Vi

THE ASHTABULA DISASTER.

the heart-strings of the land. How any onecould endure the strain of such a place and notfalter at his task, was a mystery to many. Onlythose who are accustomed to the position whereso many human lives are under their constantcare could bear this crushing weight.

The noble man who came down upon the trainand went out upon the bridge, of which, as engi-neer, he had the charge, is said to have wept likea child as he saw the sight. That stern, care-worn face expressed more than many knew.

As the questions were plied so thick and fastby the representatives of the press, and weresent home by those'who knew something of thefacts, the same courteous reply went back. Xoone apprehended the responsibility of his placemore than he. Xo one felt, perhaps, the doubtsand suspicions and public feeling more. Xo onerealized more the nature of the calamity in all itsbearings, and yet that same calm and courteousmanner remained. He was calm without, butGod only knew what he felt within. Those whoknew him best have told something of the tendersensibilities of the man. On Xew Year’s morn-