Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-04-28
Yuba Bill and Jeh.

The interruption of Jefrs ''nightwatch'
was occasioned by sn accident which pre-
vented the progress of the Pioneer coach,
which ought to have passed that point some
time previously, but which, had been
delayed by the storm, and finally been
brought to stand-still in about four feet
of rushing water some thousand yards
away from the inn. There were only three
passencers-a thin, meek-looking gentle
man, named Mayfieid, with bis wife and
daughter. JEFF, on hastily springing from
his bed and resuming his boots, found Mr.
May field and the driver of the coach, Yuba
Bill, appealing TO him, each in his own
fashion, for assistance. The driver had
drawn up the coach into safe position
amidst the waters, and had taken out his
team- He and Mr.. Mayfield had then
waded out, and made their way to the
halfway Inn, and JEFF was now re-
qaested 10 lend hand in fetching up the
ladies. Mr.. Mayfield's company on hi,
errand was felt TO be unnecessary. Yuba
Biil-who, by the way, is decided char
Lcter, with something OF the quaint and
oracular Mr.. Weller, senior, in him, COM
bined with Yankee smartness-~ith uadis-
guised contempt for the city gentleman's S
want Of physique, summarily dismissed the
idea Of his lending any assistance. Ac-
cordingly, Yuha Bill and JAf went of to
fetch the ladies.
Tue meek man sat down helplessly in a
chair indicated by Bill. who at oncc strobe
after JEFF. In another moment they were
both fighting their way step by step against
the storm, in that peculiar, drunken,
spasmodic way, so amusing to the spectator
and So exasperating to the performer. II
was no time for conversation, even inter-
jectional profanity was dangerously ex-
haustiys.
The coach was scarcely thousand yards
away, but IFS bright lights were reflected
in a sheet OF dark, silent water, that stretch
ed between it and the two men. Wading and
splashing, they soon reached it, and gUlley
where the surplus water was pouring into
the valley below Power feet q water
round her, but can't get any higher. So
ye see she's all right for a month o sich
weather" Inwardly admirIng the perspi-
cacity of his companion, jeff was about 10
open the coach door when Bill inerrupt-
Ell.
I'm pack the old woman if you'll look
arter the carter aud emmy little traps"
\ female fsce, anxious and elderly, here
appeared at the window.
That's my little game, said Bill, soto
U0ce.
''Is there any danger! where is my hus-
handl" asked the woman, impatiently.
''Ez to the danger, ma 'am-thar amt
any. Yer ez safe here eyed be in Sac
ramento steamer; ez TO yer husband, he
allowed was TO come yer and fetch yer I'D
20 the hotel. That's his lookout" With
this cheerful speech Bill proceeded TO make
two or three Intellectual scoops into the
dark interior, manifestiy with the idea Of
sccOpiDy out the aiy in question. In an
other instant he had caught her, lifted her
gently but firmly in his arms, and was turn
ing away.
.'But nv child.-my daughter she's
asleep" expostulated the woman; but Bill
was already swiftly splashing through the
darkness. jeff, left 10 himself, hastily ex-
lmined the coach. On the back seat a
slight. small figure, envelOped in d shawl,
lsy molionless. JEFF threw the bear skin
over IL gently, lifted it on one arm, and
gathering a few travelling bags and baskets
with the other, prepared 10 follow his
quickly disappearing leader. \ few feet
from The coach the wafer seemed to deepen,
and the bear skin to draggle. JEFF drew
The figure up highe-, but in vain.
ISIS, he said, softly.
No reply.
isis shaking her gently.
There was a slight movement within the
w-ppings.
Couldn't We climb up on my shoulder,
honey? That's good childi'
There were one or two spasmodIc jerks
of the bearskin, and, aided by Jef, the
bundle was presently seated on his shoul-
der.
care you all right now, sis:'' i
Something like laugh came from the
bear-skin. Then a childish voice said:
Thank you, think l 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
arn around my neck, could ye, honey:'
81 am afraid not ot!"-although there was
q slight attempt 10 10 SO.
Nor
"No,"
''Wel, then take a COOL holt, firm,
strong holt o my hair. Don't be afraid,'
4 small hand timidly began 10 rummage
in Jeif's thick curls
Take firm holt; thar, just beck o
my neck. That's right.
= The little hand closed over half a dozen
curls. The little figure crowed 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 stsnding!n