examination it was decided to remove him to the pest-house.
Currens was sent along on account of his exposure to the contagion. An
officer was placed in charge of the two jail-birds at the pest-house.
During the night following their arrival at this out-of-the-way place,
the officer was pounced upon by the two desperate criminals, bound hand
and foot, and with a large cork placed between his teeth, was gently
laid on the floor. His gold watch and chain, and all the loose change he
had with him were taken from his person, and the two small-pox patients
walked forth into the darkness and gloom of that night unattended by any
friendly official.

Thomas never believed in criminals traveling in groups, so he bade his
companion an affectionate farewell. Wending his way to the southwestern
portion of the State he was arrested for additional crimes and
misdemeanors. Knowing that the officers had not sufficient evidence
against him he bravely stood trial and was acquitted. However, as he was
going forth from his prison cell a free man, much to his surprise, an
official from Sedalia put in an appearance and took him back to the
scene of his small-pox escapade. At his trial he was convicted and
received a sentence of six and one-half years. He now took a cell in
the Jefferson City penitentiary. After four years of imprisonment this
notorious criminal makes an application for pardon, setting up an
alibi as the basis of the application, and succeeded in influencing the
Governor to believe the testimony, and was set at liberty, promising
that he would leave the State of Missouri, never to return. The
conscience of the said Thomas never troubled him over failing to keep
his word with the officers of the law. He did not leave Missouri, as
he agreed, but betook himself to the pleasant little city of Carthage.
Scarcely three moths had elapsed before he found himself again in
durance vile for stealing horses. He was tried, convicted and returned
to Jefferson City penitentiary under a sentence of six years. He took
an appeal to the Supreme Court. The judgment of the lower court was
reversed. He was taken back to Carthage for another trial, and was
convicted the second time, and again received a sentence of six years at
hard labor in the penitentiary. As before, he appealed the case, and the
governor, thinking the State was getting the worst of the matter, and
that a large amount of costs were being made, pardoned the convict under
another