News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1921-03-09
The
Mysterious Box
By FREDERICK CLARKE
20, 1921, Western Newspaper Union

Bea ahville. There it took one pas
sell, ,er aboard, and then Changed OF
its way again, a miracle of life ant
beauty.
The engineer handled the lever Will
the dignity of a man ruling the des
TIMES of world. His fireman, the
envy of all short run operators along
the line, fired the coal into the blazing
box like an expert tossing n ball and
enjoying it. 1t was big thing to run
the handsome twenty four-wheeler
| The proudest man among the train
crew, however, was Jack Dandy, and
the most delighted passenger was the
one just taken aboard-Jack's father
Gray, grim and very much set in his
old-fashioned farmer ways, he was
considerably excited over taking his
| S,-t ride of consequence behind the
iron horse.
Jack had started in at railroad work
four years before the present time.
He had worked his way up to very
good salary and was now assistant
express messenger on the Mountain
run.
"There's 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 a job in the very first car Of
the train. What's that iron box in the
corner?" 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"
laughed his mate, Dave Hardy. "Your
son has locked up his first engagement
ring for safe keeping, Mr.. Dandy"
"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. 81 hope you don't
find any objections, father?"
Eyes, do" declared the farmer. 81
object to your not having married her
long ago. l would, if I'd been in your
shoes Ha, ha ~
The old man sat at the breezy open
ing in the doorway, watching the fast
flying landscape with manifest con.
tentment and delight.
"What you got in that box, father?''
asked Jack finally.
Nothing to attract you, son. You've
been so long away from the farm it
wouldn't interest you"
"See here, father" saihJack Gin the
head end of the car, yonder there's
cot. Dave and l spell each other on
it on the long runs sometimes. Rest
a bit, won't your
81 believe l WILL" assented the farm
err.
Jack soon heard his father snoring.
He and his mate were sorting some
second-class express matter about an
hour later when a crash aroused them
Ill WcIl lHc pdHcl VI lIc pldtlOlI
door The end of crowbar intruded
Then, before the startled express mes
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,
and the trainmen found themselves
with two glttering revolv.
ars.
His companion must have been
some fifteen minutes on the
strong box, when the old
farmer awoke.
"Father," spoke Jack quickly, don't
stir, don't raise your voice above a
whisper"
"Why nOt?" inquired the old man.
Train rObberS" announced Dave
n cautions voice.
You don't say so-where" de-
handed the farmer.
"Out in the other part of the car
The old man ventured cautiously to |
he door window and peered through |
Then he retreated into the darkness. |
lack heard him chuckle and approach |
he door again, his mysterious box in |
lis hand.
eli! what's that" sharply yelled |
he man at the safe, dropping his bur
,larious tools in hurry.
81 should say so! Bees!" yelled his !
artner. "Ouch Murder! There's a |
lozen of them A thousand. A |
warm!"
The captives heard a weapon clang |
o the floor of the car and the sound |
f hurrying footsteps. Suddenly old
)anby dashed into the other part of
he car. There was a yell. the
ounds of a scuffle. CHANGING out, the
mazed Jack saw his father corner
lg one of the train robbers with his
wn revolver.
Unto that other part, double quick"
rdered the staunch old hero. I'm
lie those boys. or I'll pepper vel"
The Overland Special arrived at its
ext stop with its treasure chest in
act and with a bound prisoner. His