The suburban citizen., 1902-09-20
the Chief
Of Police Resigned

at the station and an intimate ac-
quaintance with local criminals, be Lad
come to possess valuable knowledge
as to their individual capabilities for
meanness. He had formed an lGca as
TO the men engaged in this piece Of
work within minute after hearing of
the crime. 1.-The chances are many to
one that it's Sim Garrison and his men.
Well prepared alibis have saved him
on two similar occasions"
Soon the lights Of the city were far
behind and the darkness seemed to
settle closely about them, shutting their
vision within an ever narrowing cir
Gle. Down they plunged into the val
ley, down into the woods where the
gloom was impeuetrable. Then Butler
began TO feel the danger of their peril
Gus race, his inability to see possible
Instructions on strange road. But
he dared not slacken the pace. They
must get to Melrose under the whip
those were Stones words. Involun-
tarlly each man braced himself for a
possible crash.
Let ME have the lines, Butler" said
Harris. II know every foot of this
road, it's one of my favorite drives, and
l can take a short cut"
Willingly" assented Butler with a
feeling OF relief, climbing back, while
Harris swung himself into the seat
and took the reins.
Half mile further we'll turn TO the
right on to a dirt road" continued
Harris, drawing into the lines until
they were taut and the horses bound
ing along under firm hand.
The reporters did not see, as they
rushed down a hill, that another We.
hicle was rapidly approaching at right
angles down n hedge-hanked lane. The
single horse was lathered with hard
driving, the frail buggy bounced and
swayed as il in dogged protest against
the lumpy ground over which 1t was
being so swiftly drawn.
Just as the buggy got around the cor.
ner the reporters team dashed upon
1t with crushing impact, overturning
the lighter vehlvle and spilling its oc-
cupants, two men. upon the ground
with stunning force.
Then followed a moment Of intense
confusion.
Dickman was the first of the news
hunting trio to grasp the possible i'm
norfonpo Of tho aoctdanf
Secure the menu he shouted to his
companions.
Butler and Harris, accustomed 70
seeing things in a twlnkling, seized
upon the significance of this advice,
and before the dazed strangers could
recover their wits, they were looking
anXiousy into shining rims of steel
while Harris deftly secured their hands
and feet with straps cut from the har
ness Of their own horse.
Not until they We're placed beyond
the possibility of self-help did the cap
tives seem to realize the meaning of
this sudden termination Of their cross.
country ride. Then struggling des.
perately to his feet the larger Of the
men half fell. half threw himself at
Harris, shouting savagely; what do
you mean by this Internal outrage?"
Butler grasped him strongly by both
shoulders and drew him back to the
earth. while Harris. who had started
at the sound Of the fellows voice, said
coolly: ITS no use Sim; allbis won't
save you this time"
Garrison realizing that his identity
was discovered, gave a mighty roar
and struggled frantlcally, but vainly at
his bonds. And then Butler and Har-
ris. both strong. wlry men, seized him
and. lifting his writhing body high
above the wagon-bed, dropped him
plump upon the floor. where he was
made doubly safe by cross.lashings.
The smaller and apparently mute
bandit was treated in like manner.
The reporters were in a merry humor
over the turn OF affairs. 1t was an un-
heard of piece Of good luck. Butler
and Dickman were eager for the re-
turn.
Hold a minute, boys" cried Harris;
'let's get all that belongs to this good
stroke. Wait till | search the buggy.
1t looks to ME as those these fellows
were cutting cross.country to a bury
ing ground"
1--WE got the swag, by Jupiterv'
shouted Harris. after moments
search. "This buggy seat is veri,
table Klondike."
"Wha-atv' shouted Butler and Dirk
man in concert of astonlshment.
Say. Harris. you are the captain of
the expeditions we elect you by accla-
nation" Butler added.
"And all kinds Of material for n
story, TO say nothing of the necessary
evidence" continued Harris, appar-
emily ignoring the verbal bouquets.
MASKS, lanterns, guns and all Of the
paraphernalla for train robbing. In
another hour they'd have had II buried
good and safe"
Harris quickly set the buggy to rights
and drove up behind the wagon TO