The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-28

CLOTHING STORE.
IN THE NICK OF TINE.
A WOuld-Be Train Robber Who Tried the
Box Trick Neatly Captured.

ST PAUL, Mimi, July 27.-When the train
No 2 which left ST. Paul on Saturday at 1;4O,
William L. Mead. conductor, arrived at Black
River Falls, Wis, fully one hundred bushels of
blueberries were found awaiting expressage to
Chicago. After they had been loaded Conductor
Mead was told that there was box for Chicago
still on the platform This heavy and lengthy
package, labeled Sidney L. Burnard, Chicago,
ILL., was quickly taken from the spot on the
platform of the depot, where it had lain for
hours in the boiling sun, and ensconced
in the express car with the blueberries
and other truck, two messengers, and
the usual iron safe for money and other
valuables. Mead had yelled 'All aboard, !"
and waved ''all right" to the expectant
engineer, when some one whom he does not re-
member remarked: Mead, that's a mighty
suspicious looking box 1 believe there's a man
in It," Mead took up his Black River tickets
and then went into the express car to examine
the oblong affair." which, in order to expedite its
lading he had lifted on most Justify himself
He did not see anything peculiar about It, but
directed that the object of interest be moved to
a convenient corner and all the blueberries be
piled on top of it. This was done, and IL the
eagerness Of the moment about five tons OF the
stuff was built upon and around the suspect.
There must have been something to give rise to
suspicion among the employees at Black
River Falls, for or, the s;ge1 agent her here ho1 as
telegraphed Mr. Ball, express agent at
Elroy, to look out for the counterfeit present
nent of coffin. This Mr.. Ball did. The blue
berries were removed, and the box was brought
out to the Elroy platform On this Mr.. Ball
said in loud tones: is there a man in thereF
No response If there's anyone inside ned
better speak; I'm going to fire through the box
in about one minute" I'm in here; don't fire. F"
This i'll smothered tones, but evidently from in
side, and no yentriloquist tricks Are you
armedF Yes got a revolver" Pass it out
here butt-end first The dial of the box
slowly lowered couple of inches or more, and a
wicked looking forty two ca!ibre bulldog" was
handed forth. Then the side came clear down
lit had been held in place by buttons inside), and
gentleman with light mustache, blue eyes and
good features sprang forth, clad in shirt
drawers and stockings He was athletic and
nonchalant, and despite the awkwardness of
the situation, as free from embarrassment as a
groom of the chambers. An examination of
the box disclosed that it was carefully padded
inside had row of breathing holes along the
edge. and hidden by the prof ection of what
proved to be the hinged side, and was provided
with a couple Of pillows for the use of the re-
cumbent occupant. The prisoner gave his name
as Charles l.. Lawrence but would give no
further answer. The prisoner was safely placed
In durance.
Further examination revealed full suit of
outer garments including hat and Shoes a bottle
of choroform, a billy, and thin strong rope
seventeen feet long, while iE the pocket of the
coat small vial of prussic acid quietly reposed.
From Elroy to Chicago there is but messen-
ger and he could easily have been overpowered
with the adjuncts at Lawrences command. 1t
has now transpired that box similar to the one
described was recently found at the station on
the Omaha road. This is the second box trick
unsuccessfully attempted to be worked on that
road,