The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-07-25

A shuillng gait from within and a
cautions turn OF the key opened the
door TO reveal the outlines OF a bent
figure that shaded the candle with one
hand, while suspicious cunning stare
was fixed upon the newcomers.
| Without a remonstrance followed
my guide through the rickety passage
that ended at a low. wide portal.
which was securely closed. Quietly
the limping figure drew from the fad
ed cloak a bunch of keys and with ex-
IRENE elaboration pushed open the
door.
The subdued hum of voices reached
us family as we passed along a mar
row, dark way TO stand at the farth-
err end until a flood OF light almost
blinded our eyes. We entered, the
door was closed. The low-ceiled room
was filled with rough-looking men.
| Winchesters and pistols were the prin-
| cipal ornaments, as they hung from
| painted pegs or lay carelessly around
within easy reach. A look of aston
ishment that | could not conceal
caused a roar OF laughter as they
handed my evil genius flask of bran
dy and showed him into one corner,
where he was soon lost TO the present,
as he reclined in drunken stupor.
Come, young chap, you see we de-
coyed you; take hand just for luck"
81 have no money"
Here is pile OF chips, blue, red and
white. You see we sorter thought as
how you was lonesum up thar and
sent Dick to find you. We will treat
you right if you behave yourself.
Come make up your ante, you keep
the game waiting"
/ was fond OF poker, but the game
was as far from my thoughts as the
stars from my present position. /
played mechanically; luck smiled in
every jack pot. / could not lose. i
grew immensely in the estimation OF
my captors Every moment was an
agony for could see what the result
of neglected duty would be. | contin-
ued to play, the stakes were in my
hands.
Rough applausefollowed every lucky
turn OF the game. ! called for four
cards, my opponent did likewise, their
hot whisky breaths We're on my face.
i threw down my hand, four aces, and
ended the game.
young chap, the money is yours
by right, you cleaned MS all out; but
we will make haul tonight that vii,
be worth something"
Isat upright, the whole truth flashed
upon me-a train robbery ! located
the very spot-what "A fearful sacrifice
OF life; OH what horror numbed me.
young chap, you can find your way
back the best you can; for the damage
has been done by this time" As he
spoke fe drew n watch from his pocket
and stared hxedly at the face. | stole
a glance, his time was fast. scarcely
breathed; il might not DO too late.
| stood alone in the deserted street,
n hack moved slowly by, | sprang TO
the seat and thrust S5 bill into the
drivers hand. Drive for your life TO
the depot" He east one glance at
the money, the horses were in mad
gallop as we whirled by corners with
recklessness that was dangerous. The
from my seat and flow TO my room.
The fire had gone down; the room
was chilly; awoke with start and
with horror-stricken face l noted
the time, twenty minutes TO twelve;
cOlu Deaus Oh perspTaJlOn SJoOu upon
my forehead. just twenty minutes to
avert disastrous accident.
staggered to the instrument; but
one station between mangled limbs
and safety. II can hold No. 4-If
can hold No. a. ] sounded the call
with an eagerness that was startling;
with my eyes on the clock ! pressed
the button down with hopeless de-
spair, and yet no answer. The time
was almost up-five minutes more
and il would be too late.
i closed my eyes TO see visions OF
two trains that were masses OF torn
and shattered splinters. could even
hear the groans OF tho wounded and
dying. My heart gave fierce beat OF
joy-"Ifello, what i'm the--is the mat
teri" "Side track No. 4 quick, for
Gods sake" and none 10 soon, as the
lightning express swept by like awhirl-
wind.
looked into the glass, my hair was
as white rs n snow bank.
never touched the key again.
JUNIUs l.. HEMPsTEAD.