The Union Daily Times

Springfield, Ill., Sept. 16 (By the Associated Press).-Ten masked bandits, armed with automatic shotguns and revolvers, held up the Wayside inn, a road house three miles from here, early today and after robbing approximately 175 patrons and a gambling game in the rear of the place escaped with cash and jewelry amounting to $15,000.

Women screamed as four of the bandits entered the front door, firing a volley of shots. Patrons rushed for the rear entrance but were met by the other four masked men, armed with shotguns. One of the men leaped on the counter and leveled his gun at the crowd while the others searched the patrons. The first "haul" was $8,000 taken from the gambling game. Ordering the patrons to "line up in single file in the rear" the bandits searched each patron, who was then ordered to pass into the main dance hall, where others of the gang stood guard over them.

"Dilly" Evans, conducting the gambling game, was felled to the floor by one of the gang when he was "too slow" in moving away from the pile of silver dollars on the table. The proprietor was knocked down when he grumbled as one of the masked men robbed the cash register.

When the search was completed the back door was boarded up and patrons ordered to stand still and "keep their mouths shut." Locking the front door from the outside, the bandits fled.

According to witnesses, two automobiles were used by the gang.
Police from all surrounding towns and cities were notified and every car on the highways was stopped.

No trace of the gang could be found today.