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Show A MADMAN'S RIDE.<br><br> Depot Master Thomas Boone, of this city, relates the details of a most dangerous ride of a madman on the Reading road. When the train in charge of Conductor Figacier? Figanier? arrived in Port Clinton, and while the inspector was tapping the wheels of the forward car, he observed the figure of a man extended on the front truck. Finding himself the center of attraction, the man slowly made his way from this uncomfortable position, and at last stood upright in the glare of the lantern.<br><br> He was a man of medium stature, apparently well-dressed, but lacking a hat. His hair stood on end from the force of the wind, caused by the rapid journey in the open air. His face and head - in fact his entire person - were coated with coal dust. How he succeeded in making the journey without injury was a mystery which he refused to explain. On being informed that he couldn't travel on the train any longer without a ticket, he rushed into the depot and purchased one for Pottsville. Shortly after the train had started on its way from Port Clinton, the conductor found the tramp standing on the hind platform of the car.<br><br> "You must get on the inside," said the conductor. "It is dangerous to ride on the platform,"<br><br> The madman stared at the conductor and said: "No, sir; I don't want to get in. I won't go in. If you touch me I'll jump off."<br><br> The train was going at a high rate of speed. The conductor succeeded in getting the man inside the car, but a few moments later the stranger suddenly jumped for the door, reached the platform, descended the steps and acted as if he intended to jump into eternity. The passengers were alarmed. The madman leaned over from the car-step, and, catching hold of the iron bars of the nearest window, he swung himself out into space.<br><br> Leaving the tramp swinging in a manner to make those who saw him turn away their heads, the conductor hastened inside the car and pulled the bell-rope. He had no sooner done this than the tramp made a spring to the next window. He swung himself from window to window until he reached the middle of the car, peering into each window as he passed, and yelling at the top of his voice:<br><br> "I'll beat you into Pottsville yet."<br><br> The passengers in the car were terrified at the dangerous position of the man, especially when it became known that the train was approaching a bridge near Landingville.<br><br> The bridge was reached and all expected to see the unfortunate tramp swept from his moorings, but when the danger was passed the yelling outsider still maintained his position. A little further on he suddenly disappeared, and all hands expected to see his mangled remains when the train shot past. Just as Landingville appeared in sight the tramp also appeared, who was running up the hill at full speed, still shouting pet names to the conductor and "I'll beat you to Pottsville yet." The man is supposed to have run to the hills. As yet he is not known. --- Reading (Pa.) Eagle. |