proceeds of sale.] Every railroad corporation shall safely and securely keep, as warehouseman, all unclaimed baggage for the space of three months, at the expiration of which time it may sell the same, if not previously called for, at public auction, after ten days’ public notice by publication in some newspaper of general circulation; or if there be no such paper in the vicinity, then by posting written or printed notices in three conspicuous places in the neighborhood in which such sale is to be made. For the purpose of making such sale, it shall be lawful to open each trunk, package or parcel, and make known the contents thereof. A true account of the sale shall be kept, showing the price at which each parcel was sold, and the number thereof, which shall be the same as the number stamped upon the check thereto attached; and if there be any name, initial letters or other marks upon such parcel, the same shall also be noted in said account. The proceeds of such sale shall be paid, less expenses of the sale, to the owner, upon demand and proof of ownership, at any time within sixty days after the sale, after which date all right of action therefor shall be barred.