£

Good,

Allston Junction paid no heed. Vnw fnr

sv„re^h^ef^iSTtedr"uirrt roared again. The whlstto aanaiosd, but love no longer ehanilearits Iron voice.

The eleetlicaaiiatsned in silence, and then, after a tear or two, slept again.

conversation wa. by sound taawriej of woods.to, rat_ofl_ tha^.bend«hewjd. long and short notes—nervous and staccato for tbe bright one in the little station smooth, legato and placid for the city girl.

Translated, it ran as follows:^4 r* Kate—"I taught him my name in Mcrse's alphabet, and he sounds itou his whistle as he comes up to tbe station but I am in daily terror lest some impertinent operator should hear it, ana, ostching its meaning, tell of it."

The other operator was all sympathy, and replied: I see the dauger. At the same time, my dear, I think the idea is worthy of your bright self. It is perfectly jolly. Think of hearing one's name for miles over the country on a steam-whistle. I never heard of anything so romantic in my life."

Kate—"And when he passes in the night he sounds my name all through the valley, and I can hear it for miles. How people would laugh if they knew what it meant."

Mary—"They would, I'm sure, and it would be very unpleasant to be found out. Why dwn't you fix up some kind of open circuit and let him telegraph to you from tbe line as he approaches your station?"

Kate—"My lovo, your idea is divine. If I only had a wire/' Mary—'"It would take two wires, you know, and a small battery. At the same time, it would not cost much, and would be perfectly safe."

Kate—"Would not some one find it out and be ringing the bell out of mischief?" Mary—"No. You could hide the connections in the bushes or trees by the road, and his engine could touch it as it passed."

Kate—"Yes, but wouldn't every engine touch it Mary—^"Then you could fix it so that a stick, or something secured to the engine, would brush it as it passed. No other engine would be provided with tbe stick, and they would all pass in silence."

Tbe idea was almost too brilliant for contemplation, ana tne two menas, one in her deserted and lonely station in the tar country, and the other in the fifth story of a city block, held close converse over it for an bowr or more, and then they bid each other good night, and the wires were at rest for a time.

About five one afternoon shortly alter Kate sat in her office waiting for 69 to sound its Titanic love*signal. Presently it came in loud-mouthed notes:

She dosed her little office Jiastily, and went out on the platform. As she opened the door, two young men laughed said aloud:

eu ineaow, T-WU JVU«b £i, immoderately, and one ss »Kate! Who's Kate?"

lythlng ofit." It will nem do, John! They have Ho saving, she stood up. leaned over found It ail out." th« boiler and flrrapingtbe Iron rod

Bot-hatdo-U^ll^

St Hpok -hat are we to dot If I in innff and ahort blasts, that may be egraph you from tbe station below. toSowsV* trouldnl do. It is too far away, represented as ioiiqwb^ Beside*, it would be costly, and some-

sounder. Mom's al- body would suspect,"

Fniinri out! She hastily Found out! She hastily turned away nam mer.

sometimes miss seeing^£tra. to hide the blush that mounted to her Then they started doyn the track, I—have—noticed^ 'hat -nttln VJWJL

temples and

form lhe

wuSU'o^t^tW «». 1"*.

meant somo signal, and it would make trouble." Yes, but If you did this, I should know you were coming, ana nobody would think

But. what can I doJ 59 rolled op to tho spot, and the lav- All right so for. Ah! a break whistles or three, they would think it with MM hud on ,ha« mmt nmir it IJICA a nimble cat

up ~-, With one hand on the iron

Oh! I was afraid they would. Now

Oh! lit me learn Unf by bj.rt." Oood-b^e, de^. l'n. «.rr, w. mo* Yon mutt, John. ,Aad wlll itnot b.

Kvu muw, «vuii« AMU ill am using to hear the folks talk What on ^1^,rboul dood-b^ gorf-i^.

The signal-man looked lndignai»t as htased ©at 59 rolled past him. What was the of such din on the whistle! man craxy!

You must write it down,

Andi Johnt

Bood of steam frvm her cylinders, snd moved Was^he slowly forward. Then Kate stood alone lupin on tbe platform. The sun sunk in angry clouds, and the wind sighed in

CHAPTER IV.

XX)VB AND LH1HTNIK0.

It was a lovely autumnal afternoon, and tho lovers went out to walk ia the glorious weather.

To escape observing eyes, they wandered down the railroad track toward the woods, where the line made a great curve to avoid a bend in the river.

After a while they reached a shady dell in the woods, and, taking down a bar in tho fence, they entered its depths. Just here tbe various telegraph wires hung in long festoons from their polos. With a sudden cry of delight, she seized his arm and cried: "Look, John. Just the thing. An abandoned wire." "Well} what of it?"

te, te Per

My dear, can't we use it Come, let us follow It and see where it baps we may make it useful.1

John failed to see how that might be. Kate was all eagerness to follow the wire and returned to the track, and began trace the wire up and down the line far as it was visible. John replaced the fenoe rail and joined her. Then she began to talk in that rapid manner that was so becoming to her. He was fairly dazzled by the brilliancy and audacity of er ideas. They both walked on the sleeoers towards the bridge over the river. The wire was still continuous, but after walking about half a mile, they found it was broken, and apparently abandoned. Then she laid down her plan. This wire had been put up by certain company some years since, bi as the company foiled, the wire had been abandoned, and here for perhaps a mile it was still hanging on its insulators. At the bridge it came to a sudden end.

tut

Now, if we can manage to rig up an ether wire from here to our station we can make an open circuit, and as you pass this point you can join it and—— ring a bell in my office!"

The two sat down on the iron bridge and fairly laughed at the splendor of the idea. Suddenly she looked very grave. "The expense!" "Ah! yes. Well, I'm willingt© pay something for the advantage of seeing you every day. It's worth——" "Howmuch?"

About $5,000,000." "John!" Two days after, a package came by express from th© city, and Kate stowed it away in her telegraphic den till evening. Then, when the day had passed, and

Then, wnen vue any

iplv. Middleboro had evidently she nad some leteure, Art Kat wiYhV Mttall brass song or bell enbox "with a small brass gong or bell

Dawson City refused to attached to the bottom. A sle mer hung beside it, and there were places for securing the connecting wires, an electric bell and 3,000 feet of insulated wire and a bill for the same. Eleven dollars.

a.- aliA AM/4

the "junction failed to reply, she and Mary would have the line to themselves an electric bell and 3,OW feet with none to overhear. a bill for the sam

Not half so bad as I expected. As for the battery. I fancy I can make one

for tbe battery,

.. a m.t.l® Rftid will answer, and Mary replied instantly, and at once the two girl friends were in close conversation with one hundred miles of land and water betweett them. The land and waver ooiween mjoiu*

lanoy w»u v.™

A pickle jar, some zinc and cop-

jr and a little acid will answer, and jrohn can arrange the rest. Fortunately I selected insulated wire, as we shall have to carry our line through the

vkj

Thus talking and planning to herself, she examined her purchase, and then carefully placing the bell aud the wire in a closet under her desk, she closed up the station and went demurely home, conscious of the innocence of all her dark plottings.

The third day after seemed like the Sabbath, and was not. It was Thanksgiving Duy, and all the very good people went soberly to church. The good .people like Kate and her lover did nothing of the kind. John Mills, engineer, did not ride on No. 59 that day. He had a holiday, and came to see Kate early in the morning. She proposed a walk in the woods, as tbe day was fine.

Did you bring the boots I did, my love, spike and all. I triea 'em on an apple-tree, and I found I oould walk up the stem as nicely as a fly on the ceiling."

That is good for, on the whole, I think wo must shorten the line, and cut off that great bend in the rOad."

And save btfttery power Yes. My pickle-jar battery works well, but I find that it is notjparticularly powerful. It rings the bell furiously when I close the circuit, but the circuit is not two vards long. What it will do when the line is up, remains to be seen."

Where did you place the bell?" Oh, I hung it up in the cupboard under my desk. I can hear it, and no one will be likely to look for it there. But that is not the great difficulty. How are we to hide the wires that enter the station?" ,'

I wouldn't try. Lot them stand in plain sight. Not a soul will ever notice them among the crow of wires that pass the station."

By this time the two had reached tbe railroad station, and, opening her little office, they both went in. Presently they reappeared, each with a brown paper parcel, and, with the utmost gravity, walked away down tbe line toward the woods.

In a few moments they were lost to view round a curve in the road, and they turned off toward the bank and sat lown on a large, flat stone. "Tbe boots, Kate."

She opened the bundle she nad In her

were also leather straps and buckles, and John, laying aside nis burden, proceeded to strap them to bis feet. When nearly to the knee, and the steel points were just b* low the instep. Kate meanwhile took a pair of stout shears from her pocket and began to open tbe other bundle. It contained a large roll of insulated copper wire, some tacks, and a hammer.

walked rapidly up the plat- uh sharp eyes en tbe abandoned wire

water-tank. hanging in long festoons from its insu-

K,d.the h0iron

.1^

engine, she stood waitat once began to talk rap-

front of his lag him, an idly.

»nd

hanging in long lators. All right so for. Ah! break they must repair it. like a nimble cat John mounted the pole, and Kate unrolled the wire as he took it up. In a moment or two he had it secured to the old wire. Then up the next pole, and whUe Kate pulled ft tight he secured it, and the line was reunited.

Then on and on they walked, watching tbe win-, and still finding it whole. At last they reached the great Iron bridge, and anxiously scanned the dozen er more wires, to see if their particular thread was still continuous.

We must cross tbe river, John. The line seems to be whole, and we can take oar new line through tbe woods on the other shore till we reach the town bridge." ftwas a relief to leave tbe diay open deepen of tbe bridge snd stand once more on firm ground.

This must be tbe limit of our circuit, largei I wish itwasllrger, for it will not give me more than three minutes time, how,

if you'll break Vie line on JOPQJK The«t waaa sound ql fkllinjg glMB, and Own tM new insalatel Hue secured to tbe old line (fee lgokftt end ftUto the ground and wai ahandonsd. rbf buf ah hour or mow the two were busy over their work, and then It was finished. It wss a queer-looking affair, and no one would ever guess where it was or what it was designed to do. A slender maple-tree beside the track had a bit of

stood a large oak-tree, also having feet of wire secured norisontally to its branches. From the slender maple a wire ran to the old telegraph line. From tbe old oak our young people quiokly ran anew line through the woods by •imply tacking it up out of sight in the

Then they came to the wooden bridge where the town road crossed the stream. It took but a few moments to tack tbe insulated wire to the under sido of one of the strine-pieoes well out ot sight, and then they struck off Into the deep woods again.

Threenours later they struck the railroad, and found tbe old wire some distance beyond the station up the line. Again the two-legged cat ran up the pole, and there was a sound of breaking glass. The old wire foil down smon tne bushes, and the new one was jolne to tbe piece still on tbe line. A short time after, two young people with rather light bundles axd very light hearts gravely walked into the station and then soberly went to their dinner. That night two mysterious figures flitted about the platform of the deserted sta tion. One like a eat ran up the dusky poles, and the other unrolled a bit of copper wire. There was a sound of boring, and two minute wires were pushed through a hole in tbe window frame. The great scientific enterprise was finished. /tvyt*

CHAPTER V. .*£ -5. .ALXOST TBLHSOOPBD. 'V

It was very singular how absentminded and inattentive the operator was that day. She sent that order for flowers to the butcher, and Mrs. Robinson's message about the baby's croup went to old Mr. Stimmins, the bachelor lodger at the gambrel-roofed house.

No wonder she was distutbed. Would the new llna work Would her picklejar battery be strong enough for such a great circuit Would John be able to close it? The people began to assemble for the train. The clock* pointed to the hour for its arrival.

He cometh not," she said. Then she began to be a little tearful. The people all left the waiting-room and went out on tbe platform, and the place was deserted and silent. She listened intently. There was nothing, save the murmur of the voices outside, and the irritating tick of the clock.

Suddenly, with startling distinctness, the bell rang dear and loud in the echoing room. With a little cry of delight she put on her dainty hat and ran in haste out upon the platform. The idle people started at her flushed and ro face, and she turned away and walk toward the water-tank. Not a thing in sight What did it mean

rosy

Klkea

Abl Tbe whistle broke loud and clear on the eooi, crisp air, and 50 appeared round the curv£ in the woods. The splendid monster slid swiftly up to her feet and paused. "Perfect, John! Perfect! It works to a charm."

With a spring sbe reached the cab and sat down on-the fireman's seat. Blessed if I could tell what he was going to do," said Dick. "He told me about it. Awful bright idea! You see, be laid the poker on the tender brake there, and it hit the tree slam, and I saw tbe wires touch. It wss just prime 1"

The happy moments sped, and 60 groaued ana slowly departed, while Kate stood on tbe platform, her face wreathed in smiles snd white stesm.

So the lovers met each day, and none knew how she was made aware of his approach with such absolute certainty. Science applied to love, er rather love applied to science, oan move the world.

Two whole weeks passed, and then there suddenly arrived at the station, late one evening, a special with the directors'carattached. Tbe hsnorable directors were hungry—they always are— and would pause on their journey and take a cup of tea and a bit of supper. The honorables and their wives and children filled the station, and the place put on quite a gala aspect. As for Kate, she demurely sat in her den, book in hand, and over its unread pages admired the gay party in the brightly lighted waiting-room.

Suddenly, with furious rattle her elec

What was it? What did it mean? Who rang it? With affrighted face she burst from her office ana brushed tbrsugh the astonished people and out upon the snowcovered platform. There stood the directors' train upon the track of the oncoming engine.

The conductor! Where is he Oh! sir! Start! Start! Get to tbe siding. The express! The express is coming!"

With a cry she snatched a lantern from a brakeman's band, and in a flash was gone.

They

mad

saw her light pitching

snd dancing through the darkness, snd they were lost in wonder and amazement. Tbe due BOW She must be

lrl is crazy! No train is rhere can be no danger.

Ah 1 that horrible whistle. Sueh a wild shriek on the winter's night! Tbe men sprang to tbe train, and the women and children fled in frantic terror in ivory direction.

Run for your lives," screamed the conductor. "There's a smash-up coming

A short, sharp scream from tbe whistle. Tbe

head

light gleamed on the

snow-covered

track, and there was a

rush of sliding wheels and thegi"ne roared like a demon. The wlydrew near and stopped in ura .vJis. A hundred beads looked out, snd a stalwart figure leaped down from the engine and ran into tbe bright glow of the head-light. "Kate!"

Oh! John, I She fell into bis arms senseless and white, and the lantern dropped from her hand.

They took her up tenderly and bore her into the station-house and laid her upon the sofc In the ladies' room." with hushed voices they gather round to offer aid and comfort. Who was she? How did she save tbe train How did she know of its approach •4 Bhe is my daughter," Mid tbe old station-master. Bhe tends tbe tele-

8*r£e

President of tbe Railroad, in his

gold-bowed spectacles, drew near. One grand lady in silk and sstin pillowed Kate's head on her breast. They jail gathered near to see if she revived- She opened her eyes and gased about dreamily, as If in search of something.

TV* «nn wtah anvthing. m: said

want—I wan. They handed her some wine in a silver

oblet. She sipped a littfa and then' ooked among the strange ftces ss if in 1 search of soma sons. «, 1

Are you looking t& anyone, M£iV'r Yes—no—it Is no matter.. Thaajc you, ma'am, I batter. sprainedF %ny foot on the Keepers when Iran down tbe track. It is not severe, and I'll sit up."

They were greatly pleased to see her recover, and a quiet buzz of conversation -. filled the room. How did she know it? How oould sbe tell tbe special was chasing us? Good Heavens! if she had not"/ known it, what an aw Ail loss of lifo there would have beeg it was yery^_ eare!eaein the superintendent to follow our train in such a reckless manner.

You feel better, my dear," said the President. Yes, sir, thank you. I'm sure I'm thankful. I knew John—I mean the engine was coming." "You cannot be more grateful than we are to you for averting such a disastrous collision." "I'msure,lam pleased,sir. Inevep thought the telegraph

ub toe iBiegnpn

Sbe Wt I'd

Eat

aused abruptly, telegraph?" rather not tell, sir."

But you will tell us how you knew the engine was coming?" Must you know

We ought to know in order to reward you properly." She put up ner hand in a gesture or refusal, and was silent. Tbe Prosident

and directors consulted together, and two of them came to her and briefly said that they would be glad to know how ahe had been made aware of tbe approaching danger.

Well, sir, ft John is willing, I will tell you all." John Mills, engineer, was called, and he came in, cap in band, and the entire community gathered round in tbe greatest eagerness.

Without the slightest affectation, she put her hand on John's grimy arm, and. said:

Shall I tell them, John They wish to know about it, It saved their lives, they say." "Ana mine, too," said John, reverently. "You nad best tell them, or let me."

Sbe sat down again, and then and there John explained how the open circuit line bad been built, hew it was used, and frankly told why it had been elected.

Never did story create profounder sensation. The gentlemen shobk hands with him, and the President actually kissed her for the Company. A real Corporation kiss, loud ana hearty. The ladies fell upon her neck, and actually cried ever the spleadid girl. Even the children pulled her drees, and put tbeir arms about her neok, and kissed away the happy tears that covered her cheeks.

Poor child! She was covered with oonfusion, and knew not what to say or do, and looked imploringly to John. He drew near, and proudly took her band in his, ana she brushed away tho. tears and smiled.

The gentlemen suddenly seemed to have found something vastly interesting to talk about, for they gathered in a knot in the corner of tho room. Pros ently tbe President said aloud

Gentlemen and Directors, you must rdon me, and I tri^st the ladies will

Mr. President!" Every eye was turned to a corner where a gray-haired gentleman had mounted a chair. p,ii\

Mr. President." Mr. Graves, director for the State, oentlemen." 1 tttg leave, sir, to offer a resolution."

Tbenke began to read from a slip of paper. Whereas. John Mills, engiueer oi engine Number 59, of this railway line, erected a private telegraph and, whereas be, with the assistance of the telograph operator of this station (I leave a blank for her name,) used the said lino without the consent of this Company, and for other than railway business:

It te resolved that be be suspended*— permanently from bis position as engineer, and that the said operator be re( quested to resign

A murmur of disapprobation filled the room, but tbe President commanded alienee, and the State Director went on. resign her place.

It is further resolved, and is hereby ordered, that the said John Mills be and Is appointed chief engineer of tbe new*" repair shops at 81awson."

A tremendous cheer broke from tho assembled company, and the resolution was passed witn a shout of assent.

How it all ended they'never knew. It seemed like a dream, and they could not believe it true till they stood a'eno In the winter's night on the track besido that glorious 69. The few cars the engine had brought up had been joined to tbe train, and 09 had been rolled out on tbe siding. With many band-shakings for John, and hearty kisses for Kate, and a round of parting cheers for the two, the train sped away. The idlers had dispersed, and none lingered about the abandoned station save tbe lovers. 69 would stay that night on tbe siding, and they had walked up the track to bid it along ferewell.

For a few moments they stood in tho glow of tbe great lamp, and then he quietly put it out. and left the giant to breathe away its fiery life in gentlo clouds of white steam. As for tbe lovers they had no need of its light. The winter's stars shone upon them, and tho calm cold night seemed a paradise ba-? low.

Ladies at Home

Can earn from 110 to MO a week, cauvasnlntf fer the Saturday Evening Mail and Its charming Cbromos. See prospectus In another column, and send for circular of instructlons. Or better still, send Two Dollars for outfit

mad

ately.

rou to order for

do the same, If I oall brief matter of business.'' There was a sudden hush, snd thd room, now packed to suffocation, was painfully quiet.

Tbe Secretary will please take uiinutes of this meeting." The Secretary sat down at Kate's deskFf?3 and then there was a little pause.

eommence work immedi

treatment, between 9 a. m. and

M. P. ARMSTRONG, M. D.

PHTIIC1AX AXD

Takes this method ol Informing the public Uiat he has moved to Indianapolis, and es-T^ tablliibed a Private Hospital for the Treaty. meni of Bissasos of Women, at the south-f west corner of Pennsylvania and

Tinkerf:

streets. The building and grounds are largo and piemant. Ladles can have good room*, boara and medical atttention in thesaraij building. An experienced female nurxe will be In attendance at all times. Having bad an extensive experience in tbe treatment of chronic diseases for fifteen years, two of whieb were spent in female hospital* in Europe, he feels confident in renderiuK -,i entire musfactien to all who may favor

,u/

41p.

Pennsylvania street *r* P«** tfie door. RsrsjuotCBS: Pfof. Win. Mnssey. H. D.,^. Cln. 0. J. O. McPtaeter*, M. J. I. Maxwell. M.D-Bloomington, Ind.,Hon.H. H. Bnt kirk, j^adpjhil'reme Court, city Rev. Wm. r. Black, city Exra Read,M. iK and Hon. Thoe Dowllag, Terre Haute, Ind.. and Alex. Mann, Pari*, HI.