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PINIONED IN DEBRIS
Martin Martell, proprietor of the Martell Hotel, East St. Louis, recovered from his injuries in a few days sufficiently to visit the wreck of his house, although so badly hurt that he was reported dead. A number of traveling men met him at the Relay, and after they bad congratulated him upon his escape with life he told the fearful story of his escape. He said that when the first shock came be left his dining room and came out to the front room, facing the Relay. Here he met Judge A. W. Hope, of Alton, Judge Foulk, of Vandalia, and Messrs. William Flynn and John Mumme, of Edwardsville. Hope, Mumme and Flynn decided that they would run over the roads, while Mr. Martell and Judge Foulk concluded that it would be safer in the house. The three gentlemen had scarcely left the building when the house was razed. Martell does not know what occurred afterward to the others, but when be revived he was pinioned in such a way that his feet were elevated at an angle of probably forty-five degrees, while his head was pushed far up on up on his breast. He could not speak or see, but could hear and feel people passing over him in search for the dead at the back of the house. The fire had then started, and the horrors of a burning death confronted him. He was also further dumfounded to learn that several parties noticed him, but seeing that he was motionless, said that there was no use bothering with that dead man; let us go on and succor those who may be alive on the fire's side. In this way he believes at least fifty people passed over his body, all injuring him by tramping on the boards which bound him, and not one believing that be was alive. At last, by a superhuman effort, he chanced to move a ,foot as a rescuer walked along, and that movement no doubt saved his life. The man held his lantern down closer to the form, and realizing that the boot was not shaken by the breeze, he called for help, and soon extricated the semi-conscious ex-Treasurer of the City of East St. Louis. He was taken to the hospital immediately and tenderly cared for, and is now ready to commence the rebuilding of his place at the Relay. Judge Hope was also present last evening, and listened to Mr. Martell's tale. He, too, had a trying experience at the door. Ile said the party bad scarcely gained the outside when he was knocked down and lay upon the curbing near the railroad tracks. At that instant the house crashed in, and missiles of all kinds were piled up about him. He partly raised himself, and in that instant saw the roof of the Martell House and other large articles pass over his head and lodge near the Relay. Another instant, he was looking at a waste where a few seconds before stood fine brick and frame buildings, the Vandalia round house other railroad property, all of which cut off a view of any part of the bridge. Now, however, he saw the structure in its entirety, and could not, on that account, realize his position. Seeing the bridge, he naturally concluded that it was he who bad been blown away, and not the obstructions. Yet, turning again, be recognized the remains of the Relay Depot, and then for the first time he concluded that the storm had actually taken everything from the creek to the Levee, a distance of nearly a mile. The rain was pouring down in torrents, the thunder rolled, and the lightning momentarily lit up the heavens. During the intervals, however, the darkness was intense. These flashes set out the whole panorama of destruction more vividly than if the light was continuous, and surely, he states, the scene was more terribly impressive.
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