Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-12-11
A MEMORABLE RUN.
BY WILLIAM NJ. GRAYDoN.

lor special purpose. We have IN the
office chest of money consigned to Gun
nison. 1t lis to pay Off men at several of
the mines, | believe, and instead of send
ing it with the regular express messen.
ger propose to put it on board the
freight which leaves here at midnight
| have special reasons for doing this-ir
fact am afraid to trust it on the regular
train-and [ wish you would take charge
of the money. You will say nothing
about the matter, of course, but quietly
report for duty at eleven o'clock to-
night"
In these words the superintendent of
the express company at Montrose, Colo
RADIO, assigned to Fred Harlan and my
self run that was destined to be one of
the most memorable events of our lives.
We did not think so at the time. In
deed there was nothing very remarkable
about the circumstance, for there was
always n risk in sending large sums of
money over that road, and it was very
natural for the superintendent to
attempt little ruse of this kind to
thwart any possible scheme of robbery
that might be under way.
The midnight freight was made up at
Montrose, and when Fred and l reached
the yards the money chest was already
slowed away in an empty car which for
obvious reasons was securely fastened up
and marked "perishable. "
| shudder now to think how near that
car and all its contents came to perish
ing, too.
AT the last moment Fred discovered
that his dog Ponto had followed him
unperceived. 1t would be dangerous to
abandon the animal there with all the
shifting that was going on, and as there
was no time to take him back, Fred
hastily thrust him into the car, and
slipping in after him we closed the door
and fastened it on the inside. None of
the employees had seen us enter, and |
don't suppose any of them knew what
valuable freight that car held-with
the exception of the engineer and con,
ductor
In few moments the train started
Fred rugged up couch against the end
of the car with a plank that was lying
on the floor, and sat on the chest be-
side him. Then we lit our pipes and
smoked and chatted for an hour or more,
while the train rushed ON and on
through the night, whistling shrilly at
intervals.
Fred had dropped off into a sort of ,
doze and was just wondering whether
it was my duty to wake him or not,
when Ponto lifted his head and uttered O
short, peculiar bark.
lot n tho rorc hnorop tr
tie and bump violently and soon the
train came to an abrupt halt. We were
both on our feet instantly. Iseized my
rifle which was standing close by. Ther'
was no reason that we could think o
for the stoppage of the train, but befor
we could make up our minds what to d
it had started again.
1t went only n few yards, however, anC
then moved slowly back toward Mon
trose going faster and faster each mo
ment.
"My gracious" cried Fred suddenly
''our car is detached"
My companion was right. The ca
with the money had been near the
center of the train when we started-noN
it was speeding away by itself-where W.
had not the slightest idea. Our sense o
hearing, sharpened by long service a
railroading, told US all this.
Our first impulse was to make certai
that the fastenings of the door were Sc
cure, and by that time our speed ha
perceptibly diminished. A moment late
we came to a full stop.
We've been run off on a siding,
exclaimed Fred IN an excited whisper
but Defore could reply Ponto barke
gruiily ana we heard voices Just outsid
the car. Then heavy blow was deal
against one OF the doors-with an AK
proDaDiy'
All doubt was gone now. we were IL
the hands OF some desperate band of rob
Ders, ana the chance OF saving either on
lives or the money was very slim. w
resolved 10 make night Tor 1t though
and carefully inspected our weapons
Mine was the only rifle, but Fred had {
revolver that he knew well how to use.
Half dozen more blows followed in
quick succession, and then Fred PLACED
his mouth to crack in the door and
shouted:
THE first one that breaks into this
car is dead man."
The blows ceased for moment o;
two. The desperadoes were evidently
surprised to learn that any nerson was
in the car. Then gruff voice called
loudly:
"Open that door, young Teller, and
you shan't be harmed"
We made no reply to this modest re.
quest, and after few low muttered i'm.
precautions, the blows were repeated faster
and harder than ever.
"We must hold out, Ned, said Fred
sturdily. "The trainmen will come to
our assistance before long" The robber,