The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1860-05-09
EXPLOITS OF TWO DETECTIVES PRE-.
CiOUS SG0uNDRELS OUTWirfED.

EXPLOITS OF TWO DETECTIVES PRE-. /
CiOUS SG0uNDRELS OUTWIffED.
Some time since dastardly outrage was
committed on the Marietta and HillsbOrough
Railroad, whereby the lives of one hundred
Of more passengers we're jeopardized. A
portion ei the road, eleven miles from Mari
eta, is built upon trestle work. One night
! rail was removed, and the engine and ten
der we're thrown OFF the track and down an
embankment Of some thirty feet. The en-
gineer discovered that rail had been re-
moved in time TO reverse the engine he
stood at his pnst, aud. as the engine went
aver. leaped for his life. landing in a quag.
mire. uninjured. This act OF daring saved
many lives. Orlando Smith, receiver Of the
company, determined that the scoundrel.
whoever he was, should be ferreted out aud
brought to justice. He accordingly secured
the services Of detectives William Reany
and Larry Hazen. Of the Independent Po-
lice, 10 undertake the task.
They resolved to disguise themselve. as
hook peddlers, and pass over the entire
country rnuEd about where the act was com.
mtted. Fpr foar, five or six days they con.
tinued peripatetic wanderings, soliciting
names and coayersng with the farmers con
corning the accident.
One day, Unexpectedly they overheard a
sly remark, that one Meeks owed the com.
pany sradse. and was mean enough to do
anything for revenge. Men never catched
at straws more irantically than did the two
peddlers clutch al this intelligence. TO
allay all suspicion. they waited day before
calling on Meeks. They then went direct to
his house and found him at home. Prospectus
after prospectus was spread before the aston.
ished vision Of Meeks, who after being much
prevailed upon. said he would gladly become
a subscriber TO the work, but did not have
the money. The railroad company was in
his debt, and as it had been sold out, he
was afraid that his claim would be sold out
too; "but;s said he, striking table with
his clenched fist. :" I'll get even with EN-"
He said the officers of the road had sent
out men TO try and discover who had done
the deed. !" But" continued he, chuck
ling at his comparative safety. I" am leetie
too sharp for them" The conversation be-
tween the trio was kept up for some time,
and not being able 10 make any kind Of q
trade, at the instance of Aleeks. the peddlers
went out into the yard Tor the purpose Of
looking at colt, which aieeks said he would
sell them, and take as part payment thereof
two copies of their paper, the London Art
Journal. One Of the peddlers mounted the
spirited BucephaIus. and being unused to
bit and bride, the animal cayorted in a
manner that landed his rider in negborins
field, and then pranced about in true menage
style. requiring the most diligent exertions
on the part Of the other two TO keep from
within reach OF his heels.
/ II was agreed TO purchase the horse. and
Hazen told Meeks to deliver it to them next
day at Vincent Station, where Meeks came
the following morning.
N when the officers disclosed who they
were, Meeks made desperate lunge TO pass
through the window, but he was seized by
Hazen, and before two words could be
spoken, his wrists were bound By pair OF
handc1fs he was then removed TO Marietta
jail.
II Meeks has been examined, and was re.
quired to give bail in the sum Of one thou
sand dollars TO answer the charge before the
Court of Common Pleas.