Year: 1877

but punctual to time went down to the
bank, which was darkened, and gave
no evidence of any one being within,
and after giving three raps, as re-
quested Of me in the note, was ush-
cred in.


"What was my astonishment to find
ten Of the most prominent men of the
village present, their faces drawn
down as if in expectation of some i'm
pending calamity.


"After being seated, Mr.. White, as
spokesman OF the party, broached the
business in hand by mentioning the
recent fire and went on to state the
presence Of two or three suspicious
looking strangers, who had come from
the east on the early morning train,
registered at the hotel strolled about
the village and departed for the east
on an evening train without having
transacted any business, had aroused
their suspicion that mischief was in
tended, and that they had concluded
to place watchmen at different places
to prevent the carrying out Of their
nefarous designs.


Now, continued Mr.. White,
knowing you to be courageous and
reliable, we have selected you to
watch Mr.. Pierce's residence. The
midnight express from Chicago does
not stop here, unless two or three pas
sengers wish to get off and are willing
to pay the conductor for the trouble
Of stopping. 1t is now eleven o'clock
and we want You to 90 up to the house
and wait until the train passes. If it
stops tonight it will be safe to infer
that mischief is in the wind Should
any attempt be made to fire his build
ings take this revolver, drawing a
seven-shooter from his pocket, and
shoot them down as you would a mad
dog


Il did not exactly relish the job,
but being dattered by the good opin-
ions entertained of me, and wishing
to prove myself worthy Of them, l con-
sented to go there.


"Puttiug the revolver il my over
coat for it was a keen, frosty night, I
babe them good night and started for
Mr.. Pierce's residence


1T was on the extreme west edge
ofthe village, a little cottage surround
ed by shrubbery shade trees and vines,
a veritable little paradise. About
ten rods back of it stood the carriage
house and barn, while the western
boundary was a field of about five acres


Going up the street, climbed the
fence and walked quietly to the back
Of the house and took up my position
in grape arbor between the house
and barn, to await the arrival of the
train.


The depot was about half mile
to the southwest, and any one coming
from there direct to the house would

have to cross the field, and from my
position I could easily hear the slight
est movement that might be made.


"The moon was shining bright
ly, making the frost-covereI grass and
trees to glisten and sparkle in its mel
low light like countless diamonds.


"a feeling Of inexpressible loneli-
ness was upon me, Not light gleam-
ed forth from a window to cheer me
and naught broke the grave-like still
ness that rested upon everything, save
the dismal hooting of owls IN the
woods to the west.


"W hat fancies chased each other
through my brain and oh how earn
estly prayed that train would not
stop, for, all this blow and bluster of
braggarUs and fools of knowing no fear
to the contrary, no man with a grain
of common sense feels at ease when his
life is in danger,


Slowly and solemnly the town
clock struck the hour of twelve, and
each stroke sounded in my ears like
my death knell, Ten minutes more
the train would be due.


"Punctual to time | heard the rum
bic and roar Of its approach from the
east.


Nearer and nearer it cape.


"Would it stop?


LAS if in answer to the mental
query, sharp and shrill sounded the
whistle for down brakes.


''The bell rang, could hear the
hiss of escaping steam, the wheels
squeaking from contact with tighten
ed brake, and the train come to a full
stop.


but only for a moment, with a