Page:Resurrection Rock (1920).pdf/20



HE Iron and Copper Country Express from Chicago for Lake Superior and Sault Sainte Marie—operated by the government upon this January day, 1919—was nearing Escanaba almost on time in spite of the difficulty of making steam against a north wind and in a night temperature of twenty-two below zero. On time was four-forty in the morning; the hour made no difference to the passengers for the Keweenaw mines, as they could remain asleep while their Pullmans were switched to another engine which would speed them on to Marquette and Calumet; but the car which carried the passengers for the "Soo" stopped at Escanaba. Those who were in no hurry could sleep in the car till seven o'clock; but if one had urgent business in the north, it was necessary to rise and change cars in the frigid darkness to the train of day coaches which went on at ten minutes to five.

There were three people in the Escanaba car who were in such a hurry upon this particular morning; accordingly the porter's alarm clock went off at quarter past four, and the old negro sat up from his doze upon the smoking-room seat, shivering and feeling for the heat in the steam pipes and scratching his gray poll while he recounted who were to be called.

"Ol' Crusty—lo'ar five," he muttered to himself. "De captain—lo'ar nine; and Miss Ethel—dat's