The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-05-22
'Tho very sum- sho replied.

'rho very sum- sho replied.
|
1t was about two o'clock in the morn
ing. We were well out of the most for
midable passes, driving briskly toward
tho Canadian fork. Tho full moon
iisbtened. our way, making tho bushes
and trees adjacent cast sharp, decided
shadows across the road. 1 had ex-
changed places with tho horseshocr.
Inside they were doing, but l was
wakeful and alert. We beguiled the
weary hour by story telling. Suddenly
l saw something moving in the shadow
of the road on beyond Us.
what is THAR said.
Tho driver looked, his eyes rounding
like the moon.
Nothing but burro! referring to
the pack-mules that frequently etray ed
down the mountain side. Ii disappeared
quickly in the shade, and from thence,
instantly, As If by magic, jumped out
into the road two mon. They were
hidden in huge sIouched sombreros and
army cloaks. Tho stOutest caught the
bride of tho leaders; the other, COZ er,ng
Us with his rifle, shouted:
Don't stir or you are dcad men!
Advancing closer, and keeping us
within the range Of his muzzle, he cried
out:
pitch out the treasure box quick
We arc in q hurry
Tho driver began to stammer q reply,
shaking as if he had an ague stroke, but
hushed him with q whispered:
Stop, stop! lot me talk to these men,!
There is no treasure aboard tonight
said this coOlly, at tho same time
swaying my body to and fro, backw ward
and forward, 70 get out of the range OF
the muzzlo; the man was evidently very
nervous as we'll a. very near.
As intended he should, he took me
for IN express messenger, and, as nci-
Their driver nor messenger arc supposed
to possess any valuables, they arc sell
dom molcstcd.
None of your nonsense! replied the
bandit. Hand out the treasure or you'll
SEQ trouble
The man at tho reins evidently en-
joyed my endoavor to get out OF range,
Tor he squeaked in high, falsettO voice:
DO them bar'ls look big!'
'Ycs,' l said, echOing the old joke
current among miners. 'Yos, can
read all the advertisements on the wad-
ding
He chuckled a rough chnckle.
Come, como, heave out that specie
box shouted tho man holding the
rifle.
1 insisted there was none.
'Here, look ut the way-bill # there
is any such thing aboard it will be
among the items, and made move
to get down, holding 1t in my hand.
Stay where yon are, or In shoot yon
on the spot.
throw him the way bill. lie dropped
his rifle and picked it up, Perusing the
items in the moonlight. Profiting by
his action, | undertook to slip my port,
mOnnaie into my boot, and moved my
hand around to get mt the pocket. The
driver misunderstanding the movement,
whispered:
Have you got One?' The man at the
reins noticed the comforting and halIoed
nj Us. The other Instantly raised his
gun.
None of that. Hands ur!'
We threw up our hands, and he again
turned to our way did manage,
though, to secreie my money, slipping
It into my boot.
'SOu SEQ there's no mention made ct
the treasure, and il It was sent it would
be noted on the bill. However, you
In. r.. L. a
isfy yourself
lie hesitatei but moment, and then
jumped up and looked in the box in
doing so he kicked my yalise.
Open this :. said he. did so, taking
out carefully it's contents and letting
him look inside; the wrapping-paper
deceived him.
No, he cried, there's no treasuse in
this stage, but we've sworn to have a
hundred dollars to night, and if We can't
find il in the trcasure-box we may find
it IN the baggage. Who's insideY'
Two mon and a lady; mono of them
rich. Ono is the horse sheer going TO
Denver to shoe tho company's horses.
well look out for 'cm. Whatever
happens, don't stir, on your peril. We
may find tine money on them or in the
baggage
felt torrible for the young girl.
The pcrspiration stood in great beads of
agony all over my body.
1t was evident they wero slecping.
The man ratified the door and reused
hem. Presenting his gun. no ordered
Them out to DO searched. They obeyed,
half asleep. He placed them in row.
Hands up" he SAID. Now for your
pOcketsv Tho horscshOcr had but two
lollars in silver, the merchants port.
nonnaie showed but q five and the
IOung lady's nothing but her papers and
! little change. The girl, was sure,
oOked as il she would swoon.
You're mean crowd, to have so lit
10 with you, said be, and l'vo mina {
o send you to heaven this very night.
/ hundred dollars We must have, 80
veil go for your baggage This was
Uttered with infinite disgust.
Tho merchant then spoke. You'll
ind nothing Of account IN our baggage,
ut If you will ask this young lady for
'er hat, and carefully rip out the lining I
'ou will find something worth your
aims
The girl turned to ward him with blsz- >
ny eyes and uttered hat one word.