26

The Sad End of Two Runaways

Notwithstanding the good advice given and the frequent warnings of the consequences of wrong doing, there were a few proud spirits among the pupils who refused to be governed thereby. Of this class were two boys, almost young men, who, growing tired of school life—its requirements and restraints—made up their minds to leave the safe shelter of the institution and wander out into the wide world. Accordingly, one day they secretly left the institution and, boarding a railroad train, started we know not whither. Their funds proved insufficient to defray their traveling expenses, so after they had journeyed some distance, they were compelled to leave the train. They then proceeded on foot, walking on the railroad. When nearing the city of L, a train approached them from the rear, and, being deaf, they of course neither heard nor heeded the engineer’s warning whistle. Before the brakes could be put down and the train stopped, they were both crushed beneath the wheels. When the train was stopped their mangled remains were picked up and borne to L. Here, the newspaper men were notified of the accident and instructed to report it at once. The coroner was entrusted with the remains, which failed to be identified, and they were buried at the public expense.

The papers of other towns and cities copied the report of the sad occurrence, and it was not long before a copy found its way into the hands of Superintendent Mayhews. He had been greatly perplexed and troubled at the disappearance of the two boys, but as yet he had obtained no clue to their whereabouts. When he read the report he feared that these two disobedient boys were the victims, and he at once started for L to view the remains. He returned the following day with saddened countenance and reported to the pupils and teachers, who had gathered in the chapel, the results of his investigation. Said he, “I arrived at L and informed the authorities of that town of the disappearance of two of the boys from the institution and of my apprehensions that they were the two who had recently been run over and killed by the cars near that place. After telling my story, I was conducted to the cemetery, and the grave in which the two unfortunates had been together buried was opened. When the first coffin was opened, though the corpse within was badly mangled, I recognized the features as those of Master Ball. The other coffin was then opened, and I recognized Master Scott. So my worst fears were confirmed. There is nothing more that we can do for them now. They have, by their act of disobedience, placed themselves forever beyond the reach of further help. Let this sad, sad occurrence be a warning to you all. Remember what may be the consequence of passing heedlessly by all the good lessons given for your help and safety; and, above all things, beware of taking a step in the wrong direction. Never walk on the railroad track when you can avoid it, and at all times exercise the greatest caution.”

The pupils followed the narration of the sad experience of the runaways with feelings of sadness and awe. We trust there were few of them who did not resolve to be very careful not to frequent the smooth, inviting, yet dangerous track of the “iron horse.”