The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-08-30

tones, Come off the perchr' you've
got the drop on US, boys" said I laugh
ingly, for we had no chance to either
fight or run.
Yes, and we are going to keep it,
replied the leader of the gang. on
hold those lines and keep your jaw smut
md YOU won't be bothered. OH the
perch was repeated, and the way those
passengers hustled off the top or the
roach was comical; but they saw moth
Ing amusing about it. In moment
the hiehwaynen had the whole " IN
line like soldiers on parade, only there
was no attempt to dress ranks, Tor
noticed a small cigar drummer llahkSu
on one side by tall miner ana on the
other by a fat merchant. He after
ward declared that he felt himself to be
the biggest man in the crowd, ana
knew that several guns were aimed
directly at him. Two of the ROBBERS
stationed themselves where they could
rake the whole line with their shots,
while two more relieved the passengers
of their yaluables. One man carried
barley sack, while a nimble fingered
brigand robbed the passengers, ana
threw watches, money, rings and otner
feweIry into the sack. Even the cigars
and whisky were taken, though the boys
kicked against this outrage. The tat
man attempted to rest his hands Tor
q moment, but at the command OF up
hands. fattyr' he had to raise them
again. though it made him groan and
sweat to do it. pile in and be off noW!
shouted the captain when the light
fingered chap reached the last man,
and q madden lot of fellows never board
ed coach, for money, whisky, cigars
and even their pistols had been taken.
"Turn 'em loose young man.! yeled
the captain. and the robbers In front
hooIy ont 0f req ch and gave nv
horses free road.
Had there been a weapon in the
crowd we would have given them
parting shot, but as it was we could
only make time to the next station.
The horses went on dead run, and
half an hour afterward a dozen men
started in pursuit of the road agents.
1 hired a man to drive and helped to
try to catch the thieves. We got near
them once and had a lively skirmish,
killing two robbers and wounding
third, but the rest got away with the
treasure.
l never lost my nerve but once. Then
my heart was in my mouth for two
OF three minutes. We were descend
ing the Devils Incline" long,
straight, smooth hill, with % passen-
gers on board, two of them ladies &C.
cupying outside seats One Of the
ladies sat behind me- The other,
handsome young married lady, was be-
tween her husband and me. When
within a quarter of a mile from the
bottom of the hill my brake broke,
and I knew that within a second the
coach. with it's load of passengers
would dash forward upon the horses
The team was in a swinging trot, and
legs. arms and possibly necks would
be broken If the passengers should
attempt to jump off, as they would be
certain to do If I gave them warning
of the danger
There was not an instant to lose; so
grasped my whip, shouted to my
leaders and cried. Here is where we
make time" and down the long.
smooth hill we went on a run. If q
horse should stumble or fall, it meant
death to more than one passenger on
board. but fortunately the road was
smooth, and the animals kept their
feet. 1 piled the lash and again shout
ed to the leader as the big coach be-
gan to gain upon them. The passen,
gers grew frightened as the vehicle
reeled and rocked under the tremen-
deus speed. Several cried "Stopi
Stop!" But this was just what L could
not do. The young husband believed
me insane for the moment, and, draw
ing a pistol, cried, Now, hold up or
by heaven 1 will put a bullet through
your hearth Instead of attempting to
comply l again dashed my team. for
In a moment or two the danger would
be over
The young man stern1y repeated his
threat, but just then his wife struck
the pistol and knocked 1t out of his
hand. With q wild yell at the team
which made them all spring forward