The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-03-05


off to catch another train
He sure must have mighty important
business at the other end of his jour
ney, said the stableman, lingering the
bills Sanford had given him. Il reckon
Dolly is worth about $50. and d a been
glad to get 81 for that saddle However,
them that's In a hurry has got TO pay
for it."
The little roam pony was both swift
and handy, and as easy under the sad
die as q rocking chair. Sanford put her
into a lope. He ratified over the long
bridge that spanned the river, and took
the road to the west along the bank Of
the stream.
1t was growing from dusk TO dark,
when the road turned away from the
river toward TIE north. The trail was
as straight as lire could be drawn and
as fat a. table.
1t was a good ten miles to the little
station of Perry, and 1t was necessary
to push tie pony to her best speed.
She responded promptly to her riders
voice, and broke into good, smart
gallop.
AS he ode along, Sanford turned over
in his mind the incidents OF the day,
In spite of the events that had arisen
10 retaTd him, he still felt that he had
a chance to win if he could eaten the
freight al Perry. and get into Topeka
in time to board the .l Reno train.
The task before him, he realized, vas
not an easy one by any means. He rust
be on the ground not later than Hart,
and he must have about him 4 force of
men large enough to meet violence with
its kind.
So far. circumstances mad favored
Hart. who probably was rejoicing at
having left Sanford behind. for he could
have no doubt that Rawlins, if he was
| in the plot knew the nature of SAN
ford errand.
| Soon the lamps Of the freight yard at
| Perry came in sight, and Sanford could
| hear switch engine putting ana
| WhistIing at her work The lights OF
| the station then appeared, anu ne heard
| a long. faint whistle in the distance.
| IT was the signal of the coming freight
train. Sanford shook the rDny's rein
| and c;,irrupe5 TO her, and she picked up
/ her speed.
Just as the freight train slowed down
| at the station platform. Sanford jumped
from the saddle The station agent
stood waiting for the conductor. with a
bundle of way bills In his hands
Sanford approached him. and asked.
DO YOU know Tom Blossom, the OPP
orator over at Lawrence
| Yes replied the agent, hElo"
Tom -.
over here to catch this train. lie soiiis
to call for her tomorrow. and he wants
| you to keep her for him unth ne COMES
| viii you do it?'
Sure. I'd do most anything for rom
Put I'm afraid you've had your ride for
/ nothing strict orders against carrying
passengers on this train
wei, I'll take my chances SAID
Stanford
The conductor of the freight was
walking rapidly up the platform San
ford went to meet him
/ Can / go TO Topeka with you?" he
Iasked.
No" replied the conductor roughly
this train doesn't carry passengers.
There's yay freight behind this that
will take you, but you might just as well
wait for the passenger that passes here
at midnight"
But" said Sanford. Il must get to
Topeka in time to catch the Rock Island
train that leaves at 9 O'clock
Cant help it," the conductor said
,inpatiently: orders is orders"
"Eut I am railroad man" Sanford
rejoined and Id consider it q favor
| He slipped bill into the conductor
palm, which closed upon it
II wouldn't let the president of ths
road ride In that caboose," said the con
duetor. But if you'd climb into a boz
car when I'm not looking, of course
don't know you're there"
Sanford nodded and hurried away.
He ran up the track alongside of th'
train, and came to a car the door o
which was half open. He climbed int
, the car just as the train began to movS
It was very dark inside but by crop
, ing around he discovered that the CO
was empty. To better conceal hilnsei
from the brakeman, he sought a corne
In the forward end. AS he was moving
cautiously along. he stumbled over tn
legs of q man, who grunted and scram
t b1ef ont of the way.
Why don't you mind where your
going?" said a husky voice in the dark
4 ness.
t why haven't you got your lamp
. it?" replied Sanford
. How many are there of your" San
: ford knew he was talking to q tramp.
Il reckon were two" was the reply
: This was my private car until yo
butted In"
4 How far are you going?" asked San
ford
4 Until l get kicked off," replied tn
tramp.
:. You must do considerable travelling ?
Sanford remarked.
j I've been pretty nearly everywher
they run freight ears. l have passio
t for travelling, and / don't like walking
r FIa no tramp. I'm u plumber by trad,
Who arc you?''
: oh. I'm just a traveller like your
; self, replied Sanford.
How Tar are you going?" asked tn
tramp
/ | ITO Topeka"
t .'AVell. III Just hop off there myself
4 l guess you We got a lay there. l want
: pal anyhow, and j reckon II stick [
II you.
'Ali right. if you can. But you'll nr
|. ! me Il pretty swift mover.
: The freight was making as fast tim
as a passenger train. She flew pas
! small stations and did not stop unit
n she reached the yard limits in Topeka
k where she slowed down for mInut,
\ and then TstIi up to me station.
Before she mad conG to a stop, SaT
o ford leaped to the ground. and ri
fna nj hack ST