The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1895-03-30
A LONE HIGHWAYMAN.
His Clever Way OF Capturing Two
Accomplices

There had been an incipient reign OF
terror in the town for nearly two
weeks because OF the brazen and un-
successful holdups that were made
each night by Dandy Jack, the cele-
brated lone highwayman. Every vic
tim told the same story of n tall man
who wore a black mask and used two
large pistols TO induce his involuntary
clients TO stand and deliver. After
placing his quarry safely ia his power
he stuck one gun into his pants peck
ct 20 release one hand in order TO pur-
loin money and valuables from the
person under treatment. The victims
were so delighted 10 get off with a
whole skin that they regarded the loss
of their property with comparative in
difference.
Dismay most adequately describes
the average state of mind already ex-
listing in the town, but the situation
grew worse instead OF better, for, en-
boldencd by Dandy Jacks afiiuent ca
reer, which had been advertised by a
thousand free notices in the country
press and dispatches in detail 10 the city
papers, another party of profession
ais and skilled operators had entered
the field. In one night no less than
three belated merry makers were held
mp and robbed near the same spot by
two bold, bad men with white masks
and two guns apiece. The police had
full proofs of their presence and that
they were doing n thriving business,
for the very next night the chief him
self, returning home late, was nabbed
and mulctcd by the unknown knights.
The alarm became almost panic.
There was scarcely a man, woman or
child In the town who did not expect
an order 10 hold up hands II caught out
OF the house after dark. A sudden
reformation seemed 20 have taken
place among husbands who had been in
the habit of remaining away from
home long after business hours, and
most OF their lodges could not muster
corporals guard at their weekly
meetings.
Mr.. Oliphant was cashier and a large
stakeholder i'm the principal bank, and
had pretty home embowered In roses
I'm the suburb. He was most method
zeal man, of sunny disposition and
possessing that easy sclf-confidence
which comes from life OF success. lie
found his relaxation in lodge work,
and was one OF the few who were
always present on lodge nights despite
the difficulty of securing n quorum
since the footpads came TO town.
One evening. when the hold-up scare
was at its worst. Mr.. Oliphant and n
few others were sitting at the window
of their lodge room, famed by cool
breeze, and the conversation turned 10
the subject that was uppermost in all
minds, /. C., the daring highway rob
berries which had been going on for
over fortnight without an arrest be
ing made. Mr. Oliphant led the talk.
He did not seek 20 condone the leth-
arQy and incompetence OF the police,
but he freely expressed kis opinion OF
people who permitted themselves 20 be
held up and robb cd without opposition
by cutthroats with masks ON.
II would ask nothing better" said
he, ethan 10 have the thugs who are
terrorizing this town try their little
game on me- I'll bet 500 that I'D
capture them and turn them over 70
the police provided they do not belong
here nor know who ! am"
All present liked Oliphant, but nj
this declaration doubts were expressed
with rather marked symptoms of a
sheer The cashier insisted that he
meant exactly what he said; but no one
seemed ready 60 "sce" his 500.
The hour for meeting passed without
a quorum and Oliphant. with two OF
three others, went into the billiard.
room to play few games. A universal
desire TO 90 home early was apparent
30 the party broke up soon after ten
o'clock. johnson and Williams walked
with oliphnnt TO within few blocks
of his house, when the three separated,
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