Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-05-15
ouse had . very good
and had for oorno

l y
and had for some
years been doing splendid business. In
1881, however, the business had fallen
away almost entirely, and in May 1 was
sent over to inquire into matters and see
what could be done to revive business
I found that our representative was
not worth his salt, and the house instruct
ed me to call on all our customers, STAY
until business was all right, and then
have thoroughly competent man to
represent us. In July I arrived at the
village Of Kilaman and found had miss
ed the last train to Fillmore 1.-THE nearest
city,. It was wet, stormy night and
did not feel inclined to walk to Kilmore
distance of ten miles. I went to tie
inn and found three of the most villanous-
looking men I had ever seen, in the one
room devoted to the public. They left
shortly after my arrival. The landlord
either could nor would not give me q
bed and I was compelled to pass the night
in the room mentioned in company with
the pig and fowls. I had large sum of
money with him and left rather uncom-
Portable: I was very glad. can assure
you, when morning came, and I hasten
ed to get away from the place. A few
days afterwards was in the coffee-roopn
Of the Shelborne Arms hotel, Dublin.
There were several gentlemen there dis
cussing an agrarian outrage that had taken
place near Kilaman. One of them said
that three men had been arrested on
suspicion, but the alleged they were
miles away from Kilaman on the night
of the outrage. My attention was
aroused and made inquiries and found
that the outrage had taken place on the
same night I had spent SO uncomfort-
ably at Kilaman, I said why was at
Kilaman that night and saw three men
in the inn. One of the gentlemen (who
was dressed in rusty black at once be-
came interested; and I gave him full
accounts describing the men very par
ticularly.
II thought my rusty friend was re-
porter and thought no more about the
matter. The next day my seedy friend
came in the coffee room and again be-
gan to talk over the again. repeated
my statement to him and he gave me
subpoena to appear at the Fillmore assizes
and give evidence against The men. I
did not particularly care to 60, but had
no choice. I went, and the men were
convicted and sentenced to long terms of
imprisonment. My testimony broke
down the aibi they tried to set up.
81 went about my business and week
or SO afterwards the affair was brought
to my recollection by letter received
ornamented by small cross-bones and
coffin, advising me to prepare for anoth-
or and better world, as was too good
to live poor. I took no notice of it and
treated it with the contempt on anony-
nous letter deserve. In November I
again found myself at Kilaman and
thought to myself I went stop here again
tonight. I did any business and went
to the station in plenty of time to catch
the last train. On arriving at the station
I found that the running time had been
altered and the train had left. There
was no help for it, and was compelled
to walk to Fillmore. It was beautiful
startling night, cold and frosty. I had
gone about four miles, when I was met
by man who appeared to be good
well-to-do farmer. He inquired where I
was going and told him. He said he
was going in the same direction and if I
had no objection he would walk with me. |
I gladly consented and we went on to-
gether for about another four miles.
was beginning to congratulate myself
that had almost reached
my journeys end when my companion
gave peculiar whistle. Before I could
inquire what he meant was seized by
several men who were in ambush, thrown |
to the ground and my hands tied behind
my back. I tried to obtain some infor
nation as to their intentions, but was
unsuccessful. The muzzle of a pistol
was placed to my head and was told
that upon the slightest noise or attempt |
to escape I should be shot. I thought
discretion the better part of valor and
held my peace. We went along for
about mile from Fillmore. As soon as
we reached the track I was thrown
down and one of the men called out for
the rope. It Immediately flashed
across my mind that I was to be bound
to the track and left to be cut up by the
express, which would pass in about forty
five minutes. I almost tainted with the
horror of my situation. I was quickly
bound down to the rails and the men
left me, telling me that the nearest house
was some miles away, and that need
not waste my breath by shouting.
They told me that the express would be
along in thirty minutes and that my
testimony would not be required on any
future occasion. I shrieked out at the
Top of my voice, but the only reply 1
got was the hooking laughter from the
lends as they went away. I at once
Jaw that my only hope of safety
vas to get free. I struggled and almost
ore my hands off in my frantic endeav-
Dts to get loose. At last succeeded in 1
reeing my right hand, then my left.
Hope took the place of despair. III
'nly had my knife, thought; but the
lends had taken all my portable proper
y away. However, I was half free, and I {
et to work to iberate my legs. They {
we're bound much more securely than
ny hands had been. After almost su-
'erhuman efforts I succeeded in getting
ny left leg loose, and was tugging and
training at the cord that bound my {
light, when-hark! What is that rumb- {
ing sound I hear? Horror! It is the t