The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-08-01
RUNNING THE
GANTLET
By WARREN MILLER

"Mr Humphrey" said the president
Of the bank, who had sent for me to
come TO his private Office, I'VE have
! 10000 to go to NJ today, and / have
\ mind to send it by you. Would you
care TO undertake the delivery7"
/ didn't like the Job, for we were In
the far west, where desperadoes
abounded, and IL one OF them suspect
ed l had so large an amount with me
murder would not stand In his way to
possess It, But If wished promotion
In the bank 1t would never do for me
to finch at such an offer, which was
really an order. So I accepted the
charge.
/ left the bank with thirty $1,000
bills In large pocketbook in the breast
pocket Of my coat. or course from the
start l had my eye on everybody In
sight. wondering IL some one Of them
was not intending to rob me. One per-
son arrested my attention from the Pc
culiarity of his appearance. He was
standing on the bank steps when /
went out, looking carelessly up the
street. He wore green spectacles,
very shabby suit and high plug hat
The most remarkable feature Of his
apparel was a waistcoat with stripes
resembling those OF zebra. He was
evidently down on his luck and had
picked up his clothes piecemeal, where
he could find them cast OF from their
original owners. He paid no attention
to me. Indeed, had no evidence that
he was aware OF my existence.
Going to my room. took suit case |
full of clothes and on emerging noticed |
the man with the zebra waistcoat on |
the opposite side OF the street looking !,
In at a shop window. His back was
to me. and kept my eye on him TILL
had turned a corner. In this way !
made sure he had not seen me come
put OF the house nor during my going
away from 1t. Proceeding to the sta
ion, I boarded the train, and as Il
rolled out the car door opened, and
who should step in but the man with
he zebra waistcoat.
He gave me a glance as he took his
ieat, and / knew he had spotted me
or victim. But why this fantastic
lttire? Then II all rushed upon me
uddenly. 1t was to attract my atten-
ion from some confederate who was
.eeping me in sight and who doubt
ess had informed him of my proceed
ne. They could only have received
be information Of my bearing the
money from some one in the bank who
ad let II out for gain or unintention- !
lily. !
Ny heart sank within me. But we
re all natural gamblers. and at once
lid out game for my money and my
fe picked up my suit case, which I
ad deposited on the floor. and held 1t :
a my lap. Then went to the water
ooler for a drink. carrying the suit
lse with me. Next / changed my 4
,at, never for a moment letting the
lit case out of my hand. Finally :
,ened it. pretending to make sure as !
did so that no eye was upon me, and, 4
trusting my hand in between the
othlng. gave evidence by my express a
on that what sought was there. n
Meanwhile an ugly looking man In a q
oolen shirt and sombrero went and
{ down by the man with the zebra d
aistcoat. and the latter gave him d
me piece Of information which 3
as sure referred TO the money being
the suit case. Not feeling that my
Iort TO throw the men OF the scent
Duld avail-for when they robbed me.
{ finding the money where they ex-
cted It. they would force me to pro-
ce it, concluded TO get OF the train 81