The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1897-02-18

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Sasga&Ns4AN $4 S e gers who at
their fellow passen-
gers, says a CORE
Bpondent 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 lavishedE
wife's tender devotion, might have
been either 80 or 60 years old, if 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
4 complexion clear, though deadly pale
Sharp lines disigured 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
MS countenance was furrowed as by
age, and marveled that he lived to re-
late his horrible experience. His name
rs James Payne, and he is a 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 BUSH
ness opportunities of that region, with
view of getting married and locating
dnere. He purchased a ticket for.
Seattle and, being we'll supplied with
money, anticipated an enjoyable trip
and 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
LOT money, having no money, and de-
termlned 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
fruit cars. Congratulating himself that
ne might now speedily reach his des-
tlnation, 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
Il proved to have been loaded with ba-
aanas, to some of which he was glad
to help himself, being very hungry,
and arguing that it was no crime for
man in his predicament. He then
composed himself to sleep. These fruit
specials generally run under sixty
mile order, as this one proved to be
doing, and when the passenger awoke
with a start few hours later it was
to lind himself in Egyptian darkness
with the train flying along with ter
rife speed. He had been aroused from
his sleep by something having a soft
velvety touch creeping stealthily
across his face, and struck match tt
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 raj
cold and his limbs We're almost para
iyzed as the Pickering match died on
and he realized the position in which
he was placed.
Young Payne did not dare to strik
another match, even if his tfem bin,
hands would have performed that ser
vice, but he knew that he was in tn
most imminent peril of his life. II
leap from the door of the car mean
certain death and the probability o
his fate remaining forever a myster
to the loved ones at home. Will
these thoughts darted through hi
mind cold, hairy substance dashe
itself in his face, and, thinking hi
time had come, he tainted.
How long he lay unconscious he doe
not know, but when he came again t
life it was broad daylight and til
train still speeding like the wind. H
tried the door and almost fainte
when he found that it was fastened an
that he was doomed to suffer hour
longer the prospect of an attack at an
instant from the hideous creature
whose character he knew SO well. III
struggling rays that penetrated til
cracks of the door enabled him to Sc
dimly the objects about him, and tt
cold perspiration broke out on his for
head as he recognized his visitors
the night before and saw that the
number had been trebled. He locke
about for a loose board and found
small one, but knew if he attacked Il
tarantulas they would leap at him al
that he could not ward them of. II
apprehension was increased when
saw that they had engaged in one
those fearful and deadly comba
among themselves for which they a
so we'll known in the south, and /
which they furnish to the natives abo
the same class Of amusement as Il
horse race and the bull fight.
For hours Sc sat there, facing tho
dreadful creatures, which neither a
vanced nor retreated. Then mig
came on, and again he was merciful
a8ls randorod