The Weiser semi-weekly signal. (Weiser, Washington Co., Idaho) 1904-1911, 1905-05-10

succeeded in always riding free. The
way they managed it was this: A grin
countenance with q background OF
shocky hair and a sombrero would ap
pear at the window and ask for tick
ct The agent would do the necessary
stamping and throw the ticket down
mentioning the amount due. The applf
cant would pick up the ticket and walk
away without making any payment
The agent knew if he declined to sub
NIT to this one sided way of doing
business the applicant would poke a
revolver through the opening and be-
gin to shoot.
The superintendent on receipt of
Ph1fs last application wrote him that
In view Of his long and faithful serv-
Ice on the road he was promoted to be
station agent at Alpena. The writer
chuckled as he dictated the letter and
congratulated himself upon not In fu-
ture being troubled by the baggage
mans applications. AS for Phil he
knew all about the gang's operations
and saw at once that unless he collect
ed the fares he would be removed. If
he collected them, he must take his
chances of being shot. He thought the
matter over, resolved to accept the sit
uation and made his preparations ac-
cordingly.
Since Phil had been known in the
country roundabout as a peaceable,
plodding fellow, SO soon as the gang
heard Of his appointment they made up
their minds to make more frequent and
longer trips. The second morning aft
er the new agent took his place in the
Office one of their number walked I'D to
the hole and asked for ticket.
Five dollars and thirty cents" said
Phil in feeble voice.
Gimme the ticket. l don't pay till
git the goods" said the man. lazily
drawing a weapon from his hip.
Quick as a flash a revolver was
thrust through the hole from within,
shot rang out, and the applicant for
ticket dropped dead.
There was no one else in the station
at the time, and Phil, going to the
baggage room, took out an oblong box.
put the corpse in it, nailed down the
lid, tackled card on it on which was
written the address of the superintend-
ent and sent it by the next train with
railway ticket and $3.50 inclosed in
an envelope. On piece of paper he
wrote to go with the rest:
Ticket sold this morning. Not used
Don't know what to do with II or tha
money, so forward them to Won. Cornse
or the applicant in baggage car Shall
Kill any more of EN-?
PHIL CARLTON,
Station Agent, Alpena.
When the superintendent read this
note and learned from the bearer that
there was a coffin shaped box in the
baggage room awaiting his orders he
was more astonished than If he had
Deen informed that the whole line of
the road had been swallowed by an
earthquake. He walked the floor for
awhile in deep meditation, then tool,
Phifs note to the president.
That afternoon there was n Meeting
OF the board of directors, with the |
roads attorney in attendance who as
sured them that since Phil had not re-
ceiVed nor could prove that he had re-
celved orders to kill any applicant for
ticket who refused to pay his fare
none OF them would be liable To no ar.
rested and tried for murder Phil was
alone responsible; but, considering tbe
lawiess state Of the country and the
character of the unsuccessful applicant
Tor free ride, 1t was not believed that
ihe man who had shot him would be
The body was sent back to Athena
'or burial, and Phil was directed NOT 10
Nil any more deadhead ticket appIi-
ANTS.
But Phil did not need 10 Kan any
more Of them. The others. taking
warning from the fate OF their oomDan.
on, found u unnecessary 10 travel
'ften thereafter on the road ana when
ley qld MOI being sure buf ne station
gent Touring fhaf they bad come 10
l"'ii'f iheif former methods. would
boot 20 ldll, always pnid thor fare on
pa uain. Indeed phO Carlion's IA.
l'lisllpiiop of ihe nnairs of Alnena
'Nil9n proved ~ faffilololy Haf le
.Nf summoned A. tao mai0 0n0a niU
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