DISARMED BY A WHIP-LASH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XII, 21 March 1896, Page 335

DISARMED BY A WHIP-LASH.

One of the dangers which menaced travellers in the early history of California was an attack by highwaymen. An old stage-driver who drove over a part of the long line between San Jose and Los Angeles relates an interesting incident of those early days. He says : • I remember once, in a lonely coast-range canon, through which the road wound, we had a little experience that was thrilling for the moment. It was a moonlight night, and I was pushing ahead at a good speed, with a stage full of passengers, and a heavy treasure box. Just as I got around a bend in the road I saw the figure of a man on horseback beside the road. He yelled out for us to stop, and I saw a gun barrel gleam in the moonlight. The horses were going at a speed that might be called breakneck, and I made up my mind to take the chance of getting through. I saw the gun raised to the fellow’s shoulder as we approached. I had my long whip in my hand, and with a desperation born of the peril of the moment, I made a vicious swipe at him. I don’t know how it happened, but the lash wound itself around the gun, and as we dashed by, the whip was drawn taut. I was nearly- pulled off my seat, but I held on, and the gun was dragged out of the robber’s hand and fell to the ground. At the same moment it was discharged by the shock. It rattled along the road for quite a distance before the whip lash unwound itself. I don’t know what the highwayman thought, but I’ll wager he was surprised.