THE HIDDEN PERIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22030, 9 February 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE HIDDEN PERIL

By G-. GRAHAM The storm crashed and howled through the hush, and scrub-clad paddocks near the Beyan homestead. Jim Bevan, crouching in the doonvay of the little house, gazing into the btyeian night, rent with frequent jagged flashes of lightning, felt that the end of the world would indeed be welcome. And somewhero out in the wild desolation, was his father—an old man, enfeebled by prolonged illness, totally unable to withstand tho fury of the elements. Three times had the boy been on the point of setting out in search of him, but had refrained, realising the futility of such an attempt. But at last, unable to remain longer in suspense, he stepped out into the tempest. Had lie known that, at that moment his father was sound asleep in a neighbour's house a mile away, he would never have ventured forth, ana would have been unable to avert a him mercilessly, lashing his face, and hurling the swaying manuka saplings in his path, so that every step was an effort. At last, the boy perceived that he was riear the railroad. There was no train due for nearly three-quarters ot an hour, so he scrambled through the fence, and proceeded to stumble along the rails. It was clearer here, and the wind almost irresistible. At times he could scarcely move a step ahead, then the gale would veer round, and he would almost fall on his face. As yet, very little rain had fallen, but the air was heavy and oppressive, and charged with electricity. After about twenty minutes' battling, Jim decided to get off the line, as the Limited would soon be passing. At that instant an absolute blaze of lightning illumined the scene, ?-nd Jim saw that he had reached Dougal's Gully, normally spanned by a trestle bridge; saw, too, something that left him breathless and weak with k Evidently the bridge had been struck by lightning for one end was hanging into space, while the massive iron framework was twisted and contorted, as though some giant spirit of the storm had found in it an object on which to wreak a terrific vengeance. And the Limited 1 What of all its hapless passengers, if it were hurled to destruction down that deep, stony eU Then he had an idea —a desperate one at best, but, possibly, if Fortune favoured him, he might succeed. He ran back along the line, fervently thankful that it had not rained during the day. From tho scrub-land on either side of the " Iron Road, he soon collected a huge pile of twigs, and brushwood. He always carried a box ot matches; being a Boy Scout he considered that he should always ' be prepared" and matches were handy things. At first Jim despaired of getting his bonfire to light, as every match he struck was blown out by a fitful gust or wind. Finally, however, there came a longer lull, and he managed to get a fire started. He had to take oft his coat, with which to shelter the puny flame until it attained sufficient magnitude to defy the storm. Suddenly and unmistakably, he heard the blast of a whistle, and the faint " chuff—chuff—chuff " of the expected train. Jim stood up behind his bril-liantly-blazing fire, his arm outstretched; he trembled in every limbnot for himself, but for those who were drawing nearer and nearer to that hideous, hidden peril. . Tho engine's headlights came into view, a monstrous red eye, glowing fiercely in the dark; rushing toward him; rushing hurtling upon him— There came a strident screeching or l brakes, as the Limited drew up, champing and snorting, her cowcatcher " nuzzling the crushed embers of Jim's fire. Above the hideous skirl of the storm, the fireman's voice: " What's —— matter? " Wearily, Jim staggered toward the voice. The strain of the last half-hour had been terrible, and he was almost unconscious as he sobbed: " The bridge —Dougal's Gully—" Ho collapsed. Jim has never forgotten that night. Indeed, it would be hard for him to do so, while he has in bis possession tho little gold medal presented to him by a grateful communtiy. It is not a Victoria Cross. Nevertheless, on it are inscribed the words: "For Valour."