The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1883-07-06
AITALE OF TWosEAs,

ward bound Californians, who were en-
barking on the steamship. Precisely at
noon the engine-bell struck, the ponder.
Gus wheels revolved, and as the echoes Of
tee parting gun reverbe10ted among the
hils and over the placid waters Of the bay,
eight hundred souls commenced the home.
ward journey via Nicaragua.
Scarcely had the ship passed Meigps
wharf before the passengers observed with
surprise that she had stopped, and stimuli
taneously they were ell ordered on deck,
while half dozen police officers made q
thorough search OF the ship, which occu-
PIED TWO hours. During this time the cap
tam impatiehtly walked the bridge, and o.
e1nes made few revolutions to keep the
ship in position. At last the we'll known
taoe Of Captain IL, rthe chief of the
detective force presented itself at the camp
way, accompanied by his aids. With a
wave OF the hand, and an adieu to the CAP.
tam; they entered their boat, and were
pulled toward the shore. The wheels once
more commenced their long task. Passing
at full speed through the Golden Gate, the
steamer reached the open sea, and as the
sun dipped In the waters Of the Pacific. the
shores OF California faded in the dis
lance.
That evening, after inspection, at eight
O'clock, the captain was seated in the
purser's Office, in friendly conversation.
looking over the passengeriist.
BY the way. purser," he said, "what
occasioned the unusual pertinacity of our
friend, Captain Ii in. searching the
ship this afternoon? Itslt like bringing
him TO sea, and giving him uall the time he
wanted"
The purser made no reply, but took from
bis pocket q photograph, which he handed
TO the captain, who looked at It and said:
well, what has this got to do with it?"
You remember" replied the purser;
that murder in Virginia Gity a fortnight
elnoer That is the portrait of the muir
derer. IL said he had positive informa-
ton that be would be on board here, and
tried hard to find him. One of his men
was an officer from Nevada, with q requisi-
ton, and, as large reward is offered for
tne man. they were very anxious to get
him, but failed. However, the detective
left his picture, and requested me TO tell
you about it. We may see him on board
during the down trip, and you may feel like
using your magrsterial authority in return
ing him TO the police when we get back"
= The captain looked carefully at the por-
trait, which was that of young man,
rather fast-looking, but without any pc.
culiarity that would distinguish him, in a
crowd. well purser, said he, 'look out
tor him, and let me know if you see him.
He may be slowed away somewhere. I
think shall know him should set eyes
Oh him." With this the captain returned
the picture, babe the purser eood-night.
and went to the pilot house.
The fO0c ord winds of &bo n4,eo.-:
coast had given place to the tropical warmth
of the Mexican coast. when, one after
noon, as the captain was leisurely walking
toward the dining saloon, his eye fell upoa
face that startled him-the face of "a man
who, for On instant, withstood the search
ing glance without finching, as the captain
nonchalantly passed by, turned into the
dining saloon, then, quiekening his
pace, passed through and entered the put
sers room, where he found that gentleman
making his dinner toilet.
You know that fellow of whom wewere
speaking, purser? Let me zee his picture. +"
said the captain. @Yes, that is the man.
have spotted him; his whiskers are cut
off, and his hair is long, but that is the
man. know the cut Of his ill.,"
The captain had indeed spotted his man
but what to do with him was the question.
There were no papers on board authorizing
his arrest and if such authority was assumed
while the task was easy, it might in the
end prove troublesome and thankless one.
After full consideration, it was deemed
best toatake no notice of the fellow, and
avoid the legal complications which might
ensue it he were returned to San FrauJis.
CO.
But three days after, as the ship was
nearing the shores of Central America, an
incident occurred which necessitated
prompt action, and brought the murderer
face to face with power that could con-
troll him. One morning, about ten o'clock
steeragei passenger knocked at the cap
taln's door. He was man in the prime
OF life, with the appearance of miner,
and was shaking with fright-too excited to
talk coherently. When he had collected
himself little, he asked to speak word
in private to the captain.
age, captain, p said he. He murdered q
man in Virginia City fortnight before we
left. I knew him there by sight, and see
ing him on board. told one or two about
him, and other passengers got hold of it.
He has found out that exposed him, and
he whispered, in,my ear few minutes since
that he would get"even with me by cutting
my id heart out. And he will do it.
too. captain, if ,heaeets chance, either on
board OF after Es have Ia nded. Can't YOU
do something to!keep him quiet captain?
l tuink will 60 back to San F'lancls CO IN
the ship, as know he will kill me when
get ashore at Nicaragua"
The man was trembling in every joint,
evidently very much frightened, and said
he was unarmed. The captain, in a calm
way, explained to him. that the certainty Of
Immediate arrest and punishment would
deter the Desperate from carrying out his
threat while on board; ard if be had any
such murderous intentions, ue would no
doubt wait until the transit ecross the 18TH
mus. Meanwhile, he advised the panic
stricken passenger to arm himself, and to
USE his arms without hesitation should he
find it necessary. The captain further as
suraa him that he would take steps to in
sure, his safety while ON board, and, as far
as possible, until the Atlantic steamer was
reached. With this the threatened man
went forward, partially reasspred, and the
captain sent for the pEsser.
PurSer," said he, liz g. quiet way, ~ am
about to invite the mHsderer tony room
You will please accompany o quaztermaster
to the steerage and hunt dim up-he usual
y alhugs around tne starbGard steer1ge gang
wey. Say to him that wish to-see him,
and let the quartermaster and yourself re-
turn with him. Should hebe fractions, do
noth;ng but report at once, Have paper
and pencil ready, and make notes. of my
with him.. We may uneed
proof of what is said."
After the pu,ser left. the captain. opened
] drawer, from which he took pair of
land- cuffs, which he unlocked; two navy
evolverg, the caps of which he closely rex-
mined, and put the tools under the edge
II his mattress, within easy reach. He
hen sat down. and quietly awaited the re
urn of his officers. In few minutes the |
,urser returned with the murderer, closely |
ollowed by the qusrtermaster, whom the