The operation was carried out precisely; before law enforcement could react, Rummy and his group were able to overpower the guards and steal their prize by intercepting the trainvegas slots at a distant location. A History of Risk and Excitation. His rise to fame was aided by these adventures, which portrayed him as a man who lived for thrills & danger and personified the Wild West. Rummy West's name became a byword for courage, slyness, and a willingness to take chances, & people who heard about his exploits were both awed and terrified.