“‘I’ve got him, boys!’ cried the man, who I afterward learned was the station master. The crowd recovered its nerve, returned to action and proceeded to inspect the capture, apparently losing all interest in further investigation of conditions inside the station.
“In the crowd were several women, who, with the curiosity and enterprise characteristic of the “weaker” sex in mobs, succeeded in pushing themselves in front of the men. As the man with the lantern turned the light full upon me, there was a cry from one of the women.
“‘That’s him, that’s the big robber! I seen him through the winder of our house when they passed by. I’d know him anywhere!’
“I began to realize that I was in danger and, fully aroused, endeavored to make myself heard. My efforts were futile, however, and I merely received a choking for my pains.
“‘Let’s string him up, boys; it’ll save the county a lot of expense!’ shouted some one.
“‘Hang him! Hang him!’ chorused the crowd.
“‘Somebody get a rope!’ cried the man who was kneeling on my chest.
“‘Take him to a telegraph pole!’ cried another.
“I was half dragged, half carried to the nearest telegraph pole and assisted to my feet beneath it. A rope was speedily found and tied about my neck. A boy was ordered to climb the pole with the other end of the rope and pass it over the arm that supports the wires.
