The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1872-11-19
4 Quaker Detective.

VIC "eiV h'o PnS>ouScio III al WV
ladies on the back scat, and Quaker on
the middle, and myself aud middle-aged
gentleman on the front. The two ladies'
might have been mother and daughter,
aunt and niece, governess and charge, or
might have sustained any other relation
ship which made it proper for any two
ladies to travel together unattended. The
middle aged gentleman was sprightly and
talkative. He soon struck up an acquain.
tance NTH the ladies, toward whom in
his zeal to do,he rather ovcrdid the agree.
able-bowing, and smiling and chatting
over his shoulder in way painfully sug.
gestve at his time of life, Of "crick" in
bis back. He was evidently gay Lo-
thario. The Quaker wore the uniform
Of his sect, AID confined his speech, as
mauy a parliamentarian would save his
credit BY doing, to simply "yeas" and
mays" As for myself, | make it an in-
variable rule of the road to be merely a
locker on and listen.
Toward evening l was aroused from
one of those reveries into which young
man, without being poet or lover, will
sometimes fall, by an abrupt query from
the talkative gentleman.
"Are you armed sir ?"
Il am not" | answered, astonished no
doubt visiblJ at the question.
II am sorry to hear it," he replied,
''for before reaching our next stopping
place it will be several hours in the night,
aud we must pass over a portion OF the
road on which more than one robbery is
reported to have been committed.
The ladies turned pale, but the stranger
did his best to re.assurc them
mot that think there is the slightest
danger at present." ne resumed, "only
when one is responsible for the safety Of
the ladies', you know, such a thing as a
pistol in reach would add materially to
ones confidence.
"Your principles, my friend,' address,
ing the Quaker, II presume, are as much
opposed to carrying as using carnal wea-
pons.
"Yes," was the response.
"Have the villains murdered any OF
their victims ?" the elder lady pervously
inquired"
"Or have they contented themselves
with-with pluudering them ?"-added
the younger in timorous voice.
Decidedly the latter" the amiable
gentleman fastened to give assurance
land We are none of us prepared to offer
resistance in case of attack, 50 nothing
worse than robbery can befal u.s."
ThDn, after blaming his thoughtlessness
in having unnecessarily introduced dis.
agreeable subject, the gentleman quite
excelled himself 10 efforts to raise the
spirits Of the company, and had succeed
ed so we'll by the time night had set in
that all had quite forgotten or only re.
membered their fears to laugh at them
Our genial companion fairly talked him.
self hoarse. Perceiving which, he took
from his pocket newly "invented cough
candy" and after passing it to the ladies
he helped himself to the balance and toss.
ed the paper out of the window. He was
10 the midst of high encomium on the
new nostrum, more than half che efficacy
OF which. he insisted, depended on its be.
ing taken by suction, when shrill whis.
tie was heard, and almost Immediately
the coach stopped, while two faces. hid.
eously blackened, presented themselves,
one at each window.
Sorry to trouble you," said the man
on the right, acknowledging with bow
TWO lady.like screams on the back seat
but business is business, and ours will
be soon over if things 60 smoothly"
"Of course, gentlemen, you will spare
as far as may be consistent with your dis
agreeable duty, the feelings of these Ia
dies" appealed the polite passenger il
his blandest manner.
ooh, certainly they shall be first at
tended to, and shall not be required tc
leave their places unless their conduct
renders it necessary"
"And now, ladies'" continued the roh
her, the barrel Of his pistol glittering ir
the light oftho coach lamp, "bc so goot
rs to pass out your purses, watches, ant
'uch other trinkets as may be accessible
Without too much trouble"
The ladies came down handsomely, an,
we're no further molested. One by on,
'he rest got out. The middle-aged gen
tleman's turn came first. He submitted
with winning grace, and was rohhet
ike a very Chesterfield. My own affairs
like the sum ! lost. are scarcely wortl
mentioning.
The Quaker's turn came next. HI
quietly handed over his pocket-book an'
watch, and when asked if he had any 9th
er valuables, said "Nay." A Quaker
word is good, even among thieves SO
after hasty "good night" the robbie
thrust his pistol into his pocket. aud will
his two companions, one Of whom he'll
the reins of the leaders. was about start
ing.
"Stop exclaimed the Quaker, in
tone more of command than request.
"Stop! What for ?" returned the 9th
er 10 evident surprise.
"For at least two reasons" was tn
. reply. emphasized with couple of Der
ringers, cooked and presented.
"Help," shouted the robber.
"Stop." the Quaker exclaimed. "An
. II any Of your sinful companions advanc
a step to thy relief the spirit will NOV
4 me to blow thy brains out"
The robber at the opposite window an
the one at at tts leaders head thought
good time to leave.
"Now get in friend" said the Quaker
: still covering bis man. land take the mid
die seat, but first deliver up thy pistol.
The other hesitaied.
: "Thes bad better not delay; l feel tb
spirlt begin 10 move nv forehpeer,"