Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1893-04-14

lot:on, the driver, kept his insecure seat
as if he was a part of the vehicle itself,
anl with every motion Of the coach his
body moved with sinuous gracefuluess.
"Steady now, boys, steady" he
shouted to the double team of plunging
horses. awe want to make good time,
but 'twont do to smash the company
coach to pieces. Whoa, nowl We ain
got no load this time, but that amt NJ
reason for bcin' reckless. Look out for
the Devils Cat, it's rough there. Yell
stumble ycrsclf. Git up there. | told
ye So"
He jerke1 one of the stumbling horses
to his feet so suddenly that the animal
was scarcely aware of his fall; but the
speed Of the wild, galloping team was
checked BY the slight mishap.
"Ihat'Il bring ye to your senses if any
thin. Now take it easier. Don't be
smashin things to pieces so. Yell get
enough of it when ye reach the level.
Ye'Te the most determined critters that
ever drew line behind, an eff ye don't
break your necks some day on these
slopes I'm missin' my guess. Ell we had
some passengers inside they'd be scared
half out of their wits. But we amt.
No, nothin' but gold, and lots of IT.
The driver jerked his head around and
looked at the big, square box, which
contained the precious treasure of the
company. 1t was q common looking
box, but strongly rlveted and bound.
1t was close up to the driver 80 that he
could touch it with his feet.
"a mighty big sum-" he muttcred
aloud, "an putty responsible load Tor
one man to guard. Thousands of dol
lars, s'pose. If some fellers only knew
it they'd be koldln' me up round here.
1t would be worth the risk. But then
Ben Tilotson has never yet been caught
nappin', an there amt many who would
care to try him. 1t would be dangerous.
Yes, sir, it would"
he tapped his heavy revolvers as he
spoke and glanced defantly around him.
The coach had nearly reached tho valley,
and was rolling along at an easier gait.
"Ha! hal what an idec,' suddenly
laughed Ben loudly. "Hold up myself.
mat would be great, right here in this
dark canyon, an then tell 'em a man
robbed the coach. No lie bout that.
they'd believe it, 70. I've always been
50 trustworthy. Well, well, 1 could
chuck the box into the bushes an come
back for it later"
The idea seemed to please the driver,
ana he smiled broadly as he continued to
think of it.
There would be plenty of ways out
OF IT, The box would never be found
mere, an Ben Tlllotson would be rich.
guess then Mandy Duyval wouldn't look
az that Harry Somels no longer. She'd
lake me quicker'n a wink. He's not
good enough for her, but she thinks
everything of him. never did like his
l0oNS. He comes from some place that
NOBODY knows anything bout. He's got
better position than have, an Mandy
thinks more of him for that. How this
money would set me upl could make a
stpIuTge that would astonish some of en-.
wouldn't be bad, either. I've worked
toT the company nigh unto ten years, an
tney amt lost cent by me. 1t aiu't a
iosln' bargain for 'em. They've made
me. But then think OF the shamcl No,
s!r. git up there, boys, We must hurry"
he snapped his long whip in the air
and urged the horses on into break neck
pace. The rumbling of the heavy
Wheels soon brought the man back to
bis reflective mood.
but how easily I could work the
game, he unused again. IAN nobody
would be the better for it. Right ahea |
IN the canyon l could chuck the box in