Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-01-18

who attracted the sympathetic atten-
ton, both of the trainmen and their
fellow passengers. The lady had evil
dently not yet reached the age OF one
score years, and was stri&ingly beautl-
full, while her companion, upon whom
she lavished a wife's tenderly devotion,
might have been either thirty OF sixty
years old, if one was TO judge from ms
face. upon which were mingled lndl-
cations of youth and extreme age, that
were at once perpleXing and mysJlIy-
ing. His eyes were large, dark and
lustrous, his complexion clear, though
deadly pale Sharp lines dishgured
his otherwise attractive featW g. and
there was a quick nervous NOV ment
of head and hands that
SUGGESTED PALSY.
Those who were permitted 10 hear TINS
mans strange story ceased TO wonder
that his countenance was fmroved as
by age. and marvelled that he lived 10
relate his horrible experience.
His name is James Payne, and he IS
a resident of Parkersburg. W. Va,
where his family is weli-tc-do and hrh-
Iy respected. Two months ago he
started for the Pacific Coast, intending
to investigate the business opportuni-
ties of that region, with view 10 gel
ting married and locating there lie
purchased a ticket TO Seattle, and be-
ing we'll supplied with money anuclpat-
en- an enjoyable trip and a speedy re
turn to his sweetheart.
On the train between Green River
and Pocatello his pockets were picked
and money. ticket and everything tax
en-. He was even unable to telegraph
home for money having no money and
determined to make his way through
by
THE BOX-CAR ROUTE.
On the second night of his stay in Po-
catello west-bound special pulled in,
in which were several fruit cars. Con-
graduating himself that he mi sht now
speedily reach his destination, ne
climbed into one of these cars through
an open end door. and prepared to make
himself as comfortable as pOsslhie.
He had scarcely concealed himself De-
fore the door. which it appears had been
broken open by tramps was closed ana
sealed. but this did not at the time oc-
casion any serious alarm on his part.
The car proved to have been loaded
with bananas. to some of whicn he was
clad to help himself being very hum
gry. and arguing that it was no crime
for a man in
HIS PREDICAMENT.
He then composed himself to sleep.
These fruit specials generally run un-
der a siXty-mile order, as this one
proved to be doing, and when the pas
senger awoke with start a few hours
later it was to find himself in Egyptian
darkness. with the train flying along
with a terrific speed. He had been
aroused from his sleep by something
having a soft, yelvety touch creeping
stealthilv across his face, and struck
a match to see what had disturbed MN.
To his horror he saw several large tar
antulas which, in his excited magma /
tion. assumed the proportions oi ordi- /
nary land turtles. Startled by the light |
they scurried away. while his blood ran !
cold and his limbs were almost paralyz- |
cd rs 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 if his trembling |
hands would have performed that ser
vice hut he knew that he was in the |
most imminent peril of his life. To |
lean from the door of the car meant |
certain death. and the probability OF /
his fate remaining forever a mystery /
10 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 again came to !
life il was broad daylight. and the tram |
still speeding like the wind. He tried
The door and almost tainted when he |
fonnd il was fastened, and that he was |
doomed to suffer hours longer the |
prospect of an attack at any instant |
from
THE HEDIOUS CREATURES.
whose character he knew so we'll The /
struggling rays that penetrated the I
cracks of the door enabled him to see .
dimlv the objects about him. and the /
cold prespiration 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 a loose board, and found a /
small one but knew if ne was attacked /
the tarantulas would leap at him, ana /
that he could not ward them OIL. his /
apDrehension was increased when he /
saw that they had engaged in one OF /
those fearful and deadly cOmoats ,
among themselves for which they are .
so we'll known in the South, and by .
which they furnish to the natives about .
the same class of amusement as the .
horse race and the bull fight. For .
hours he sat there. facing these dread /
ful creatures. who neither advanced |
nor retreated. Then night came on, !
and again he was mercifully
RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS.
When next he knew what was going .
ON about him he was on cot in f
hOspital in Portland. He had been .
there month. and had gone through .
y well-nigh fatal attack of brain fever. /
Meanwhile the authorities. having dis /
covered his identity from his delirious
fan, had telegraphed TO his people. I
and the Young woman he was to marry .
had hastened 10 his bedside. He had I
nor been found until the car was open +
ed nj its destination when he was un- /
cCnscious and raviug like q maniac. /
4 mark in his forehead indicated that /
no had in reality been bitten by tar /
antula. probably when ne tainted me /
second time. As soon as he was able .