"'I saw a red light swinging back and forth near the ground, about half a mile back,' said the engineer of the special. 'I only caught a glimpse of it as we rushed by, but I slowed up; then when I saw the red light at the station I whistled for brakes at once, and, coming to a stop, I saw the headlight of the freight just in time to back up enough to escape disaster.' "'What was the light you first saw?' was asked. "As if in answer Hector just then appeared from behind the passenger train, the lantern swinging back and forth in front of him. It was the first time he had ever failed to go home when I sent him, but he evidently knew that his mission was fulfilled. He was at once the centre of an excited crowd, and I am sure he received enough attention that night to spoil any dog. "It was only a few days before I received a check for a large sum, a present from the company, together with the notice that Hector had been put on the company's pay-roll at fifty dollars per month. I was also offered another position with a larger salary, but I declined it. "In about a week there came to my office a little package addressed to 'Hector, care of Walter Preston.' It contained a handsome gold-plated collar, on which were engraved his name and a little sketch, 'How Hector Saved the Train.' It has never since been off his neck. "Yes, sir, I have been offered large sums for Hector, but there isn't money enough to buy him." A Capital Guessing Contest. Here is something to set the Table guessing. All articles mentioned grow, and all are of the same general character, hence the expression in the last verse, "numerous family." The questions are, What general family is it? and what are each of the forty-three things indicated by the numbers? No prizes are offered in this contest, and you are not asked to send answers. The latter will be published in two weeks. The Table will have a prize-puzzle contest very soon. Our pedigree is old and long. Starred with familiar names; Our family is popular, And much of worth it claims. 'Tis needless to discriminate Where all such merit claim; We'll just describe our characters, And you can guess each name. I am the oldest one of all, (1) And I, the silliest; (2) I help to play a pleasant game, (3) While I am just "non est." (4) I drive a carriage, as you see; (5) I sit upon the seat; (6) I'm just a summer visitor; (7) I exercise the feet. (8) I furnish you a light at night, (9) And I am very slow; (10) But I am of a royal line, (11) And we are white as snow. (12-13) I cover o'er the cottage roof, Supply you with a bed; (14) We furnish men two kinds of drink; (15-16) We're looked upon with dread. (17-18) We bear the names of animals, (19-20) And we have wings to fly; (21-22-23) My home is in a swampy place, (24) And I live in the sky. (25)