This was the first responsible position I had occupied in the telegraph service, and I was so anxious to be at hand in case I should be needed, that one night very late I sat in the office during a storm, not wishing to cut off the connection.

I ventured too near the key and for my boldness was knocked off my stool.

A flash of lightning very nearly ended my career.

After that I was noted in the office for caution during lightning storms.

I succeeded in doing the small business at Greensburg to the satisfaction of my superiors, and returned to Pittsburgh surrounded with something like a halo, so far as the other boys were concerned.