The Daring Heist at Martin Creek

From information received in this city yesterday, it appears that the recent hold-up and robbery at Martin Creek, by which John J. Ferguson, a storekeeper, was relieved of money and checks amounting to $175, was one of the most daring pieces of work in the record of such crimes in King County. Ferguson came to the city yesterday and obtained the following account of the affair: 'I have made a practice of visiting time checks and cashing checks for the railroad laborers since I went into business at Martin Creek, but have never put in a safe because, if robbers in that place wanted anything a person had, they would make him open even a vault with a time lock. One evening three of the townspeople and three of me were sitting by the fire chatting when the store door was opened and three masked men came in. The demand was brief and to the point: "Hold up your hands, you," said the leader. I thought at first that it was a joke, but when all three pulled revolvers—one of them had two—and covered us, I came to the conclusion that they meant business. I had a gun, but it was in my pocket. The leader evidently knew of it, for he told his companions to keep the gang covered while he did the collecting. He then went up to me and took away the gun. Next came $100 in cash that I had in my pocket. He was not contented with this; he took all the time checks and checks I had, amounting to $75. While this operation was going on, my friends sat with their hands above their heads looking into the revolvers. The leader did not trouble anyone but me, and then walked over to the money drawer and took all there was in it, amounting to $175. With this, he was satisfied, and together with his men walked out, leaving us to gather our wits together. The darkness and general character of the country favored them, and they made good their escape.' Mr. Ferguson described the men as well dressed and believes they were gamblers.