By William Daugherty, for the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891

 

“Throw up your hands,” were the words that greeted a horseman as he turned a sharp curve on the upper grade leading into Austin, Nevada, in the Spring of 1865. “Hand out your purse” was the next command, and he handed it out to the lone highwayman who had him covered with a villainous-looking revolver. The highwayman was not masked, was perfectly cool, and seemed in no hurry. Opening the purse containing a fair supply of bills, he took out one dollar and, handing the purse and its contents back to the traveler, said, “Move on.” The traveler did so without delay and wondered if that was the man who kept the toll-gate. A few minutes ride took him into Austin, and after stabling his horse, he went into Marioni’s Rotisserie and ordered his breakfast. While waiting for it and reading the paper, he was aware of someone taking a seat opposite him, and when breakfast was served, he laid aside the paper and began eating.

Looking up, his surprise was quite pronounced, as he discovered the lone highwayman, just commencing his breakfast in his view. Neither spoke, and each leisurely finished his breakfast and stepped to the counter about the same time to settle. The highwayman laid down in payment the same dollar that he had extracted from the other’s purse on the grade. The meal was seventy-five cents, and for the change, he took a cigar, lit it, and stepped out on the sidewalk.

Surprised at his coolness, the traveler accosted him and said, “Excuse me, but haven’t we met before this morning?” And the highwayman answered, “Yes, we have.” Still more surprised at his coolness, the traveler said, “Well, please explain the liberty you took with me?” “Certainly,” was the reply, “I am broke and can’t get work, and d—-d if I’ll beg.” The explanation seemed sincere, and at least convincing enough that the traveler opened his purse again, gave him $5, and said, “Take that to eat on, and when it’s gone, if you have not found work, come to me and get more.” He took it with polite thanks, hunted work, secured it, and, in time, became a substantial citizen of Austin. Afterward, the man he robbed never divulged the name of the daring highwayman, and the old residents there acknowledged that the trait displayed was characteristic of the man if his name were given.

 

By William Daugherty’s article in the Reno Evening Gazette, February 27, 1891. Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated November 2025. About the Author: Written by William Daugherty for the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891. The Reno Evening Gazette was first published on October 12, 1876, and continued for the next 107 years. In 1977, it was merged with the Nevada State Journal and continues to exist today as the Reno Gazette-Journal. The text here is not verbatim, as it has been heavily edited for the modern reader.

Also See:

Nevada Mining Tales (Reno Evening Gazette)

Pioneers on the Nevada Frontier (Reno Evening Gazette)

Pioche Land Jumpers and the Death of Jack Harris (Reno Evening Gazette)

The Stage Held Up

Violence on the Nevada Frontier (Reno Evening Gazette)