Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1901-08-15

even two of them, are allowed to
stop a stage full of passengers, most
of them with weapons in their hands;
and yet they tamely submit like so
many children
"You know, SIR I ventured, the
trouble is that, when the robbers do
appear, ii is with such suddenness
that the passengers haven't time to
rally or organize for Defense
"'Fudge!' returned Holbrook.
What do they want of time? All
they have to do is to open on the
knaves; it stands to reason that, in
fusillade of that kind, the side that
has the most shots is going to win;
that is, If there is any kind of shoot
ing
"'Suppose that we should be at
tackled or held up by road agents on
this trip?'
"'Begad, but I wish we would!
returned Holbrook, with a meaning
look at the smiling Miss Grierson.
4 always go prepared he added,
drawing a revolver from his pocket
and holding it up for us to admire.
I'm pretty good with that, and l
wouldn't like better chance than to
have a duel with one or two of these
fellows
The young man looked so thirsty
for gore that l am quite sure Miss
Grierson was impressed by his valiant
demeanor.
"'Wen,' l observed, with a sigh,
the days of the road agents are about
over. The railway lines are securing
SO much of the travel that the lum-
herring coaches will soon disappear,
though it Is likely that some of the
trains themselves will be held up be-
fore the fellows fold their tents and
depart. And so. my friend, you
would like a brush with some of those
gentry?'
Nothing would suit me better
he answered, with a smirk and
smile at the bright-eyed Miss Grier-
son; 4 would like to show the public
that there is one man that can't be
scared by any such fol-de-rol as that
at was less thon an hour later,
while we were descending the gully
short distance from Malvern, that
Burt Bunker drew up his horses with
such a vigorous 'Whoa!' that we all
started and looked out of the coach
| to learn the cause.
"'We've had two accidents said
7, and it's about time the third came
along
"But it was worse than that.
Glands up, gentlemen
"In the gathering gloom we dis
cerned the figure of a man standing
at the roadside, with a Winchester
rifle in his hands. It was not leveled
at us, but, doubtless being at full
cock. was held in front of him, so
that 1t could be raised and fired in
Il twinkling at whomsoever might
choose to disobey or dispute the COM
mands of the individual in the broad
brimmed sombrero of Texan cow
boy.
"To say that we were paralyzed
would be to put it mildly. The major
and I sat motionless, while the driver
turned his head, and said, in husky,
excited undertone;
"'For Gods sake, don't make
fight! The first one that does so will
be riddled!'
If that's the case said Holbrook
between his chattering teeth, 1T won't
do to resist. You are a gentleman OF
experience, Mr.. Bunker, and l think
your advice Is good
" out with you'll called the road
agent, taking step toward u.s. III
you obey orders you won't be hurt,
but if you kick I'll bore you through.
Halo! what's that
"Something like a bundle of cloth
ing fell into a heap. 1t was the
trembling Holbrook, who hastily
clambered to his feet, 80 terrified that
he could scarcely stand.
4 stepped out, and the major next,
the latter helping Miss Grierson to the
ground.
=" 'Hallol' called the agent; you've
got lady with you, I see. I beg her
pardon he added, bowling with the
grace of cavalier; but she will not
be disturbed, and must apologize
for the inconvenience I cause her; it
will last only few minutes
" TT would last a shorter time
than that she said-and 1 thought
could see the fash of her eyes IN
the gloom-'if had pistol. j would
not stand here like these towards
and submit to be robbed by one man.
Mr.. Holbrook, she added, Indignantly,
you have been saying that nothing
would please you better than chance
to show the world you were not afraid
of these robbers; you have a pistol,
aud here is the chance.
" oh, Miss Grierson, be careful, or
you will make this dreadful man
angry; I-I-I-was joking-that iS.
meant that-if-I had time I might
argue the matter with him..
If that spooney wants to have
little row with me- said the road
agent, why, I'm agreeable
'Oh-oh-oh-I couldn't think OF
suoh thing-rea1ly I didn't mean it.
If you want my watch, here 1t is
Take what you want, and let us 60
1.-THE hardest part of the business
was when Miss Grierson turned hei
reproachful eyes on the major and my