Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-18
A YANKEE IN ENGLAND.

q
made themselves as comfortable as cir
cumstances permitted. Those within
range of the light had pulled out their
evening papers and begun to peruse the
rechauffe of the mornings news, which
they had already devoured.
Not much in the papers tonight" re-
marked Mr.. Barker to the company in
general He was stout little gentleman,
evidently communicative
A stranger here joined IN the converse
ton. He was tall and spare; he looked
the typical Yankee.
Have you the last edition?" he asked
If SO, you'll find as pretty little story
as you'll meet with in months reading. "
The escape of that convict" inquired
Mr.. Barker.
Yes, he's plucky fellow"
"He's a copSummate scoundrel at all
events" remarked Mr.. Smithson; "a well
known burglar and more than suspected
of being murderer"
Yes, I'm afraid he's bad lot" said
the American; IF he gets away he saves
himself ten years penal servitude."
How did he manage it," asked Mr..
Barker. Il haven't read the particu-
lars"
Broke out Of the prison van" replied
Mr. Smithson. Watched his oppor-
tunity and stunned the policeman inside,
got the keys, let himself out and bolted."
viii they catch hinl!'
THAT remains to be seen; the police
are on his track, replied he from over the
herring pond. Il should like to have a
try at him myself"
Nothing could have been further from
his thoughts than the possibility Of his
having TO take part in the capture him
self. The three men settled down to their
papers again in silence.
What's that?" suddenly exclaimed Mr..
Barker.
What is there?' inquired the others
I'm certain | saw face outside the
window" he replied
The reflection of one Of Us. suggested
his friend
Perhaps twas the guard going by"
said the Yankee.
If so, the guard isn't wearing a cap"
said Mr.. Barker, moving toward the win
dow.
Got it blown of, perhaps" said Mr..
Snithson- Pray don't open the win
dow; we shall be frozen to death"
But Mr.. Barker let down the strap and
peered out into the darkness.
The engine was throwing up shower
Of sparks, and the blaze from the fire il
Illuminated the tender. Those windows
which had no blinds drawn threw dim
light on the hedges, but otherwise there
was nothing but darkness.
Anything tbere?" queried Mr.. Smith
son.
Il fancy l saw something"
We'll, do settle it one way or the
other. and shut the window"
Mr.. Barker withdrew.
Il am certain saw mans head he
asseverated, and In nearly sure caught
sight Of something moving when looked
out"
Hadn't you better cali the guard and
stop the train?" asked Mr.. Smithson iron
ically.
Mr.. Barker did not reply, but looked
uneasily into the darkness.
he had not been mistaken. A nan,
hatless and coatless, had passed along
the footboard of the carriage, and, seeing
that compartment occupied by four men,
had passed on. The next compartment
but one was labeled Ladies" and was
tenanted by one lady. The convict, for
it was ne, stopped in front of this. With
de1terogs movement he opened the
door, and before the lady knew what had
happened she saw a desperate looking
Tutiian standing before her.
Don't be frightened. miss" he said,
81 amt going TO harm you; I've no tine.
want some money. It's life or death to
ne, and I must have it. Your purse,
quicli''
She glanced at the little handle which
was the means Of communication with
the guard; the convict was standing De-
tween her and it. There was nothing to
be done. She drew her purse from her
handbagand gave it to him He put it
IN his pocket and In moment waS out
side the door again.
Instantly she flew to the handle and
pulled il with all her night again and
again. Then, andnet til then. her fright
overcaue her, c2d she sank back On to her
seat.
The convict had scted With the sagacity
and daring which had made SO many Of
his enterprises successful. he had calcu-
lated that the victim would give the
alarm directly he left be-. This was
what he wanted
Il would have been madness for hin to
go OF to the next town. Ee knew that
men were watching for him at every sta
ton. He had mounted the train at the
risk OF his life as It passed slowly through
ere Of the tunnels IN the north OF London
before it was free from the network OF
intersecting lines. Re must escape some
how before it reached a stopping place
But TO leap from the limited mail was
aIrast certain death II, however, the +
train could be stepped he could make his .
escape with fair chance Of success
Il is not usual. however, 70 stop train {
On q signal by the communicated. Tie .
bell aroused the attention Of the guard, +
but all he did wss TO lea1 out Of the WIN /
dow 20 see II there were any sign that il /
was necessary 70 do more. He was On the /
point of drawing II his head when hs /
saw white shawl being waved Eoa .
window. The lady had recovered stG-
GENTLY 70 drag herself 70 the side oS the
Carriage and open the sash This was
enough. TIE guard put On his brake and
sigIaled the driver - Stacker Il haG
minute tbs pace was pe-cepGbly slower.
What's Up row! exclaimed NJ. Bar
zer. sprin-,ag to his feet Tie others
followed him 20 the window
They had not hitherto noticed TIE fourth
occupant OF the compartment He was
al, vel built, but apparently very u
communicative man he pushed his war
'orward and looked oct He uttered Sd
and 20 tie surprise OF his !
flung open the door and began
his way along the footboa-i The
,thers stared .. hin II wonder VIA.
I'D il neaus
He had seen the shawl hanging from
he window, and he knew 20 whom /. be-
ouged
He Was TRAVELLING no-th With bis sister.