The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1935-09-13
Plot to Deliver Prisoners
From Stage Was Failure

stranger OF the COacn.
You see, they crossed US" said the
was completed. They didn't bring
them"
The leader retraced his steps and
stopped in front of the coach. Get
in there" he ordered. You're lucky
we don't take everything you have.
Don't attempt to follow us. They're
four of us posted along the road.
You won't see them. but if you try any
thing theren be more shooting"
What about Johnson? We've got to
get him to Boulder" asked Judge
The masked man swung his boot
against the body. Leave him there,
he's dead" he said. Get in the
coach"
AS the coach drew away from the
scene the gunner melted into the
shadows of their ambush.
They killed Johnson" said Judge
Wade. They won't get away with it.
Every man in Boulder will be in a posse
before nightfall. There won't be any
court today"
The stage had not gone more than a
quarter of a mile when the sound OF a
volley of shots reached the ears of the
passengers.
whats that?" asked Wade. 1T must
be Cameron. Turn around and go
back" he shouted to the driver.
But the nan refused. I've got the
mail here" he protested. Il can't
take a chance with that"
A ragged fire could now be heard. AS
the stage drew out OF hearing the SHOTS
were widely spaced.
When the stage reached Boulder the
town was thrown into a frenzy OF ex-
element. Judge Wade went immedi-
ately to the courthouse. Without both
ering to enter the courtroom ne n
nounced the session adjourned. He
urged all prospective jurors and wit
nesses to join the posse, which was
being formed for pursuit OF the mask
ed men.
Less than an hour after the stage
rolled into Boulder and brought news
of the happening Sheriff McDermott
and his posse were pounding at break
neck speed along the rocky road toward
the scene of the shooting.
Johnson had been popular in the
community. The tale of his death
aroused the people and they. were IN
deadly earnest in their search Tor MS
murderers.
The posse had ridden several miles
from Boulder when they saw a horse
walking toward town. Two men were
mounted on the animal.
Spurs were driven into the flanks OF
their horses. AS they drew near the
horse and its riders they recognized
the man in the saddle. He was Sheriff
Cameron.
One member of the posse recognize
ed Colonel johnson despite his dust
covered clothes and features.
The sheriff's men surrounded Cam
eron and johnson. Excited questions
were fired at them. When the excite
ment quoted Johnson sketched his
story.
coach I stumbled he said. Just at
that time one of the holdup men &C
cidentally fired his rifle. I thought
they were going to rob us, so l Just
laid on the road and played dead.
When the coach drove away without
me I waited for a couple OF minutes.
I was just about to get up and start
that Six-mile walk to Boulder when
someone started shooting. It was the
gunner trying to get Cameron
How'd you happen to be on n
scene so soon, Cameron" asked NC
II got information yesterday that
they were going to try and get the
prisoners. I started out after the
stage and was not so far behind when
it stopped.
Il got behind a tree and watched.
Just after the coach left n OF them
saw me and fired. I banged away
and they all started shooting. Before
T could get behind a rock one OF them
almost got me-" he said, pointing to a
bullet hole in his coat.
Il had pretty good protection and l
guess the robbers thought the stage
was coming back, for they retreated
in a few minutes. After they'd gone l
walked over to johnson, who was still
lying in the road, and when he got up
I thought it was a ghost"
Several members Of the posse were
ordered by Sheriff McDermott to &C
company johnson to Boulder and Sher-
iff Cameron joined in the hunt for the
thieves. :,
But Johnson's appearance unframed
had taken the edge from their zest Tor
the hunt. Unsuccessful by nightfa4,
the party returned to Boulder. hall
convinced there was little need Tor
further search.
AFTER ALL" said McDermott, they
didn't get the prisoners, johnson wasn't
killed and they didn't steal anything.
had our excitement, so what's the
difference if we don't get them?"