Louis.” They managed to smash a hole in the second safe with a heavy iron pick (used to break up coal for the engine), and pulled out papers and envelopes. They cursed-indeed, the whole affair was redolent of profanity-and were extremely unwilling to believe that the key was not to be had, until the brakeman explained that the Adams Express had no route over the Missouri Pacific, but only a contract with the United States Company for the transportation of a sealed safe from Sedalia to St. “They evidently expected no greater difficulty with the other safe,” Bushnell recalled, “and were considerably surprised and excited when they found that no one of the keys surrendered would fit its lock. Back in the baggage car, it took them only a moment to empty the United States Express safe. Then he marched Conkling and Bushnell back through the train until they found the brakeman, who handed over the key. “You want to find it damned quick, or I will kill you,” Jesse snapped. “Come forward now and unlock that safe without any nonsense.” Bushnell denied having the key. Holmes of Bedford, New York, began a round of hymn singing, followed by loud prayers for their safety and the robbers’ repentence. “Why, then, don’t you go and fight those fellows in front?” he asked, “to which no reply was vouchsafed,” the press reported. “Madam, I’ll protect you at the risk of my life.” Another passenger smirked. When one woman began to sob, a man nearby spoke up bravely. Down the length of the coaches they marched, as terrified passengers shoveled their money and jewelry out of sight.
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