The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-03-13
Staging In ArIsansas,

|
Rock railroad. This old route, passing
through the virgin forests Of western
Arkansas, aud overltworanges of noun
tains, is replete with the most beautiful
scenery as the road winds its rugged
course over mountains and valleys fol
nearly no miles. About two years ago,
having enjoyed the s4ason Mt the justly
celebrated Eurekn springs, and hearing
so much about this wild, picturesque
country, 1 conclud ded to endure the
hardships OF the long stage ride and re-
turn home by this route. At tayette-
vile transferred myself from Pull
man to a seat in the cumbersome stage:
the mail bags were safely slowed away.
and promptly at 2 P. M. the driver took
his seat and our four horses started in a
lively trot; we realized that our journey
had begun. "
There we're two, other passengers.
One was mild-eyed gentleman Of dig
nifed reserve, who proved to he COLLEGE
professor, while the other wore flannel.
oheckered overshi1t, and his pantaloons
were tucked into pair of heavy coarse
boots, evidently laborer. The profess
sor explained that he was employing his
summers vacation in securing speomens
with which to enrich his entomoIogical
botanical collections. We reached the
summit of the first range of mountains
just at sunset. and paused until the sun
sank beneath the horizon, the most por-
geous scene ever witnessed. No one
can boast OF having seen glorious sun.
set until he has viewed one from a
mountain top on clear summer evening.
we resumed our journey, and directly
the moon arose like great ball of fire,
that lighted up mountains aid valleys
with lndescribable beauty. Ihad taken
my seat on the box with the driver, that
1 might the better enjoy the view, and
at the same time escape the iargon of
the professor. who was focusing his
learning upon our friend OF the cheol1-
cred shirt.
In making q steep ascend we passed
along very narrow ledge overlooking
chasm so deep that the light of the moon
failed to penetrate the cavernous dark
ness. We paused to admire the awful
grandeur Of the scene, and while the
professors hend was stuck out of the
window in silent admiration, his silk hat
fell of, struck the ground. bounced over
the brink and disappeared from view in
the darkness below. He jumped out and
appeared as though Inclined to follow it,
and begged rs, in the most pitiful man
ner, to get it for him. Considering the
trivial loss Of the hat, his anxiety ap-
peared most ridiculous. We finally dis
covered 1T caught in some bushes. ten
feet below, and entirely beyond reach.
Upon tho professors Offering 1926 for it's
recovery, the driver took the reins from
his horses, and tied them together, and,
securing neend to tree and the other
around hls body, let himself down, and
presently appeared with the hat, to the
great JOY of the owner, who cheerfully
paid the reward. He then explained
that he had been boarding up two years
salary in anticipation Of this summers
excursion, and, as we all seemed honest
friends, he pid not mind owning that he
had 81, 600 sewed in the lining OF the
hat. Renewing our journey, about Md
night, we reached the summit of the
Boston Mountains, where we changed
horses and ate supper. The stages gong
ana returning usually met Ill the valley,
about six miles beyond this point, and |
not moro than 10 days previous to this
time both stages had been waylaid and
robbed. But the robbers had been sub
sequently captured on tho Iron Mountain |
Railroad. We discussed tho incident
and congratulated ourselves, that the !
band had been broken up, and that we
were in no danger OF being called upon
to part with our valuables. Starting |
with fresh team we ratified down into |
a walk as thoy began an ascent on the |
otherside. Suddenly from behind tree |
n, fhok a.
the horse, aud from behind another ap-
peared man with shotgun. Promptly |
at the word Of command our hands went |
above our heads. Advancing closer and |
Keeping us within range, he called out:
''Pitoh down that mail and express,
and be quick about it." ""
The driver appeared paralyzed with
fear, while L replied as oooly as T could
under the circumstances, as the fellow
was very near and the bore of his gun
looked feariully large:
1--WE haye no treasure on board"
AT the same time was swaying from
side to side to keep out of range.
"Does she look like couple of can.
Iionf' suid the fellow holding the horses
with an ugly grin.
YES" said I. recollecting an almanac
Joke l. had read many years ago. 81
onn read the advertisement on the wad.
ding"
'"Come, no nonsense" growled tho
other; "kick down the treasure or I'll
drop you of O. there"
AS he would not allow me to use NV
hands, kicked out the mai. bags anu
other plumber in the boot. While he
was examining the booty. I managed to
get out of my vest pocket u small roll Of
ollls-all had-and again throwing bp
my hands succeeded in getting 1t down
between my neck and collar, The fel-
low, disappointed at not finding anything
of value, declared that we had valuabIes
concealed about us, and ordered us on
The ground. We all obeyed, and stood
IA line with our hands stIll elevated.
lnd tho villain covered us with his gun
While his partner went through our
pockets. From the professor he secured
microscope and a pocket knife; from
our passenger in the boot 70 cents and
piece of tobacco; while /, unfortu-
lately, had only q toothpick.
"You paupers" exclaimed he with
he gun, IN disgust, s'youre hardly
Yorth killing, so wen lot you tramp into
own as rlcL as when you frat oame into
he world. Pull of every rag you have