terated.

Fix became discouraged, and felt inclined to give up the whole thing.
He had now an opportunity to leave Kearney Station and pursue his way
homewards. In fact about two o'clock, in the midst of a snowstorm,
long whistles were heard from eastward; a great shadow was slowly
advancing; no train was expected from that direction. The assistance
telegraphed for could not possibly arrive so soon, and the train to
San Francisco was not due till the next day. The mystery was soon
explained.

It was the runaway locomotive that was approaching. After it had left
the train, it had run a long distance till the fire got low and the
steam went down. Then it stopped, still bearing the half-conscious
engine-driver and firemen. When they found themselves alone in the
prairie they understood what had happened, and they had no doubt they
would find the train somewhere on the track, helpless. The
engine-driver did not hesitate. To go on to Omaha would be only
prudent, while to return would be dangerous. He nevertheless built up
the fire and ran back to Fort Kearney, whistling through the mist as
he went.

The travellers were all delighted to see the engine attached to the
train once more. They could now resume their journey, so fatally
interrupted.

When the engine was coupled on, Mrs. Aouda asked the guard if he were
really going to start?

"Right away, ma'am," he replied.

"But the prisoners, our unfortunate companions--"

"I cannot interrupt the service," he replied; "we are three hours late
already."

"And when will the next train arrive from San Francisco?"

"To-morrow evening."

"That will be too late. It must wait."

"That is impossible. If you wish to go on, please get in."

"I will not go," replied the lady.

Fix heard this conversation. A short time before, when there was no
chance of his going on, he had decided to leave Kearney, and now that
it was necessary for him to take his place, something seemed to detain
him. The conflict in his mind waxed fiercer, he wished to fight it
out.

Meantime the passengers, some of them wounded, including Colonel
Proctor, took their places in the train, which started immediately and
soon disappeared, the steam mingling with the falling snow.

Fix had remained behind.

Some hours passed away. The weather was wretched and very cold. Fix
remained seated, apparently asleep, on a bench. Aouda, notwithstanding
the tempest, continually came out of the room set apart for