Alaska sentinel., 1907-07-04
The Colorado Robbers
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ohC tN1hPCot toosCu uiSutt "CaldCl bound at small hotel on the stage route from Santa Fe we met a fellow traveller In whom we became greatly in- terested. The bowling gale and ele- mental uproar intensified the cosy cheer of our snug little parlor. The genial warmth from the heaped up coals In the grate stimulated conversation, and we soon launched upon a stream of startling adventures.
 Among others, my companion, a fine ly built, athletic fellow, narrated an ex- perience of the previous season, which he said, made every hair stand on tip toe"
 How" we asked. You were in great peril?'
 "One of those imminent risks that meet you at every turn. Four of us came in the stage from Santa Fe, the last of June I think. A young lady governess In an officers family-her es- cort a wealthy merchant, reputable, with guaranty of honor described on every line of his earnest face, and my self, were acquaintances the other was . horseshoer of the company, bound for the stables at Denver
 ''The lady-among the twentles-was % happy in the thought of going East and seeing her widowed mother-was % interested and full of life, that her joy rippled through our conversation like a merry warble.
 You'd like personal description? |? We'll. rather tall and willowy, eyes as black and full of sparkle as a frosty night, and hair commonly called red, but with a gllnt of gold in lines and flashes wherever the sunlight glanced across 1t. saw 1t fully when she dropped her hat, and stylish, neat af- fair 1t was. too-but have not come to that yet.
 I'm sure you're aware of the bri- gandage for which that route is noted. l suspect the mountain passes of the Appenlnes hold no more mystery of crime than do the rocky passes of this fresh continent Constantly facing danger, the pioneer acquires a hardi- hood that fits him for every fresh en- counter of peril, however unusual. The periodic robbing of the stages has be come so much of fact that the express companies will take no more risks, and specie and treasures have to be taken East by private parties.
 "As a government expert, I was well known to the bankers of Santa Fe. They never hesitated to intrust me with large amounts of gold, and this time was no exception. So I was load cd, partly by means of an inner belt around my waist, partly by a false bot tom improvised In my valise by gum ming strong wrapping paper over the precious parcels and inner lining of the bag.
 'The day would have been intolera- ble but for the cool currents that swept down the decllvities and through the mountain ravlnes. Frequently during the day, up the steep ascents, we would get out and walk. It rested us and re- lieyed the tedium of the drive. The lady was most charming, rattling her words like fine shot against our sallies of wit and wisdom, and turning into sport and jest our serious fears. She became confidential, and told us she | expected to return to madame, with a military escort-if she returned at all. Her fiance was lieutenant, sta tioned now in Indian Territory; but when he received his furlough-well, very soon, perhaps-then we might ex- pect to hear the wedding bells.
 "I would like to be a little richer, she added, with sigh, but we must take what the good God gives us, and my treasure happens to be gold!'
 "'How much of dot have your said the practical merchant.
 "She laughed merrily.
 "'Are you a bandit In disguiser then added. the fruits of my industry