The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-07-02

cracks Of the curtained windows in the
specials, the dim light OF the lamp in
the station and the glow OF the row OF
saloons 200 feet away. was afraid,
however, that there might be spy
lurking somewhere, for 1T was likely
that Camp would hope to get some clew
of the letters by keeping watch ON the
station and the cars Thinking holiness
the safest course, walked on to the
platform without hesitation and went
into the station. The might man" was
sitting in his chair, nodding, but he
walked up the moment l spoke.
Don't speak my name, " 1 said warn
ingly as he struggled to his feet, and
then in the fewest possible words I told
him what wanted OF him-to find If
the pony had ridden Camps or Bald.
win's) was in town, and, if so. to learn
where it was and to get the letters on
the quiet from under the saddle flap. !
chose this man, first, because 1 could
trust him and, next, because had only
one of the Cullens as an alternative,
and if any of them went sneaking round
it would be sure to attract attention.
"The moment you have the letters put
them in the station safe, " ended, land
then get word to me. )"
"And where'll you be, Mr. Gordon?'
asked the man.
is there any place about here that s
a safe hiding spot for a few hours?"
asked. II want to stay till I'm sure
those letters are safe, and after that I'll
steal ON board the first train that comes
along"
"Then you'll want to be near here, -
said the man. "I'll tell you've got
just the place for you. The platform g
boarded in all round, but noticed one
plank that's loose at one end, right at
this nigh corner, and if you just pry it
open enough to get in and then pull the
board in place they'll never find YOU"
"That will do, I said, land when
the letters are safe come out ON the plat
form, walk up and down once, bang the
door twice, and then say, THAT local
freight is late. And If you get chance
tell one of the Cullens where I'm hid
den."
I crossed the platform boldly, jumped
down and walked away. But after 60
ing 30 feet dropped down ON my hands
and knees and crawled back. Inside of
two minutes was safely slowed away
under the platform in about as neat q
hiding place as q man could ask. In
fact, if 1 had only had my wits enough
about me to borrow revolver Of the
man, I could have made a pretty good
defense, even If discovered.
Underneath the platform was loose
gravel, and as an additional precaution
scooped out, close to the side boarding,
trough long enough for me to lie in.
Then got into the hole, shoveled the
sand over my legs and piled the rest up
In heap close to me, so that by few
sweeps Of my arm could cover my
whole body, leaving only my mouth
and nose exposed, and those below the
level. That made me feel pretty safe,
for, even if the cowboys found the loose
plank and crawled in, it would take I'M
common good eyesight In the darkness
to find me- 1 had followed out my liv-
ing grave to fit, and If I could have
smoked should have been decidedly
comfortable. Sleep dared not indulge
in, and the sequel showed that I was
right in not allowing myself that lux
ury.
/ hadn't much more than comfortably
settled myself and let thoughts Of a
cigar and nap fit through my mind
when row up the street showed that
the Jail breaking had been discovered.
Then followed shouts and confusion for
few moments, while search was be-
ing organized. I heard some horsemen
ride over he'tracks and also down the
street, followed by the hurried footsteps
Of half a dozen men. Some banged at
the doors Of the specials, while others
Knocked at the station door.
One of the Cullens' servants opened
the door or 2l5, ana L heard the sner-
ifs voice telling him he'd got to search
the car. The darby protested, saying
that the "gentmun was all away and
only de miss inside" The row brought
Miss Cullen to the door, and heard
her ask what was the matter.
Sorry to trouble you, miss, " said the
sheriff, "but prisoner has broken Jail,
and we've got to look for him"
"Escapedp' cried Madge joyfully.
"How?"
That's just what gifts away with
me-" said the sheriff. my idee ISL
Don't waste time on theories" said
Camps voice angrily. "Search the Car. y
Sorry to discommode lady," said
the sheriff gallantly, "but if we may
just look around little?"
My father and brothers went out q
few minutes ago." said Madge hest
tatingly, land I don't know if they
would be willing"
Camp laughed angrily and said,
"Stand aside there.
Don't you worry" said the sheriff.
eff he's on the car, he can't git away.
Well send Teller up for Mr.. Cullen,
while we search Mr.. Gordon's car and
the station"
They set about it at once and used up
ten minutes in the task. Then heard
Camp say:
Come, we can't wait all night for
permission to search this car. Go
ahead"
II hope you'll wait till my father