The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1897-02-26

gers, says q corre-
spondent Of the st. Louis Globe Demo-
crat. The lady had evidently not yet
reached the age Of two-score years, and
was strikingly beautiful, while her
companion, upon whom she lavished
. wife's tender devotion. might have
been either 80 or 60 years old, IL one
were to Judge from his face, upon
which were mingled Indications Of
youth and extreme age that were at
once perplexing and mystifying. His
eyes were large. dark and lustrous, his
complexion clear, though deadly pale.
sharp lines disfigured his otherwise at
tractive features, and there was a
quick, nervous movement Of head and
hands that suggested palsy. Those
who were permitted to hear this mans
strange story ceased to wonder that
his countenance was furrowed as by
age. and marveled that he lived to re-
late his horrible experience. His name
ts James Payne, and he is resident of
Parkersburg, w. Va, where his family
Is well-to-do and highly respected. Two
months ago he started for the Pacific
coast, intending to investigate the busi-
ness opportunities OF that region, with
view Of getting married and locating
there. He purchased ticket for
seattle and, being we'll supplied with
money, anticipated an enjoyable trip
ana speedy return to his sweetheart.
On the train betweean Green River and
Pocatello his pockets were picked and
money, ticket and everything stolen.
He was even unable to telegraph home
tor money. having no money, and de-
termtned to make his way through by
the box-car route. On the second night
OF his stay in Pocatello west-bound
special pulled in, in which were several
truit cars. Congratulating himself that
ne might now speedily reach his des-
tination, he climbed into one Of these
cars through an open end door and
prepared to make himself as comfort
able as possible. He had scarcely con-
cealed himself when the door. which
It appeared had been broken open
by tramps. was closed and sealed, but
this did not at the time occasion any
serious alarm on his part. The car
proved to have been loaded with ba-
nanas, to some Of which he was clad
to help himself. being very hungry,
and arguing that 1t was no. crime for
q man in his predicament. He then
composed himself to sleep. These fruit
specials generally run under q sixty
mile order, as this one proved to be
doing. and when the passenger awoke
with start few hours later it was
to find himself in Egyptian darkness,
with the train flying along with ter
rife speed. He had been aroused from
bis sleep by something having a soft,
velvety touch creeping stealthily
across his face, and struck match to
see what had disturbed him. To his
horror he saw several large tarantulas,
which, in his excited Imagination, as
sumed the proportions of ordinary
land turtles. Startled by the light,
they scurried away while his blood ran
cold and his limbs were almost para
lyzed as the Pickering match died out
and he realized the position in which
he was placed.
Young Payne did not dare to strike
another match, even II his trembling
hands would have performed that SER
vice. but he knew that he was in the
most imminent peril Of his life. To
leap from the door Of the car meant
certain death and the probability of
his fate remaining forever a mystery
to the loved ones at home. While
these thoughts darted through his
mind cold, hairy substance dashed
itself in his face, and, thinking his
time had come, he tainted.
How long he lay unconscious he does
not know. but when he came again to
life 1t was broad daylight and the
train still speeding like the wind. He
tried the door and almost tainted
when he found that It was fastened and
that he was doomed to suffer hours
longer the prospect of an attack at any
instant from the hideous creatures
whose character he knew SO well. The
struggling rays that penetrated the
cracks Of the door enabled him to see
dimly the objects about him, and the
cold perspiration broke out on his fore
head as he recognized his visitors of
the night before and saw that their
number had been trebled. He looked
about for q loose board and found a
small one. but knew If he attacked the
tarantulas they would leap at him and