" The locomotive uttered a few sharp whistles to
reinforce his shouts, and everybody made a rush for the cars.
The conductor and other trainmen had all they could do to reassure the
more nervous and apprehensive of the passengers, many of whom were
afraid of the swollen, ugly river just ahead. Boats had been sent up
from a town some miles down the stream, and the passengers with their
baggage, the express, and the mail pouches were to be ferried across.
Word had been received that a makeshift train would pick them up on
the other side, not far from the wrecked bridge, and take them to
Omegon as quickly as possible.
It was also announced that the company would be unable to send a train
beyond Omegon and into the northwest for eight or ten hours, owing to
extensive damage by the floods. Repairs to bridges and roadbed were
necessary. In the meantime, the passengers would be cared for at the
Somerset Hotel in Omegon, at the company's expense. The company
regretted and deplored, etc.
There was a frightful clamour by the through passengers, threats of
lawsuits, claims for damage, execrations, and groans. In time,
however, the whole company went trooping down the track under the
leadership of the patient conductor.
Pages:
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76