OUT OF THE JAWS OF DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8020, 6 August 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

OUT OF THE JAWS OF D EAT H.

The Now Orleans express, leaving here (Savannah) recently waa running along at the rate of 40 miles an hour between Cairo and WhJgham, when tho enginee' , (Jenkins, locomotive 63) on approaching Big Tide Creek discovered a man m/iking his way over the troetlo work. Finding that he would not havo time to get across ahead of the swiftly approaching train, the maa, a large, stout individual, endeavoured to drop between the tios, so as to hold on by his hands, while tho train should paHS over him. To the horror of the engineer, however, the man caught by tho waist and hung there between tho rails, with his head and ulioulders sticking up an object of certain destruction if the train should etrike him. Engineer Jenkins sprang off his seat, jammed the air-brakes down ai tightly as they could be put on and reversed his hugo engine, one of tho largest on tho road, and " pulled her open." The man's cries were described a3 fearful as he hung thore awaiting almost, certain death, and his feelings can purhaps never be described. He must have diud mentally a dozen times, but almost miraculously tho No. G3 cams to a etop hissing and trembling when tho ponderous oow-cataher was within three fej»t of the unfortunate man. Hβ was roscued from hi 3 perilous position, and wont his way rejoiciug at hi 3 almost miraculous oacape. But for engineer Jenkin's prompt and efficient efforts and his caro and watchfulness, the man, whose name is unknown, would have died a most horrible death. As it i?, he will hardly caro to venture upon such an experiment as crossing a trestle ahead of an express train again soon.