The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1889-02-28


shone out now through the window;
and as the men stepped into the faint
bar of light got quite distinct view
of them.
They were all heavily built. Each
ono wore yellow "slicker' coat, aud
had his SLOUGH hat pulled down close to
keep oil the rain, and around each ones
lace, Just below the eyes, was tied red
"haryester's" handkerchief. This struck
me as unusual, aud | was puzzled for a
moment, until it occurred to me that
perhaps they were worn as protection
against the hail.
A moment later they were pounding at
the door for Ambulance. Now, as u
rule, did not like to admit any one so
long before train time, Isometimes had
express money packages on hand, with
no safe to put them in. l once carried
package of three thousand dollars in my
pocket three days before the owner
called for it. | was somewhat appre-
hepsive at times for my safety.
THAT night, however, | had only a
few dollars of my own and an almost
empty mail pouch, but before opening
and what do you wantl'
Passengers for the train" came the
answer. "We're all wet, an wanter get
in out O the rain."
Iunloc ed the door, and they crowded
into the room. In the brighter light in
doors the handkerchiefs that concealed
their faces looked so much like an at.
tempt at dsguEe-and pretty good
one at that-that for moment l was
startled, and made hasty step toward
the ticket office. Before | could take
another, however, one of the men struck
me with his fist, and though the blow
was not hard one, it was so unexpected
that it knocked me completely off my
feet. Then two of them seized me
while | was down, turned me on my
face and held me while the Others bound
my hands firmly behind me. They next
bound my feet, and then rolled me over
again on my back.
"Now, my chicken" said one, who
appeared to be the leader, 1--WE amt got
moth n agin you, an won't hurt you as
long as you keep quiet; but sure as you
yell or make a noise, there'll be some
shootin'."
They seemed to be familiar with the
Office and its surroundings aud probably
had been there before. Two of them
picked me up and carried me toward
the freight room, while another went
ahead with the lamp and opened the
door. Here they looked around for a
moment, then laid me down against the
side of the building with an old coat
under my head tor pillow, and bidding
me keep mum" returned to the wait
ing-room.
Thus left alone in the dark began to
think and pretty fast, too, for l was
thoroughly excited.
Their scheme was evident enough tic
waylay the train there and rob the cy-
press and mail cars. The express mes.
senger always had money in his safe or
the east run, and not infrequently GOLD
bullion from the mines further west, SC
in case they were successful they would
secure a large sum. There had beer
several like attempts throughout The
country lately, and | felt sure that this
was their object.
By taking the trainmen by surprise
they might overpower them, then saparat
ing the mail and express cars from the res
of the train, run them mile or two
further east with the engine and plunde
them at their leisure This plan hat
been successfully carried out on anothe
road short time before, and there wa
no reason why it should not be agail
uccessful-unless. in some manner,
could prevent it.
tried to loosen my hands, but the,
were tied too securely--so tightly tina
the cords almost cut the flesh. Then
reflected that even if | were loose,
should be unable to get out and flag tn
train, for both freight doors were pad
locked and the key was in the ticket
Office drawer.
About this time the door leading t
| the waiting-room was opened and on
of the roughs looked in.
. "Say young Teller, are you alive YETI
he asked.
81 es," | responded.
"Weil, we wanter know if there
, anything you've got to do this here tele
. graph machine so they won't suspec
, nothin'- any report to make3'
This was pretty cool, and for momer
I thought night still have an oppol
, tunty to warn the dispatcher, and wa
, on the point of saying Eyes" when ar
other voice cut me short
"You let him get his claws on thf
machine an he'll have 'em stop the trai,
Don't be fool; come out an shut tn
, door"
. The door slammed and once more
was left in the dark
t Twas now beglnning to suffer from m
i constrained position and the cutting {
the cords. SO | began to cast about II
r for relief; and then suddenly | r,
f membered reaper blade that had bee
| left at the station few days ago by Il
' express. 1t was loose from the boar
:, and | had placed it in corner so that I
one could lie hurt by it acc dental
Accordingly rolled over and over unit
. my feet touched the opposite wall al
9 hen sitting up with my back toward Il
G corner, | felt for the blade with n
hands.
To my great satisfaction found
t got the cord across one of the teeth, al
j. carefully sawed it back and forth.
+. In moment my hands were free, al
y then looscned my feet. l then too
a off my shoes. This done l was able
n move about without making any noise
it Still was unable to accomplish an
e thing for it was impossible to get OIL
e aud l was on the point of composil
IS myself IN my old position, to avoid a
other knock down, should the roug
it look in, when slight "spiz-z-z," f
d lowed by bright sparkle, attra ted L
e. attention to the south side of the rooi
IL 1t was the instrument on the privs
IN line, affected by the lightning-a col
10 mon occurrence in all Offices duril
IS thunder storms.
t, l stepped up to it quickly and tri
?. the circuit. 1t was all right, though
= rain made such noise on tt roof tina
i, could hardly hear the sounder. 1t "
Of not probable that could get an answ
re from Charley at that time of night, b
V, as my only resource it was worth tryir
st So started in, making his call, sch
ne "C-h-c-h- CHI" | ratified; and pr
@, emily, to my surprise, the circuit open
IN and the response came:
10 Fitch"
<. Then | "talked" to him, my
bo citpment q oreat deal fastor than