WANTED TO KNOW.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 27, 2 April 1907, Page 2

WANTED TO KNOW.

Patrick was a broth of a boy ; but he had not been, long in the employ of the railway company, and so, perhaps, it was not strange that he somewhat misunderstood his duties. One evening recently Patrick reached the junction where he was employed at 8.40. The "Thunderbolt" express was due to pass at that time, but Pat noticed with apprehension that she did not appear. She was still invisible at 9 o'clock, and Pat began to worry about it. When she was half an hour late he could control his anxiety no longer, and walked along the track in the direction in which the train was to come, as fast as he could.

The ''Thunderbolt" was now flying along at an unusual speed. She had been delayed by a trilling wreck, and the driver was making up for lost time.

Suddenly a lantern whirled in the air far down the track. The driver's face whitened ; the brakes gripped the wheels ; the engine rocked and trembled ; and, with a hiss of air and steam, the "Thunderbolt" stopped. Dropping from his cab, the trembling driver ran up to where Pat stood.

"What—what's the matter?"- he gasped. "Ye're late," said Pat. "Phwat kopt yez ?"•