Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-04-03
4: :ss4444+*44+*4t,4tt \.
LITTLE jim. !
4 = s.x>s4t.s

sssS TTTFTff'TS'4f 4f'SS'fSSfT>fs>11 \;
wy HERE were five men of us
and boy in the Far West
ern stage coach as it rolled
e over the rough roads of Da-
kota. We had been together for four
days. We called the bov Jim because
his father did. WeEncw his father TO be
Colonel Weston, banker. cattleman and
mine owner. The Colonel wasn't a
man to whom Il stranger would take
at first glance, and even after four
days Of his company none of Us could
say we liked him. When you came to
study him closely you saw that he was
revengeful and relentless. The boy
was frank, clipper and good-natured,
and you took liking to him as soon
as you looked into his big blue eyes.
His age was about ten, and he had
Wit and knowledge beyond his years.
We had yet twenty miles to go to
reach the terminus, and the hour was
about 2 O'Clock in the afternoon when
the coach came to a sudden halt as it
toiled up hill. Next moment the driver
called to us:
"All you folks what don't want your
heads blown Off had better get down
and line up. We've been stopped by
road agent"
We had arms in plenty, but no one
moved to resist. Every bullet fred
by the robber would bore its way
through the coach and find a target,
while the robher had the cover of the
horses and was safe from out fire. 1t
seems cowardly when you read of it,
but to get down and submit to be
robbed was the wisest thing to do un-
der the circumstances.
Little Jim was not bit frightened.
On the contrary. he rather enjoyed the
situation. 1t was not so with the Col
onel. I saw him turn pale and heard
him curslng under his breath, and he
was the last man to get down.
The robber had a double barreled
shotgun in his hands. He cautioned
the driver to hold the coach where it
was, and then advanced upon us. He
glanced carelessly into each face until
his eyes rested on the Colonel. Then
he gave a sudden start, drew in his
breath with gasp, and we realized
that there was recognition. The
and began to tremble The boy had
no sooner looked into the road agents
face than he cried out:
"Why, it's Mr.. Pelton-Mr. Pelton!
Say, Mr.. Pelton, I'm awfully glad to
see you. Where have you been this
long time"
$50 it's you, Jimmy" laughed the
robber, as he held out his hand for
shake. "Well, you have been growing
since l saw you last. It's wonder
you knew me at first sight"
"Oh, l used to like you so well I
couldn't forget your face" replied the
boy. Are there robbers around, Mr..
Pelton?"
With gentle hand the man pushed
the boy back into line, and then
stepped back a pace or two. AS he
did so his face grew very sober, and
saw fash in his black eyes l did not
like. His voice was low and steady
as he finally said:
I'm much obliged for your prompt
ness in climbing down and lining UP,
and l think I'll let you off this time.
The four Of you may go back into the
coach and 90 on. Pm leaving your
guns with you, but don't attempt 10
play me any trick"
The Colonel took his son by The
,itnu,T,IaR Ia anfnr -
stage with us, but the robber mo-
toned him back.
"W-what do you want OF me:" asked
the Colonel, in Il voice which quayered.
IN tell you later was the reply.
AS the coach started on we looked
out to see the three standing in the
road. Little Jim still had hold Of his
fathers hand but had reached out the
other and caught the robbers sleeve.
When we had gone 200 feet the road
turned and shut them from our view.
At the disappearance of the stage
the man turned on Colonel Weston and
said:
"Mote on that way. Jimmy, give
me your hand and I'll help you along"
The white-faced Colonel entered the
pif es and held q straight course up the
hill. Behind him came the robber and
his son. The boy had been full Of Gu
riosity at first. but presently he was
awed and frightened by the looks cast
upon his father.
Two or three years before he and