Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 691 — page 2: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

~~ ‘ fy - a ee “ y “onl ; ‘ to address the fireman who, perched upon the running-board, was scrubbing away as though his very life depended on his efforts. ** Humph! Exackoon them words o’ yourn are a leetle mice unnecessary, pard, considerin’ the fact that I’ve be’n a-doin’ the great scrubbin’ act for the past hour,” returned Rufe Ruffle, quick- ly. “‘It’ll take mighty sharpeyesight to discover a trace o’ dust or grease on the old machine when I get done with her, I'll allow.” Indeed, the fireman’s assertion was fully sub- stantiated by the appearance of the majestic ** iron-horse” which was the subject of such care- ful attention. A locomotive superior to the ‘*Fleetwing” never turned a wheel upon the irons, and her sterling worth had been demon- strated by long and constant service, though the uninformed observer might be misled into be- lieving her fresh from the hands of the builder, so bright and beautiful was her appearance, A thorough repainting had been the first step toward restoring the ‘* Fleetwing’s” original beauty, and the rest remained for Headlight Harry and his faithful assistant to accomplish. Their work was now all but finished, and from cow-catcher to tender the huge machine gave evidence of their clever handicraft, Long and sedulous polishing had transformed every inch of brass and steel-work into burnissed gold and silver that gleamed refulgently in the morning sunlight, Then, too, countless yards of bunting hung in graceful festoons from every practicable sere Sas while numerous flags and streamers uttered idly in the breeze, going far to render the general aspect of the “ Fleetwing” as at- tractive as it was unusual, But why these unwcnted preparations? It must indeed be, as Headlight Harry remarked, ‘**a special occasion,” to call for such remarkable onstrations. In truth, this bright Spring morning was to witness no less an event than the completion and formal opening of the Bel- mont Branch of the R. & 8. R. R. The R. & 8S, was then among the foremost of our thriving Western corporations, and the addition of the Belmont Branch to their already extensive lines was the latest and most convinc- ing evidence of their indefatigable papi A The new road, leaving the main line at Rich- ville, extended fifty miles or more to Belmont, a prosperous and populous community nestled cozily among the foot-hills. The country en route was unusually wild and ee eee resenting such serious obstacles to railroad building that, up to date, tae good people of Belmont and the several intervening places were forced to be content with the old-fashioned, slow-going stage-coach. Bat now, what a wondrous change was wrought! Discoveries of precious metals in the valley had created a boom of no inconsiderable dimensions; and as a result Belmont and its hithetto unimportant neighbors were fast in- creasiug in siz2 and importance, and keenly felt the need of adequate transportation. To supply this much-felt want, the far-sighted manage- ment was led to project the new line in the face of well-nigh insurmountable obstacles, So, after many vicissitudes and at an enor- mous outlay, the Belmont Branch at last became a reality; and its completion was deemed an oc- casion for universal rejoicing by those who had so long been deprived of the advantages of rapid transit, To give full vent to popular enthusiasm, it was determined, ere opening the new road to regular travel, to devote a daytocelebrating the com- pletion of the stupendous work in a manner that should render it a veritable red-letter day ’ in the history of that enterprising community, Belmont was quite appropriately fixed upon as the scene of pert te but in order that all along the line might take a part in the memor- able occasion, it was arranged to run an excur- sion train from Richville, conveying the various railway officials as well as the bundreds of pleasure-seekers who were sure to embrace this rare opportunity for anouting. So the appoint- ed day was eagerly awaited, and bade faiz to witness a celebration long to be remembered. To pilot the excursionists on this the initial trip over the new line, no less a personage than Headlight Harry was selected; for, though hardly more than a boy in years, no more skilled and reliable engineer than he could be found on the entire road. He was ordered to hold himself in readiness for this special duty; and so we find him at the appointed hour, together with his efficient associate, actively engaged in preparing the “‘ Fleetwing ” for her part in the prospective jubilee, It was but natural that the young fellows should feel proud of the honor conferred by the management in thus selecting them, of all others, to serve on so auspicious an ~ Headlig t Harry’s Haul. occasion; end consequently their preparations were made in a spirit of great enthusiasm, ‘There, Rufus, old man! I propose we call the job complete,” cried Headlight Harry, at last. ‘“‘We have taxed our decorative in- geouity to its utmost, and, considering, the limited time and material at vur disposal, I flatter myself that the ‘Fleetwing’s’ appear- ance can scarcely be improved upon,” Rufe Ruffle walked round and round the dor- mant iron-horse, closely scrutinizing every point with admiring eves, ‘“‘There’s no flies on the old gal, betcher life,” he declared, with more fervor than elegance, ‘*No one with half an eye for the beautiful kin fail to fall dead in love with our pet machine, eh, Harry?” *“*T fancy we need not feel ashamed to head the procession, even in such distinguished com- pany as we sha]! be favored with te-day, I sup- pose you are aware that our first coach is to be occupied by the president, superintendent, directors, and so-forth, accompanied by their respective families,” ‘““Myeyel What an aggregation of wealth and aristocracy! I suppose the beautiful belle of Richville will be among the number,” “lf you refer to Mabel Melrose, our presi- dent’s daughter, I dare say the oceasion will be enlivened by her presence. Indeed, the party would be incomplete without her,” ** So say i, old pard; forshe’s just the boss gal of these parts—a reg’lar daisy from Daisyville, you hear me!” ‘* Yes; Miss Melrose is, indeed, an estimable young lady—as good and pure as she is beauti- ful,” complimented the young engineer; where at his comrade nodded approvingly. ‘No wonder all the young fellers in town are clean gone on the president’s daugh- ter, for she is a prize well worth the winning,” said Rufe Ruffle, garrulously, “I say, Harry, ou are a proverbially lucky dog, an’ quite a tatcg A wit his royal nibs. I shouldn’t be sur- rised if— ‘ Headlight Harry impatiently interrupted the speaker, — ‘That'll do, Rufe!” he sharply exclaimed, ‘I see what you are driving at, and beg to inform you that you’re on the wrong tack, You are probably unaware.that my matrimonial choice is already made, and that the day is not far dis- tant when [ hope to become a Benedict, My bride-elect, however, moves in the humbler -walks of life, far removed from Mabel Melrose, in point of wealth and station, but none the less an embodiment of womanly purity and loveli- ness, **Oh, ho! That's how the wind blows, is it? Well, I was a blockhead not to have surmised the truth afore, for all the boys have wondered what powerful! attraction ’twas that brought ye so frequently to old Seth Sharon’s cottage. a, ha! Got it right this time, haven’t I, Harry?” ‘* Your shot comes straight to the mark, Rufe,” admitted the engineer, while his handsome face flushed hotly. ‘*But come! . The excursion starts at 8 sharp, and it’s now 7:80. Time for us to pull out, I should judge.” He sprung lightly into the cab, with the fire- man scarcely behind him, ‘“* An’ so you’ve really détermined to commit matrimony, old pard?” went on the irrepressible Rufus, as they moved slowly out of the round- house, ‘* Well, here’s luck to both you an’ pret- ty Ruth, the flagman’s daughter; an’ don’t for- get to invite us boys when the interestin® event takes place. Asfor Mabel Melrose,” he added, ‘**T reckon she aspires to something better thana workin’-man, though they do say that Roy No- ble, the Express-messenger, has bright prospects in that direction, Well, Roy’sa first-rate feller, an’ here’s hopin’ he’ll reach the goal of his ambi- While the loquacious fireman thus gave his tongue free play, Headlight Harry ran his hand- some engine over the switch and thence back upon the main line to where waited the first sec- tion of the excursion train, consisting of several gayly-decorated cars, every one of which was already filled to overflowing with an eager crowd of Bom itn undreds, too, of no less enthusiastic stay-at-_ homes had congregated to witness the departure, and the appearance of the ‘ Fleetwing,” resplen- dent in her gala attire, was greeted by long and hearty applause, ‘‘ All aboard)” cried the conductor, standing watch in hand as the locomotive was s ily coupled to the forward car, while Rufe Ruffle nervously jerked the bell-rope and the engineer leanne from his window to catch the starting- sivnal, Promptly at the appointed moment it was given. Headlight Harry grasped the throttle, the ponderous wheels of tke iron-horse slowly revolved, and, amid the cheers of the populace and the strains of inspiring music, swelled by the clang of brazen bells and the deafening scream of steam-whistles, the first trip over the Belmont Branch was auspiciously begun. CHAPTER II, | AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING. AWAy rolled the long train, slowly at first, but with a gradually increasing speed that soon carried it beyond the environs of Richville and into a section of country hitherto untraversed by the iron steed, the wondrous scenic beauties of which immediately challenged general atten- tion. Now the course lay through a verdant valley, skirting the precipitous bank of a rapid stream which rushed leaping and swirling on its erratic course as if incensed at this intrusion upon its pristine solitude; then, crossing the creek upon a lofty trestle, the road ran for miles through the heart of the virgin forest, where mighty trees arose on either hand and interlocked their - giant branches overhead. Anon, a flourishin village would greet the eye—one of the severa communities along the line whose suddenly in- creasing size and importance had influenced to no small degree the construction of the Belmont Branch; then off again rumbled the train into another stratch of wilderness where Nature reigned in primeval grandeur. So, the special wound rapidly upon its ser- peptine course, skirting a verdant hillside here, crossing an airy trestle there; now clattering noisily through a narrow defile or hanging upon the very verge of a giddy orecipice, while ever aud anon the “* Fleetwing’s” lusty whistle awoke the echoes of the surrounding hills, Every turn*in the road brought some fresh scenic feature into prominence, and added to a rama of such rare 8 py tab beau ES to hold the eye enthralled by its magic power, Owing to the extreme pk the excursion train, together with the fact that every inch of the way was strange to the alert engineer, rapid running was scarcely to be expected; but the time was passed pleasantly by all on board, and, after an exhilarating ride of two hours’ duration they found themselves at their journey’s end. ; When the living stream of humanity poured from the cars, it was to find their coming antici- pated by a vast crowd that had assembled to extend a hearty welcome. Carriages were in waiting for the president’s party, who, under escort of the various local companies, were im- mediately driven away to the scene of the forth- coming ceremonies, while the main body of visitors, less favored but equally contented, "strap added their numbers to the concourse at already filled the streets of Belmont, It was evident that the town was now enjoy-~ ing a state of excitement never before expe- rienced in its eventful history, Expectant sight-seers thronged every thoroughfare, Pub- lic buildings, shops and private residences vied with each other in the magnificence of their decorations. From every advantageous point fluttered the glorious Stars and Stripes, while brazen bells clanged out a sonorous greeting upon the clear morning air, Upon an improvised platform, in the center of the village green, were conducted the opening exercises of the day, for no hall was adequate to hold one-tenth of the vast concourse of eager, cheering people. In a terse speech, President Melrose formally presented the new road to the public; after which remarks were in order from vafious town and railway officiels, together with distinguished guests, all of whom were attentively listened to and vociferously ap- plauded. ; _ These formal exercises being concluded, the ple dispersed in every direction, to yo fhe various features which an indefatigable committee on celebration had_considerately ar- ranged for the edification of Belmont’s citizens and guests, Of these it is quite unnecessary to speak in detail, enough to say that a grand military and civic procession was followed by a succession of sports and games, interspersed by frequent band. concerts, while a brilliant dis- play of fireworks in the early evening served to cap the climax of a Ong. and varied pre ania. n the mean time, baving carefully housed and cared for their pet iron horse, Headligh Harry and Rufe Ruffle were free to call the and or, they eme in all the glory of holiday attire, and mingled with the gay a jovous thro _ and time their own; 80, having discarded overalls t was but seldom that these hard-working — — ”