The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-01-10
HANDS UP.

lOPie P. Read, in New York MercuryI
 don't know of anything that makes q modest, retiring man feel more uncom- fortable than to sit in a railway train holding up both hands, while in front oI him stands fellow that looks like a hur. riediy arranged MephistopAeles in A tramp Faust company, ieveling a six shooter whose muzzle seems tn open ike the mouth of hungry catfish. Aman may have fought duels and may have the reputation of being as firm as the archi. lecture of Themistocles but when an ungainly citizen, wearing mask. throws up revolver and says s'What time did you say it vas F he will not repeat an old joke and reply, Same time twas this time yesterday but hands his watch to the demonstrative stranger. This is no, surnise with me. argue from a founda- ton of truth, plastered with the cemen. of experience. was passenger on the railway train recently robbed near Little Rock. Just before leaving Pine Bluff, friend came to me and said:
 |" wish you would take my watch up to the city and leave is with jeweIer. It stopped the other day and think there must be something the matter with it: indigestion, probably"
 Of course, consented, desiring to &C., commodate my friend, as 1 didn't owe him anything. l lput the dyspeptic time killer in my valise, but after the train started, tearing that some one might mistake my luggage for his own. took ihe watch out and wore 1t, not without a slight thrill of pleasure as the gold chain caught the rays of the lamp overhead.
 When within short distance of Little Rock, the train suddenly stopped. The rapid firing of pistols without seemed to assure the passengers that tax collectors were in the neighborhood, for every one began to show signs of upeasiness, but before we had tine to engage in those little sPeculations and humorous remarks which frequently delight an aupreciative company, very tall fellow, followed by several companions, entered the car and made remark which understood to mean "hands up." The passengers readily accepted my interpretation of the remark, and following my example, held up their hands. felt sorry for one poor fellow. He only had one arm with him at the time, and his piteous implorauons that somebody would lend him another hand for a few moments were quite enough to have moved a gall of flint. The captain of the gang was very gentle manly, and doubtless tore my vest by mistake while taking of the valuable watch which the Pine Bluff man had in- trusted to my keeping.
 Look here, William the Kid, or what ever your name may be on the present occaslon," said this watch does not belong to me. ] am only taking it up to town for friend. It won't run, so wait until it is rep. ired."
 looked around to see if the audience were applauding nay presence of mind and determination to be facetious. No one smiled, but an old man who was so fat that he filled one seat and bulged over on another, groaned and said " Wsnder why some fellow don't shoot that fool"
 " Not your watch, eh ?" said the leader, tugging at the chain.
 No, sir; belongs to Colonel MetL. Jones, of Pine Bluff."
 That SO? Why am glad to know it. Colonel Jones IS friend of mine and am sure he made mistake in letting you take it. There now, it's all right"
 Look hear, boss" said an old negro who was being searched, "mebbe yer doan know it am ergin de law ter ack like yersef is CT doin'. I'se dun had all my property made ober in de name O my wife, an yer ain't go, no right ter take CT lady's property dis CT way. doan mine seein' CT man posed on, but when CT persun poses on CT lady. WV den l-yas, sah, yas," as a pistol barrel came up under his nose take de ladv's sah. Got no business wid hit. nohow."
 When the robbers allowed the train to proceed. everybody got mad ard after we were under way, ore man drew pistol and swore that DO rooster in America could rob him, and then re- membering that he had lost his watch. added again"
 It makes no difference how cool and frosty a mans temperament may be. it is quite difficult for him to keep nom feel ns anxious and uncomfortable when a curly fellow levels a pistol and says: Throw uo your hands"