The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-04-15
q Jerk, the windows in each door were


covered tie inside passengers.
It was the work OF minute. and no
one sp ks. B hind each rifs stood
masked man-the one on the writer's
side spoke quickly, and in a well-bred
voice and manner.
keep your seats, ladies and gentle;
men; you will not he molested all we
want is the express; the first one who
resists will be shot Instantly"
The announcement was cooler than
the night; but every passenger knew the
virtue OF obedience. Outside, Curley Jim
was making (not Rome) but the Sierras,
"howl' with his characteristic denuncia-
tions OF "footpads" as be sat on the box
with 80 rifle to his nose," as he termed
it. The villains who we're holding
the horses and detaching hem from ths
stage, and the fellows who were break.
ing open the boxes, laughed loudly at
the drivers remarks, and endeavored to
provoke his good humor by telling him
"he was only passenger now, and that
"his friends all knew he was a good fell
low" and so forth.
The guard OF the "inside passengers''
seemed to be the leader of the expedi-
tion, as he gave directions to all the rest
he frequently attempted conversation
with. the occupants on the back seat, and
seeming to be polite, at least in his ad-
dress, We volunteered the inquiry.
do you like this business of robbing
stages2" ra1
"Qaite to the contrary" he replied
II detest it; was not intended by ma
ture OF education for . robber; but
whenever / get into bad business | en-
deapor to make it as reputable as possi-
BILE; for that reason never rob tTav.
eler, nor allow one to be robbed by my
assistants, especially lady. BY the way,
ladies, are you warm7. This is bitter
night-how are your feet ?"
"Com'e rtable!" we replied, amused at
The solicitude OF mar holding a cooked
rifle across our throat.
"Have you a baby there, madam ?"
he went on, addressing The silent little
woman from Carson.
eYee." is
The voice and simple "yes" sounded
like vail from distant canon. -
"Poor child |" said the robber in ten
derly human accent. "Can you manage
to keep it warmf" -.
"No!r broke from the woman 10 q
tone that surprised US all more than the
rifles had when thrust in our faces.
"It must be wrapped warm, then" !"
said our gallant hishwaymau when the
fearful voice responded:
sit will never be warm agaiu!"
"Heavens!" said the man; ais it
dead p"- re.*4
"Yes," was the chilling response; "it
died this afternoon, and l am taking it
TO my mother in Sacramento where it
can be properly buried" and great sob
was heard by every one In the coach. ),
sand you have carried that cold body
in yonr arms all night" inquired the
robber In surprise and sympathy.
II have" was the faint reply treighted
sith tremor OF fear.
"Poor woman!' be uttered In gen.
tier tone. "Why did you stsrt with It
in that way without coffin2 Where is
your husband p
"My hus5and-mv-he fcfsook me
before it was born-I don't know where
be is"
"Cussed scoundrelr' said the man.
"Amen!' responded one OF the men
on the middle seat.
II was destitute, and baby starved to
desth. / could not buy coffin only
wish to reach my mother" pleaded the
choking voice, and silently one sympa.
thetic hand stole into hers as the robber
called out:
II say, Curley, did you know you had
q dead child inside7"
~~Yes." roared back honest Curley,
sand the deuce take you If you lay
hand on itr'
6BalIy for youl'' the man shouted
back; 1--WE are robbers, Curley, but we
are men" ss.
"Oh, don't make the driver any troub-
le, .sir," ciied out the terrified little wo-
man; sit is through his kindness alone
I am permitted TO take my dead child
home"
SNAKE him trouble7 Not bit OF II"
said he, thrue,ing one hsni into his
breast pocket and pulling out brandy
flask, saying in good, round, manly gen.
erosity OF tone: "Here, Curley, take a
drink; you've trump
"All right, pass it up" And after o
significant sound OF smacking lips on
the box the flask was handed back.
"Now," said our robber gentleman to
the shiyering little woman, "you must
have q monthul OF this TO keep you
warm; You must be half chilled, know
Then IN the most polished manner said !:
"Pcrhsps esome of you have cup or q
glass; please take this aask and pour it
ont for her," m
Half dog N hands we're ready, % glass
was produced and the suffering woman
eagerly swallowed the contents saying:
rOb, thank you so much"
show old is--or was your baby, mad
am :" was the next question. ara
"Just six weeks, sir" was the reply.
We heard q peculiar whistle from our
guard. and another masked man came
quickly to his side.
Empty one OF those express boxes.
and bring 1t here at once !" The order
was almost. instantly obeyed, and the
man whom We no longer felt a secret
dred Of, turned to lhe poor little mother,
with almost a reverential demeanor, say
ing 81 think we can give the baby
temporary coffin, If you are willing, and
my man here will hold the hox. while
you Law the body IN it as well as you
can; thedriver will dnd good place for
it in the boot; don't you think it will be
The hest plan r.
'"Yes. sir, I'm quite willing"
"The passengers offered every possi-
BILE aid, and the box was laid across the
writer's lap, and the masked assistant
took up the little bandle and bestowed
it very carefully in its IRON bound casket
Woolly mufflers and cashmere handker-
chiefs were forthcoming to wrap the stiff
little form, and the cover was about to
be shut down. the man at the window
interrupted. saving: