Were I dealing with fiction I would write a lurid description of a desperate conflict between the sheriff's posse and the outlaws, but as I am dealing in actual experiences and the story will, no doubt, be read by many acquainted with the facts, I must adhere closely to the lines of truth.

The special stopped about a mile north of the station to allow the posse to disembark, and, by advancing noiselessly, surround the depot and capture the robbers; but, alas, for the well-laid plan, the noise of the train was heard, and fearing a trap, the scoundrels, leaving me a parting curse, hastened from the office, mounted their horses, which had been secured nearby, and made their escape before a shot was fired.

A few months later, while on leave of absence granted me from the handsome station given me in a beautiful Kansas town, a telegram was handed to me as I stood in the parlor of Mrs. Rankin's pretty cottage home in Arkansas City. I read it and handed it to the little woman dressed in bridal robes who stood at my side. Then the chief train dispatcher read it aloud to the assembled guests. It ran as follows.

Topeka, Kan, May 10, 18__

All the officials of the Santa Fe Co. join in warmest congratulations, with the sincere prayer that the new lives you to-day begin may never be shadowed by a cloud of care. While we regret the loss of the valued services of our little heroine of Red Rock, we glean satisfaction from the fact that we will yet hold her husband and will also feel that she, too, is a cherished member of the great Santa Fe family. May the sun of true happiness ever illumine your lives.

(Signed)

R.B. GEMMELL

Supt. of Telegraph

"I am commissioned," added the dispatcher, "to place these two envelopes among the gifts from loving friends on this table. They bear slight tokens of appreciation of valuable services from the Santa Fe Co. and from the Wells Fargo Express Co."

There was an envelope addressed to Carrie, and one to myself. Each contained a crisp, new, uncreased $1,000 greenback.

And if I may add on a personal note, the amount of interest "Carrie" has generated over the years has been a rather pleasant surprise. Three cheers for Capt. Jack Crawford, who could never have dreamed that his tale, nearly a century old, would live again in cyberspace.