The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-04-16
YUBA BILL AND JEFF.


Inc interruption of Jeffs might
watch was occasioned by an accident
which prevented the progress of the
Pioneer coach, which ought to have
passed that point some time previously
but which, having been delayed by the
storm, had finally been brought To q
stand-still in about four feet of rushing
water some | 200 yards away from the
inn. There were only three passengers
IA thin, meek-looking gentleman,
named Mayfeld, with his wife and
daughter. jeff, on hastily springine
from his bed and resuming his boots,
found Mr. Mayfield and the driver OF
the coach, Yuba Bill, appealing to him,
each III his own fashion, for assistance.
The driver had drawn up the coach into
n safe position amidst the waters, and had
taken ont his team. He and Mr.. Mayfield
had then waded out, and made their way
to the HALFWAY Inn, and jeff was now
requested to lend hand i'll fetching up
the ladies. Mr.. Maytields company on
this elTand was felt to be unnecessary.
Yuba Bill--who, by the way, is "A de-
cided character, with something of the
quaint and oracular Mr. Weller, senior,
IN him, combined with Yankee smartness
with undisguised contempt for the city
gentleman's want of physique, summarily
dismissed the idea of his lending any as
sistance. Accordingly, Yuba Bill and
jeff fetch the ladies.
The meek man sat down helplessly III
n chair indicated by Bill, who at once
strobe after JEFF. Ia another moment
they were both fighting their way step
10y step against the storm, i'll that pc
culiar, drunken, spasmodic way, SO
amusing to the spectator and SO eXas-
perating To the performer. 1t was no
time for conversation, even interjection-
al profanity was dangerously exhaustive
The coach was scarcely thousand
yards away, but its bright lights were
reflected III II sheet of dark silent water,
that stretched between 1t and the two
men. Wading and splashing, they soon
reached it, and gulley where the sur
plus water was pouring into the valley
below. Flower feet o water round her,
but can't get any higher. So We see
she's all right for a month o SIGH wealth
en-" Inwardly admiring the perspicaci-
ty of his companion, jeff was about to
open the coach door, when Bill inter-
rllpted.
"Ill pack the old woman if you'll
look arter the darter and emmy little
traps.
A female face, anxious and elderly,
here appeared at the window.
"Thets my little game" said Bill,
soto vOce.
Us there any danger? Where is my
husband?" asked the womans impa-
tiently.
"Ez to the danger, ma 'am-thar amt
any. Yer ez safe here ez yed he Ill II
Sacramento steamer ez to yer husband,
he allowed / was to come yer and fetch
yer up to the hotel. That's his lookout"
With this cheering speech, Bill proceed
ed to make two or three Intellectual scoops
into the dark interior, manifestly with
the idea of scooping out the lady III ques-
ton. In another instant he had caught
her, lifted her gently but firmly III his
arms, and was turning away
"But my child,-my ghter!-she's
asleep" expostulated the woman but
Bill was already swiftly splashing through
the darkness. JEFF, left to himself, hast
lily examined the coach. On the back
seat slight, small figure, enveloped i'll
II shawl, lay motionless. jeff threw the
bear-skin over it gently, lifted it on one
arm, and gathering a few traveling-bags
and baskets with the other, prepared to
follow his quickly-disappearing leader.
A few feet from the coach the water
seemed to deepen and the bear-skln to
draggle. Jeff drew the figure up higher,
but in vain.
ISIS, he said, softly.
No reply.
Isis, shaking her gently.
There was a slight movement within
the wrappings.
Couldn't We climb up on my shoulder,
honey? That's good child y
There were one or two spasmodic
Jerks of the bearskin, and, aided by jeff,
the bundle was presently seated on his
shoulder.
care you all right now, sis 2"
Something like laugh came from the
bear-skin. Then childish voice said:
"Thank You, l think / am :"
"Ain't afraid you'll fall OFF,"
"A little"
jeff hesitated. 1t was beginning to
blow again.
you couldn't reach down and put
your arm around my neck, could We,
honey?"
4 am afraid not although there
was slight attempt to do SO.
"No?"
"No!"
"Well, then, take good holt, a firm,
strong holt o my hair Don't he
afraid "
A small hand timidly began to rum
mage in Jetf's thick curls.
Take firm holt; thar, just back O
my neck. That's right
The little hand closed over half
dozen curls The little figure shook and
giggled.
"Now, don't You see, honey, if I'm
keerless with You, and don't keep you
plumb level up thar, you jist give me
pull and fetch me up all standing !"
The LAWYERS Who Are Poor.