Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1921-04-15
The
Mysterious Box
By FREDERICK CLARKE
t@ 1921. Western Newspaper un.on.)

Ola 10, cGOCk iOCOlOOllEe Oh tne oScl-
land Special, footed to stop at
Bcachvillc. There it took one pas
Scngcr aboard, and then changed on
its way again. q miracle Of lie and
beauty.
! The engineer handled the lever with
the dignity OF 4 man ruling the dcs-
tnics Of world. His fireman. the
envy OF al! short run operators along
the line. fired the GOA! into the blazing
box like an expert tossing Il ball and
enjoying II. 1t was 4 big thing to run
the handsome twenty-fcur-whceler.
The proudest man among the train
crew. however. was Jack Dandy, and
the most OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES was the
one just taken aboard-Jnck's father.
Gray. grim and very much set In his
old-fashioncd farmer ways, he was
considerably excited over taking his
first ride OF consequence behind the
iron horse.
Jack had started in Mt railroad work
four years before the present time.
He had worked his way up TO q very
good salary, and was now assistant
express messenger on the Mountain
run.
There's a cushioned chair for you,
father" said Jack. opening the side
door the six inches permitted by the
protection chain. "Just view the
scenery and make yourself comforta.
ble."
"You must be great favorite, Jack,
to get job In the very first car Of
the train. What's that iron box in the
cornerT' asked the old man.
'That's the express company's safe"
explained Jack. Were carrying the
pay roll Of two sections tonight.
presume there's a quarter Of million
dollars in that safe"
"And something else, Jack I"
laughed his mate. Dave Hardy. "Your
son has locked up his first engagement
ring for safe keeping. Mr.. Danny"
"Eh. who's it for?' inquired the old
farmer. pricking up his ears.
"Why, who could It be for but pref.
ty Nance Burdick?" asked Jack.
flushing furiously. Il hope you don't
find any objections. father?"
Eyes. I do" declared the farmer. II
object to your not having married her
long ago. would, II I'd been in your
shoes. Ha, har'
The old man sat at the breezy open
Ing in the doorway. watching the fast
flying landscape with manifest con-
tcntment and delight
what you got in that box, father?"
asked Jack finally. w
Nothing to attract you. son. You've
| hna &c
wouldn't interest YOU"
"Sce here. father" said Jack "in the
head end OF the car. yonder. there's n
cot. Dave and l spell each other on
it Oh the long runs sometimes. Rest
q bit, won't you?"
II believe WILL" assented the furm-
err.
Jack soon heard his father snoring.
lie and his mate we're sorting some
| secoDd-clnss express matter about an
hour later when 4 crash aroused them.
In went the panel of the platform
door The end OF q crowhar intrudcd.
I Then. before the startled express mes.
Sengers could advance or retreat. a
quick hand reached in. snapped the
catch, and as the shattered door
swung inwards two men Sprang into
, view.
Hands up" ordered one of them.
md the trainmen found themselves
= threatened with two glittcrng revolv-
ers.
His companion must have been
working some fifteen minutes on the
stubborn strong box, when the old
, farmer awoke.
"Father," spoke Jack quickly. don't
| | stir, don't raise your voice above q
whisper"
"Why nor" inquired the old man.
"Train rnhi,crS!' announced Dave
In caNtiouS voice.
= 'fon don't say so--whcre?" de.
> mandcd the farmer
"Out In the other part Of the cor.
The old man ventured cautiously to
the door window and pcered through
Then he rcireatcd into the darkness.
Jack heard him chucklp and apprua ch
the door again, his mysterious box in
his hand.
iii what's ihat?" sharply yelled
the man at til" safe, dropping his bur-
LglariOuS tools in u hurry.
81 should say sol Bees" yelled his
partner. "Onch! Murder! There's q
dozen OF them! A thousand! A
swarm!'
The captlves heard weapon Chang
to the floor Of tho ear ana the sound
OF hurrying footsteps. Suddenly old
Danhy dashed into the other part OF
the car. There VAS q yell the
sounds o. scuiIlo. CHANGING out the
amazed Jack saw his father corner.
ing one Of the !Tain robbers with his
! own revolver
Unto that other part. double uuicl; "
ordered tho staunch old hero. "Tn.
tjp those bovJ or III Dpnncr vn