On one of the railroads in Prussia, a few years ago, a switch-tender was
just taking his place, in order to turn a coming train approaching in a
contrary direction. Just at this moment, on turning his head, he
discerned his little son playing on the track of the advancing engine.
What could he do? Thought was quick at such a moment of peril! He might
spring to his child and rescue him, but he could not do this and turn the
switch in time, and for want of that hundreds of lives might be lost.
Although in sore trouble, he could not neglect his greater duty, but
exclaiming with a loud voice to his son, “Lie down,” he laid hold of the
switch, and saw the train safely turned on to its proper track. His boy,
accustomed to obedience, did as his father commanded him, and the fearful
heavy train thundered over him. Little did the passengers dream, as they
found themselves quietly resting on that turnout, what terrible anguish
their approach had that day caused to one noble heart. The father rushed
to where his boy lay, fearful lest he should find only a mangled corpse,
but to his great joy and thankful gratitude he found him alive and
unharmed. Prompt obedience had saved him. Had he paused to argue, to
reason whether it were best—death, and fearful mutilation of body, would
have resulted. The circumstances connected with this event were made
known to the King of Prussia, who the next day sent for the man and
presented him with a medal of honour for his heroism.