The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1884-06-28

loading and unloading bundles and
boxes. The pas engers walked up and
down the platform to stretch their legs;
the engines safety-valve hummed with
escaping steam, and the long train Of
cars, reaching the full length of the
platform, presented picture of hustle
and activity.
When the last bundle was piled away,
| had chance to talk few minutes
with the pressman; then the train
started, and | closed the door, locked
it, and turned to the boxes and pack
ages that were scattered around. The
first tn NC that attracted my attention
was long piae box.
l had not noticed it when it was
loaded, and thinking it was a queer
time for funeral to start East, / ex-
to New Orleans. / entered it on the
book with the other express, and for an
hour or more, while sorting over the
packages, took no notice of my silent
compan. on.
1t was a common thing to have one
or two funerals the whole length OF the
trip eastward, and l thought of this as /
thought of others: ''come poor fellow
who lett pleasant home to come here
in search of a fortune, only to die on
the alkali plains. without friend"
And after had showed the box
against the side of the car, Iopened a
bundle of newspapers and sele ted one
TO read. 1t was not very late, and tilt
ing my chair against the side Of the
car beneath lamp, was soon inter-
e.ted in the news of the day.
How long was in that position do
not know, but unconsciously fell into
light sleep when had finished read
ing the paper, woke with feeling of
dread and fascination in complete pos
session of me. did not move; could
not. Something held me almost
breathless, and several minutes passed
before could open my eyes. When
did, my heart gave quick throb
| The top of the pine box was partly
raj, ed, and the features of a man, shad.
ed from the dim light, were revealed tc
my acute senses!
Even then, though greatly startled,
did not make a motion, and my eyes
were all but closed. Peering from The
corner of one eye, tried TO make out
his features, but saw nothing beyond
the brutal eyes and half-savage mouth
In an instant it flashed across me tha
he was train-robber!
He was evidently waiting to see if
was fast asleep, for he did not move dur
ing several minutes, keeping his eyes
fastened on me with the steadiness OF al
animal.
scarcely breathed
The rifles and reVolvers were on tbs
opposite side of the car. If ! attempted
to get them he would shoot before
made two steps. With my blood ting
ling and my ears strained, l waited ex
pectantly for him to move, resolving t.
wait for favorable opportunity Il
spring on him.
PROT ably there were dozen more o
his associates in the passenger cars, anC
as soon as he had secured his prize they
would be notified and the passenger
robbed. There was enough gold anC
silver in bricks in my car to make ont
man Independently rich. The small
safe was full of SPECIE amounting t.
100000 worth.
With the thought of my responsibility
came feeling of resolution. l mus
do something without hest, alton.
The dark eyes glared at me, but tn,
robbec never changed his position.
could read the mean ng OF their colo
glitter, and must act if | saved m,
life. pretended to awaken, by max
ing two or three movements with MI
ha nds, and to my intense relief tn,
cover of the pine box quickly AM
quietly dropped to its place. Withou
making any hurried motions, l rubbed
my eyes, CAPPED once or twi,e and slow
ly rose to my feet
well, well,' l said, aloud, CIV
been asleep
Then proceeded to rummage arouni
the car as if nothing had happened, bu
my nerves were not relaxed an instant
Before the train had gone five mile
farther had some nails in my pocket
A quick, careless glance showed me
hole in the side of the box throug
which the robber was undoubted
watching every movement made.
/ did not go near the revolvers O
} rifles. II would have taken but q ser
J ond for him to have raised the lid an
shot me, aud knew he would do so
. approached them. Instead of that
carelessly assorted a pile of expires
matter near the box, with view to wha
was about to do.
: / was terribly excited, though trie
to appear cool. When was all read
/ threw several heavy packages on tn
lid, sat down on the box and hastil
| nailed down the lid. / heard a nois
within and felt pressure as my pri,
: oner endeavored to raise the lid. Th
7 weight was too great, and / soon ha
all the nails driven in TO hold him fas
) He was secured but to make sure
him | surrounded the box with heav
: bundles and piled upon it the heavies
, boxes the car conta ned.
: l sat down for minute to recove
myself then taking down rifle,
cooked it loud enough for him to hea
> GLOW many more are there aboat
: the trainP" 1 asked, placing my mout
} to crack between the bricks.
? In reply | heard muffled sound r,
0 sembl ng curse. and as all the holt
/ through which he m ght shoot wei
5 covered with gold and silver. / put m
r mouth nearer and asked the questio
/ again.
/ received no reply, and going to IL
Y other end of the car. I Quietly onene