Jack Wright and His Electric Stage | Page 6

the birds had flown.
Hastening to the railroad depot, they discovered that the bandits had made their escape on the cars.
They telegraphed to the authorities ahead of the train at its first stopping place to arrest the bandits.
But the reply finally came back that the cars did not stop there, as the bandits had taken possession of the engine, and were seen forcing the engineer to keep the train going by menacing him with their pistols.
Timberlake was not surprised at this.
He knew that there were no more desperate men than the James Boys, and was aware that they would resort to any means to escape.
"I can't do anything farther," he sighed. "At least, not until I get back to Missouri. I think I'll call on Jack Wright, and get all the facts from him of the bank swindle."
He thereupon left the hotel.
Going to Jack's house, he found the inventor in.
Introducing himself, and showing his credentials, the sheriff had a long talk about the matter with the inventor.
In conclusion, he said:
"For a long time I have tried every means to capture those bandits. But they slip away from me with the most remarkable ease every time I feel surest I've got them. There's a reward of $5,000 offered by the governor of the State for their capture, and I and a Pinkerton detective named Carl Greene have been making the most desperate efforts to capture the James Boys, and break up their gang. We have thus far failed to do so."
"Why has it been such a difficult task?" asked Jack.
"In the first place, Jesse James owns a horse named Siroc which is unequaled in speed and intelligence by any horse in the world that I know of, and he can easily outfoot the fleetest animal that ever chased him."
"Well," asked Jack, "suppose an electric overland engine were to chase that remarkable quadruped, don't you think he might be overtaken? The engine I refer to can run at the rate of fifty miles an hour over rough ground."
"Any engine could last longer than a horse, and such a machine as you mention could outspeed that horse. But, of course, such an engine is an utter impossibility."
"You are mistaken," said Jack, quietly.
"How so?" asked Timberlake, with a puzzled look.
"Because I have got such an engine."
"You have?"
"Just finished building it."
"And it runs by electricity?"
"Entirely so."
"Without tracks?"
"On the ground."
"And at fifty miles an hour?"
"Yes. I have tested her to that speed."
"This, if true, is most extraordinary."
"No, it isn't. I have constructed such machines before."
"I've been told you are an inventor of electrical contrivances."
"Do you doubt the probability of such an engine?"
"Candidly, I do."
"Do you want me to prove it?"
"By all means."
"Then come with me. I'll show it to you."
"I am burning with curiosity to see the wonderful affair."
Jack smiled and led his caller out into the yard.
Proceeding to the door of the workshop he opened it with a latch key and they entered a very large room.
It was cast in gloom.
Jack turned a switch on the wall.
Instantly scores of brilliant incandescent electric lamps were put in circuit and blazed out, illuminating the room as if by day.
A strange-looking vehicle in the form of a stage was disclosed standing in the middle of the apartment.
Jack pointed at it and said:
"There's the machine that will do all I claimed for it."
"By thunder, that's an odd looking affair!"
"She certainly is a peculiar carriage."
"Yet she is very handsome, light, and durable."
"Lift one end of her. You will be amazed at her weight."
"How can one man lift such a heavy thing as that?"
"Try, and you'll see."
The sheriff complied.
He was astonished to find he could raise her,
Jack burst out laughing at his amazed expression.
"I can't imagine what material she can be made of!" said the officer.
"It's aluminum," replied Jack, "Have you a revolver?"
"Yes--a 32 calibre weapon."
"If you will put a bullet through her I'll give you $10,000."
Timberlake's surprise increased, and he drew his weapon.
Aiming it at the vehicle in various places he blazed away.
Six shots were thus fired.
He then closely examined the Terror, as the stage was named, and although he saw where each of the heavy caliber bullets had struck the machine, he failed to find a perforation.
In fact he picked up the bullets from the ground fused and battered out of shape.
Jack watched him with an amused smile.
"What do you think of that for bullet-proof armor?" he asked.
"It is simply wonderful--extraordinary!"
Timberlake scanned the engine with newly awakened interest.
It was about thirty feet long, by ten in breadth, rode on four broad cogged wheels, and was set on strong, flexible springs.
Under the middle of the car was a powerful motor for revolving the wheels, in front of the dashboard was a projecting ram over which stood a search-light of 90,000 candle power, above the forward wheels were air brakes, the driver's