The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-12-03

when ,sy shrill whistle was heard, and al
most, immediately, the coach stopped.
while two. faceS, hideously9 blackened, },
presented themselves at each window,
''Sorry 70 trouble you," said the man
on the right, acknowledging with bow
two lady-like Screams from the back seat |;
'but 'business is business and onrs will
soon be over, il things go smoothly"
''Of course. gentlemen, you will spare,
as far as may be consistent with your
disagreeable duty. the feelings Of these
ladies'" appealed the polite passenger, in
his blandest manner.
tended to, and shall not be required TO
leave their places, or submit to search,
unless their conduct renders it neces-
sary."
''And now, ladies'" continued the rob-
Der. the barrel of his pistol cleaning in
the light of the coach-lamp, "be SC good
as to pass out your purses, watches and
such other trinkets as may be accessible
without too much trouble"
The ladies came down handsomely,
and were not further molested.
One by one, the rest of us were COM
PEELED to get out, the middle.nged gen
tleman's turn coming FIRST. He submitted
with q winning grace, and was robbed
like very Chesterfield.
My own affair, like the sum lost, was
scarcely worth mentioning. The Qnaker's
turn came next. He quietly handed over
his pocket-book and watch, and when
asked if he had any other valuablas,
said, "Nay."
A Quaker's word is good. even among
thieves; 80, after hasty "good night"
the robber thrust his pistol in his pocket,
10, III x,it Il, hs &c
whom had held the reins of the lenders,
was about taking his departure.
'Stop" exclaimed the Quaker, in O
tone more of command than request.
''Stop! what for?" returned the other,
in evident surprise
''For at least two good reasons" was
the reply, emphasized with q couple of
Derringers, cooked and presented.
"Helpl" shouted the robber.
'StopP the Quaker again exclaimed.
"And If one of thy sinful companions
advances step to thy relief, the spirit
will surely move me to blow thy brains
out"
The robber at the opposite window,
and the one at the leaders heads, thought
it good time to leave.
''Now get in, FRIEND" said the Quaker,
still covering his man, ''and take the
middle sest, but first, deliver up thy
pistol"
The other hesitated.
''Thee had better not delay; I feel the
spirit beginning to move my right fore
finger"
The robber did as he was directed, and
the Quaker took his place by his side,
giving the new conner the middle Of the
seat.
The driver, who was frightened half
out of his wits, now set forward ut n
rapid rate. The lively gentleman aoon
recovered his vivacity. He was especially
facetious on the Qnaker's prowess.
"You're rum Quaker, yon are. Why,
you don't quake worth cent"
81 am not a Shaking Quaker, if that's
what thee MEANS"
"Of the Hickory or rather of the
old Hickory stripe, should say." re-
torted the lively man; but the Quaker
relapsing into his usual monosyllaLles,
the conversation tagged.
Time sped. and sooner than we expect
ed, the coach stopped where We we're to
hove supper and a change of horses.
We had deferred redistribution of our
effects till we should reach this place, as
the dim light of the coach lump would
have rendered tho process somewhat
difficult before.
1t was now necessary, however, that it
should bs attended to at once, as our
jovial companion had previously an
nounced his intention of leaving ns at
this point. He proposed postpone
ment till after supper, which lie offered
to go and order.
may" urged the Quaker, with an APP.
proach to abruptness, and laying his
hand on the others arm, "'business
before pleasure and for business there
is no time like tho present"
"Will thee be good enough to search
the prisoner" he said to me. still keep
ing his hand. in friendly way, on the
passengers arm.
did so, 6ut not one Of Ms stolen articles
could be found.
He must have got rid of them in the
coach" they gay gentleman suggested.
and Immediately offered to go and
search.
''Stop!" thundered the Quaker, tight
ening his grasp.
The man turned pale, and struggled to
Nnln l. t.,