Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1921-03-17
The
Mysterious Box
BY FREDERICK CLARKE
d, 1921, western Newspaper Union. }


newly lacquered and metal trimmed,
old 90, crack locomotive Of the over
land Special, footed to a stop at
Beachyille. There it took one pas
senger aboard, and then changed on
its way again, miracle Of life and
beauty.
The engineer handled the lever with
the dignity of a man ruling the des-
TIMES Of a world. His fireman, the
envy Of all short run operators along
the line fired the coal into the blazing
box like an expert tossing a ball and
enjoying it. II was a big thing to run
the handsome twenty-four-whe
The poudest 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
first 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 a 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
,..4. L.. 81 10
scenery and make yourself comforta-
bic"
You must be great fayorite, Jack,
TO get a job in the very first car Of
the train. What's that iron box In the
cornerY" asked the old man.
That's the express company's safe"
explained Jack "We're 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 1t forT inquired the old
farmer priclllng up his ears
why, who could it be for but pret-
ty Nance Burdick?" asked Jack.
flushing furiousIy 81 hope you don't
find any objections, father
Yes, / do" declared the farmer. 81
object to your not having married her
long ago. would, II ia been in your
shoes. IIa ha :"
The old mnn 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 10 attract you, son. You've
been 50 ioug away from the farm 1t
wouldn't Interest YOU
See here, father said Jack ''in the
head end Of the car yonder, there's
cot Dave and spell each other on
II on the long runs sometimes Rest
a bit won't youf'
81 believe | VIII assented the farm
er.
Jack soon heard his father snoring.
He and his mate were sorting some
secoud-clnss express matter about an
hour later when crash aroused them.
In went the panel of the platform
door The end of crowbar intruded.
Then, before the startled express mes
pngers could advance or retreat.
quick hand reached in snapped the
catch, and as the shattered door
swung inwards two men sprang into
view.
Hands upw ordered one Of them.
and the trainmen found themselves
threatened with two gltterlng reyoly-
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
whisper"
"Why not?' inquired the old man.
Train robbers" announced Dave
in cautious voice.
you don't say so-where?" de.
man2ed the farmer.
"Out in the other part Of the car.
The old man ventured cautiously 70
the door wi,rtlow and peered through.
Then he retreated into the darkness.
Jack heard him chuckle and approach
the door again. his mysterious box in
his hand
I'll what's that2" sharply yelled
the maU at the safe, dropping his bur
clarious tools IN hurry
81 should say 50, Beesl" yelled his
partner ouch Murder There's
dozen OF jheml A thousandl A
swarmt"
The capuvcs heard n weapon clanr
To me floor Of the ear ana the sound
Of hurujng footsteps. Suddenly old
DANNY dashed into the other part of
the car There was veil. the
sounds of a scutlc CHANGING out. the
amazed Jack saw his father corur-
nC one OF the train robbers with his
own revolver
Unto that other part. double quick"
ordered tho staunch old hero. I'm
.ie those boys or III eppcr yel"
The Overland Special arrived M lis
next stop with its treasure chest In.
tact and with n hound prispper HE