The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-01-01
LONG TOM AND HIsGANG.

TELL us about it," said Morley.
WAS it long Tom again9"
Yes, ;" was his reply. just as the
two got to the top of Millsap Hill,
Long Tom and two Of his band sprang
into the road from behind tree"
what was said?" asked Morley.
Hand over that dust or we'll blow
your heads off replied Niece.
"And they gave up Of course" l
cried.
wal, one of 'em did, and the other
poor follow tried to draw his pistol.
''And the robbers9" l asked. inter-
ested In the result.
Plugged him full of lead and came
pretty near serving the other in the
Dame way. He begged like child for
them not to kill him, so after taking
his gold they let him go.
/ turned to my companion and said,
Morley we arc In for it this trip.
Have you got much this timer
asked Bill.
Twenty thousand dollars" was my
answer
He gave prolonged whistle, and
taking our heavy holsters locked them
up in little cupboard behind the bar.
II was the only place in the house
chat had lock and key. We were
glad to get rid of the gold for time
" least, for we had been carrying it
hpon our backs all day.
A few words will explain my stu
alton. had built up lucrative ex-
press business between Marysville,
the largest town in Northern Califor-
pia and the various mining camps on
Ehe headwaters of the North Feather
river. The region / had to traverse
was wild and lonely one; the road
being q pack trail along the narrow
ridge upon which this small hotel was
built. ! always went fully armed and
On this trip had companion upon
whom l could rely; yet the robbers
had every advantage of us, for the
Trail ran through densely wooded
region, whore it was impossible to see
half a dozen rods away. Within the
post month this route had been in
tested by a band of highwaymen
ander the command of a very tall man
Dalled Long Tom" A number of
persons had been stopped and l felt
that the next day would be perilous to
Morley, my companion, and /.
wal you are safe here" said Bill,
coming from behind the bar. And
now will tell Bob to hurry up sup
per-"
He went of to the kitchen, where a
colored man officiated as cook, leav-
ing Morley and l to discuss the situa-
ton. We had to pass through mar
row hall to reach the dining-room,
and wore thus some distance from
whore the gold had been secured, so
Bill remained to watch that while we
ate our meal. AS VIC arose from the
table I went 10 the kitchen to see
about an early breakfast. On my re-
turn thought l heard the murmur OF
voices but supposed that new ar
rival had come, and threw open the
bar-room door without the slightest
suspicion OF danger. In an instant a
pistol was showed into my face, and
the harsh voice of Long Tom," the
robber chief, cried: Throw up your
hands!"
/ Instead of instantly obeying moved
my hands toward my side, where hung
my trusty revolver. Ere could
grasp it the stern voice OF the robber
cried: up with your hands, or will
blow your brains outp' A single
glance showed me the folly OF resist
ance. Both of my companions had
been captured in the meantime
and their arms removed, while the
room was filled with half dozen high
waymen prepared TO shoot me dowr
in second. / threw up my hands
ray weapons were removed and with
those OF Bill and Morley placed on ;
box in one corner of the ROOM an(
then the leader said: Take a sea
there with the other fellows, and don
try any tricks on us or you'll get 1
dose OF cold lead"
To say that l felt crestfallen and hu
inflated would but family express IN!
thoughts. Taking a seat by McGee
said in a whisper: How did it hap
penP" He replied in the same tone
Two of 'em came in pretending to b.
miners, and called for drink. AS
turned to get the liquor they coveret
me with their pistols and made me 81
here"
"And the others?" / asked.
Zone of the two ran to the door ant
gave a signal and in a moment tn
four others came in, Two OF EN- stoot
by the door and caught Morley just a
they got you. Then the captain an
that other fellow with the gray bear,
broke open the little cupboard and go
the geld"
"Robbed Of $40, 900, /" said |, with
groan l thought of the miners t
vhom it belonged and how 1 would b
received by them on my return.
At this moment the tall capital
turned to Bill, ard said, Call in tina
black cook OF yours" McGee gave
oud call and a moment later til
: ound, good-natured face of Bob aI