one

night the brownies found their way

to where some tracks and switches lay,

and buildings stood, such as are found

in every town on railroad ground.

they moved about from place to place,

with prying eyes and cautious pace

they peeped in shops and gained a view,

where cars were standing bright and new;

while others, that had service known,

and in some crash were overthrown,

on jack-screws, blocks, and such affairs,

were undergoing full repairs.

the table that turns end for end

its heavy load, without a bend,

was next inspected through and through

and tested by the wondering crew.

they scanned the signal-lights with care

that told the state of switches there,—

showed whether tracks kept straight ahead,

or simply to some siding led.

then round a locomotive strong

they gathered in an earnest throng,

commenting on the style it showed,

its strength and speed upon the road.

said one: "that 'pilot' placed before

will toss a cow a block or more;

you'd hardly find a bone intact

when such a thing her frame has racked—

above the fence, and, if you please,

above the smoke-stack and the trees

will go the horns and heels in air,

when hoisted by that same affair."

"sometimes it saves," another cried,

"and throws an object far aside

that would to powder have been ground,

if rushing wheels a chance had found.

i saw a goat tossed from the track

and landed on a farmer's stack,

and though surprised at fate so strange,

he seemed delighted at the change;

and lived content, on best of fare,

until the farmer found him there."

another said: "we'll have some fun

and down the road this engine run.

the steam is up, as gauges show;

she's puffing, ready now to go;

the fireman and the engineer

are at their supper, in the rear

of yonder shed. i took a peep,

and found the watchman fast asleep.

so now's our time, if we but haste,

the joys of railway life to taste.

i know the engine-driver's art,

just how to stop, reverse, and start;

i've watched them when they little knew

from every move i knowledge drew;

we'll not be seen till under way,

and then, my friends, here let me say,

the man or beast will something lack

who strives to stop us on the track."

then some upon the engine stepped,

and some upon the pilot crept,

and more upon the tender found

a place to sit and look around.

and soon away the engine rolled

at speed 'twas fearful to behold;

it seemed they ran, where tracks were straight,

at least at mile-a-minute rate;

and even where the curves were short

the engine turned them with a snort

that made the brownies' hearts the while

rise in their throats, for half a mile.

but travelers many dangers run

on safest roads beneath the sun.

they ran through yards, where dogs came out

to choke with dust that whirled about,

and so could neither growl nor bark

till they had vanished in the dark;

some pigs that wandered late at night,

and neither turned to left nor right,

but on the crossing held debate

who first should squeeze beneath the gate,

were helped above the fence to rise

ere they had time to squeal surprise,

and never after cared to stray

along the track by night or day.

but when a town was just in sight,

and speed was at its greatest height,—

alas! that such a thing should be,—

an open switch the brownies see.

then some thought best at once to go

into the weeds and ditch below;

but many on the engine stayed

and held their grip, though much dismayed.

and waited for the shock to fall

that would decide the fate of all.

in vain reversing tricks were tried,

and brakes to every wheel applied;

the locomotive forward flew,

in spite of all that skill could do.

but just as they approached the place

where trouble met them face to face,

through some arrangement, as it seemed,

of which the brownies never dreamed,

the automatic switch was closed,

a safety signal-light exposed,

and they were free to roll ahead,

and wait for those who'd leaped in dread;

although the end seemed near at hand

of every brownie in the band,

and darkest heads through horrid fright

were in a moment changed to white,

the injuries indeed were small.

a few had suffered from their fall,

and some were sprained about the toes,

while more were scraped upon the nose;

but all were able to succeed

in climbing to a place with speed,

and there they stayed until once more

they passed the heavy round-house door.

then jumping down on every side

the brownies scampered off to hide;

and as they crossed the trestle high

the sun was creeping up the sky,

and urged them onward in their race

to find some safe abiding place.