21

THE ASHTABULA DISASTER.

the sudden calamity. Others had been beguilingthe time by tales of adventure, and by relatingescapes from various dangers.

In the smoking car a group was discussing theweight of the engines and the amount of waterused by each engine. Ladies in the sleepingcoach were preparing to retire; some had alreadylaid down in their berths. Gentlemen were qui-etly dozing in their seats; others were takingtheir last smoke, before settling themselves forthe night. Even the sweet singer had just laidaside the Sacred Word, and was quietly meditat-ing, with a song echoing in his heart. It wasjust the time when every one was seeking tomake himself comfortable for the night, notwith-standing the storm which raged.

A few thought of danger as they looked outinto the darkness of the night, but the sense ofsecurity pervaded the train; when suddenly! thesound of the wheels was stopped; the bell-ropesnapped; the lights were extinguished; and inan instant all felt themselves falling, falling, fall-ing. An awful silence seized the passengers;each one sat breathless, bracing and seizing the