Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1894-07-20

that he had seen in the morning paper
that large amount of gold had been
shipped from California to Washington
and that it would pass over that branch
of the road in its route thither.
Their scheme was self-evident, and
set Jack to thinking more deeply than
he had ever done in his life. He tried
to loosen his hands, but in the dark
ness he could accomplish nothing
Just at that instant an opportune flash
of lightning revealed to him the blessed
fact that in their haste his would
be-captors had failed to draw the knot
on the cord with which his hands were
bound as tight as they doubtless in
tended. In an instant the slack end of
the loop was between his teeth and a
few vigorous jerks soon set him free
1t required but n moment more to
whip out his knife and cut the cord
that bound his feet
The next move was TO take off his
shoes so as to make no noise in moving
around. Still, with his freedom re-
gained he was unable to accomplish
anything, for the outside door was
locked and the key was on ring with
other keys hanging on nail in the
office.
He began feeling about to find out il
there would be any chance of raising
the window, when he almost stumbled
over the small table where his little
old-fashioned instrument sat He tried
the circuit and finding it complete de-
termined, i'll spite of Lizzie's known
cowardice, to ask her help.
She was sound sleeper, but his one
hope was that she might have been
walked by the storm and so be made
available as an assistant. His con-
lecture was correct and almost imme-
diately the circuit was opened and the
response came.
Then as rapidly as possible he made
known the situation at the station and
asked if she would go down to the
cut, quarter OF mile distant, and sig
nal the train. The reply was in the
affirmative. and there was no indecision
In 1t either.
Then he flashed back:
PUT a, piece OF thin, red flannel
around the lantern, go down to the
deep cut and swing your red light
across the track as soon as the train
rounds the curve. Keep it up until you
are sure it has been seen, and when the
train stops go 10 the conductor with
the news have told you. BE as quick
as possible for it is almost traintime.
and if you are too late there will be
bloodshed."
"All right" returned Lizzie. "I'll be
off inside of three minutes" and, cow
ard though she was, she kept her
promise. 1t was very dark, still rain
ing hard when she slipped quietly out
OF the back door of the cottage, not
wishing to disturb her mother, who
was just recovering from an attack of
fever. 1t was stiil laundering in the
distance, and every flash of lightning
made her shrek and cover as if
wounded by the glaring sheet of fire.
But in spite of her terror she did not
slacken her speed and reached the deep
cut just as the headlight of the approach
ing train began to glimmer around the
curve beyond.
Faithfully she delivered the message
committed to her and then fell fainting
at the conductors feet. AS soon as she
revived little he gave her into the
care OF some of the lady passengers,
and few minutes later the train was
again in motion, ready for the antici-
pated attack.
As soon as Jack was sure that Lizzie
would carry out his instructions he
wrapped the cord loosely round his
hands and feet again. aud lay down in
his old position, not wishing to excite
suspicion in the breasts of the robbers
should they take it into their heads to
pay him another visit before the arrival
of the train. He knew it must be almost
midnight and the movements of the
rogues outside convinced him that they
were preparing for the work they had
come to do
Through the window he could see
that the red lantern had been swung
into position, and after little he heard
them pacing restlessly up and down
the platform as though growing impa-
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