The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1884-06-11
being desperate men who Nesitated at

being desperate men who hesitated at
nothing.
Occasionally, however, did relax my
vigilance. and slept as soundly as at the
hotel where l boarded. Finally my turn
came.
The train arrived at Tucson one night
nearly an hour late. There was a great
deal of express matter to exchange, and
for fifteen minutes was kept busy load
ing and unloading bundles and boxes.
The passengers walked up and down the
platform to stretch their legs the en-
gines safety-valve hummed with escap-
ing 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
l had a chance to talk few minutes with
the expressman then the train started,
and closed the door, locked it, and turned
to the boxes and packages that were
scattered around The first thing that
attracted my attention was long pine
box.
had not noticed it when it
was loaded, and thinking it
was a queer time for a funeral to
start East, l examined the address. 1t
was consigned to New Orleans. en-
tered it on the book with the other eX
press and for an hour or more, while
sorting over the packages, | took no no
tice of my silent companion.
1t was a common thing to have one or
two funerals the whole length of the trip
eastward, and l thought of this as l
thought of others: 'Some poor fellow
who left pleasant home to come here in
search of fortune only to die on the
alkali plains, without friend"
And after had showed the box against
the side of the car, l opened a bundle of
newspapers and selected one to read. 1t
was not very late, and tilting my chair
against the side of the car beneath a
lamp, was soon interested in the news
of the day.
How long was in that position l do
not know, but unconsciously | fell into a
light sleep when l had finished reading
the paper. l awoke with feeling of
dread and fascination in complete pos
session of me. did not move; could
not. Something held me almost breath
less and several minutes passed before
could open my eyes When l did, my
heart gave quick throb!
The top of the pine box was partly
raised. and the features of man, shaded
from the dim light, were revealed TO my
acute sensesl
Even then, though greatly startled, I
did not make motion, and my eyes
were all but closed Peering from the
corner of one eye, l tried to make out
. his features, but saw nothing beyond the
brutal eyes and half-savage mouth. In
y an instant it flashed across me that he
u was a train robber2
5 He was evidently waiting to see if
G was fast asleep, and he did not move
q during several minutes, keeping his eyes
fastened on me with the steadiness of an
!, animal.
scarcely breathed.
. The rifles and revolvers were on the
J. opposite side of the car. If attempted
a to get them, he would shoot before
s made two steps. With my blood ting
! ling and my ears strained l waited eX-
pectantly for him to move. resolving to
: wait for favorable opportunity to spring
Il on him.
I Probably,there were dozen more of
i, his associates in the passenger-cars, and
,f as soon as he had secured his prize they
4 would be notified, and the passengers
: robbed. There was enough gold and
y silver in bricks in my car to make one
. man Independently rich. The small safe
= was full of specie, amounting to one
- hundred thousand dollars worth.
With the thought of my responsibility
=, came a feeling of resolution. / must dc
= something without hesitation.
n The dark eyes glared at me, but the
- robber never changed his position.
could read the meaning of their cold
y glitter, and must act if saved my life
- 1 pretended to awaken. by making two
- or three movements with my hands, anC
-, TO my intense relief the cover of the pint
" box quickly and quietly dropped to it
~ place Without making any hurried
or motions, l rubbed my eyes, gaped one,
- or twice, and slowly rose to my feet.
c 1c "Well, well, " l said, aloud, 'I've beer
- asleep"
ly Then proceeded to rummage arounc
the car as if nothing had happened, bu
lg my nerves were not relaxed an instant
ID Before they had gone five miles farther
n had some nails in my pocket, and a care
in less glance showed me hole in the sid
m of the box through which the robber wa
undoubtedly watching every moyemen
I'd / made.
~ l did not go near the revolvers or rifles
mt 1t would have taken but second fo
ed him to have raised the lid and shot me
ep and / knew he would do so if l az
ly preached them. Instead of that care
al iessly assorted pile of express matte
Sc near the box, with view to what wa
about to do.
al 1 was terribly excited, though trie
ci- to appear cool. When / was all ready
by / threw several heavy packages on til
RS lid sat down on the box, and hastil
-ly nailed down the lid. l heard a nois
l within, and felt a pressure as my prisont
is endeavored to raise the lid. The weigl
ng was too great, and soon had all the mai
to driven in to hold him fast. He W;
al secured. but TO make sure Of him sn