Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-09-09


ladies'" appealed the polite passenger,
in his blandest manner.
"Ohi certainly; they shall be first at
tended TO. and shall not be required to
ave tn cir places, unless their conduct
renders IL necessary"
"And now, ladies'" continued the
robber. the barrel OF his pistol glitter
ing in the light OF the coach lamp. "be
so good as to pass your purses, watches
and such other trinkets as may be ac-
cessible without too much trouble"
The ladies came down handsomely,
and were not further molested.
One by one the rest got out. The
middle.aged gentleman's turn came
first. He submitted with a winning
grace, and was robbed like very Ches-
terield.
My own affairs, like the sum l lost,
are scarcely worth mentioning.
The Quaker's turn came next. He
quietly handed over his pocketbook an
watch. and when asked If he had any
other valuables said "Nay."
A Quaker's word is good, even among
thieves; so, after hasty goodnight" !"
the robber thrust his pistol into his
pocket, and with his two companions.
one of whom had held the reins of the
leaders, was about departing.
Stopw exclaimed the Quaker, in n
tone more of command than of request
Stop! What forP" returned the
other, in evident surprise.
For at least two good reasons" was
the reply, emphasized with couple OF
derringers, cooked and presented.
"Helpw shouted the robber.
"Stop~ the Quaker exclaimed; d" and
If any OF thy sinful companions advance
a 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 n good time to leave.
Now. get in FRIEND" said the
Quaker, still covering his man, take
the middle seat; but first deliver up the
pistol" The other hesitated.
Thee had better not delay. feel
the spirit begin to move my right fore
| finger"
| The robber did as he was directed.
and the Quaker took his place ut his
side, giving the newcomer the middle
of the seat.
The driver, who was frightened hall
out OF his wits, now set forward Mt n
rapid rate. The lively gentleman soon
recovered his vivacity. He was espe-
cially facetious on the Quaker's prowess.
YOU'RE rum Quaker, you are. Why,
you don't quake worth cent"
81 am not Shaking Quaker II
that's what thee means"
"Of the Hickory or rather the Old
Hickory stripe, should say" retortel
the lively man. But the Quaker re-
lapsing into his usual monosyllables
the conversation tagged.
Sooner than we expected. the coach,
stopped where we were to have supper
and change OF horses. We had de-
ferred n redistribution of our effects
until we should reach this place. as the
dim light of the coach lamp would have
rendered the process somewhat diff
cult.
II was now necessary, however, thai
1t should be attended TO at once, as oul
jovial companion had previously an.
nounced his intention OF leaving US nj
this point. He proposed postpone
ment till after supper, which he Offered
to go and order.
Nay" urged the Quaker, with an ap
proach OF abruptness, and laying hi
hand on the others arm. "Busines,
before pleasure, and, for business ther'
Is no time like the present"
"Will thee be good enough to searcl
the prisonerP" he said to me, still keep
ing his hand in a friendly way on th,
passengers arm.
l did so. but not one of the stolen ar
tic.es could be found.
"He must have got rid of them in tn
COACH" the gay gentleman suggested
and Immediately offered to go AM
search.
"StOpr' thundered the Quaker, tight
ening his grasp.
The man turned pale and struggled T.
release his arm. In an instant one o
the derringers was levelsd at his hea
"Stir hand or foot, and you are
dead mani"
The Quaker must have been awfullI
excited, so completely TO forget both tn
language and principles of his persua
sion.
Placing the other pistol in my hand
with directions to fire on the first of tn
two men that made suspicious move
ment, he vent to work on the Lothario
from whose pockets, In less time than /