A Matter of Seconds Filming Locations

Dawson, a newcomer to the division, meets Helen while the girl is riding in the freight engine with Star, his engineer. Helen ignores the fireman's offensive stares, knowing that trouble would instantly result, if she reported the matter to Star. The following day, Dawson approaches the girl telegrapher and, seizing her in his arms, kisses her. Star witnesses the incident and gives his fireman a thorough thrashing. Compelled to apologize to Helen, Dawson drowns his humiliation in drink. Intoxicated, the man picks a quarrel with the crew of the freight and is whipped. The following day brings his dismissal. Vowing vengeance, the man climbs aboard the freight just as it pulls out and knocks the relief fireman unconscious. This done. Dawson waits until the train has gathered speed when he attacks Star and hurls him from the train. This act is witnessed by a lineman who promptly wires a report of it to headquarters. Helen hears the message. Knowing the train will pass the station shortly, the girl mounts a horse and gallops down the track. In the meantime, Dawson, in leaping from the wild train, is mortally injured. Dashing alongside the runaway, Helen throws her lariat over a piece of lumber projecting from the side of one of the flat cars. This done, the daring girl hauls herself aboard the speeding train and eventually brings the runaway to a halt. Star is found to be only slightly injured, but Dawson dies just as a searching party finds him.