Jack of the Pony Express by Frank V. Webster
page 62 of 178 (34%)
page 62 of 178 (34%)
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struck--ached cruelly.
"Yes, lets finish and get a move on," agreed the man on the horse. "Here, one of you take the pouches, and another hand me the ropes. I'll have him triced up in a jiffy." Jack breathed more easily. He was only to be bound then, as the outlaws of the mountains usually did bind the stage drivers or express messengers whom they robbed. There seldom was a killing, unless the victims resisted or shot at the hold-up men. One of the three unmounted men advanced to Jack, and began loosening the fastenings of the mail and express pouches. "Don't touch them!" the pony rider cried. "Leave those mail sacks alone!" So vehement was he, and so much energy did he put in his voice that, for the moment, the man was startled, and drew back. "What's the idea?" he asked. "That is government property!" went on Jack, trying to follow up the impression he had made. "You are interfering with the United States' mail. And I don't need to tell you what sort of a crime that is! You won't have to deal with me, you'll have to answer to the government, and the inspectors will be on your trail inside of twenty-four hours! Don't you touch that mail!" For a moment the men did seem impressed by Jack's sharp warning. Then the man on the horse laughed, and said: |
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