The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-05-18
Yuba Bill ana Jeif.

The interruption of Jetf's ''nightwatch''
was occasioned by an 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 a stand-stil in about four feet
OF rushing water some thousand yards
away from the inn. There were only three
passcnSers-a thin, meck-looking gentle
man, named Nlayiield, with his wife and
daughter. Jctf, on hastily springng from
his bed and resuming his boots, found MIR.
Mayticld and the driver of the coach, Yuba
Bill, appealing to him, each in his own
drawn up the coach into safe position
amidst the waters, and had tuksn out his
team. He and MIR. Mayiield had then
wadcd out, and made their way TO the
'Half-Way lnn,' and JEFF was now re-
questod to lend a hand in fetching up the
ladies. AIr. NlayGeld's company on his
errand wan folt to be unnecessary YuDa
Biil--who, by the way, is Il decided char
ncter, with something Of the quaint and
oracular Dir. Weller, senior, ia him, COM
Dined with Yankee smartneSs-wiih uhdis-
guis"d contempt for the city gentleman $
walt OF physique, sunmarily dismissed the
idea OF his lending any assistance. Ac-
cordingly, Yuba Bill and jeff went off to
fetch the LADIES'.
The meek man sat down hclplessly in a
chair indicated by Bill, who at once strOdc
aftor 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
tn l,f II
was no time for conversation, even inter-
jectional profanity was dangerously ex-
haustive.
The coach was scarcely thousand yards
away, but it's bright lights were reflected
in a sheet of dark, silcntwater, that stretch
ed between it and the two men. Wading and
splashing, they soon reached ii, and a gullcy
where the surplus water was pouring into
the valley below. "Fowcr feet o water
round her, but can't get any higher. so
ye see she's all right for month O SIGH
weather." Inwardly admirlng the pcrspi-
cacity of his companion, jeff was about to
open the coach door when Bill interrupt
ed.
'Ill pack the old woman if you'll look
artcr the darter and emmy little traps"
a female face, anxious and elderly, here
appeared at tho window.
THAT'S my little game" said Bill, soto
poce.
''Is there any dangera where Is my h,ls-
band9" asked the wompn, impaticntly.
''Ez to the danger, ma'am-thar amt
any. Yer oZ safe here cz yc'd be in II Sac
ramento steamer; ez to yer husband, he
allowed was TO come yer and fetch yer up
to the hotel. That's his lookout" With
this cheerful speech Bill proceeded to make
two or three Intellectual scoops into the
dark interior, manilcstly with the idea of
sccoping out the lady i'll question. In an
other instant ho had caught her, lifted her
gently but firmly in his arms. and was turn
ing away.
''But my child!-my daughter !--shc s
asleep" cXpostulatcd tho woman; but Bill
was already swiftly splas!,ing through the
darkness. jeff, left to himself, hastily cx-
amincd the coach. On tho back scat u
slight. small figure, cnvclopcd in shawl,
lay moHonlcss. jeff threw the bear skin
over it gently, lifted it on one arm, and
gathering few travelling 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 tho bear skin to drngglc. jeff drew
tho figure up higher, but in vain
''Sls," he said, softly.
No reply.
ISIS" shaking her gently.
There was slight movement within the
wrappings.
"Couldn't yc climb mp on my shoulder,
honcy7 That's good childl"
There were ono or two apasmodlc jerks
of the bearskin, and, aided by jeff, the
bundle was presently seated on his sLoul-
der.
care you all right now, sis2"
Something like laugh came from the
bear-skin. Then q childish voice said
"rhank you, think ami"
'Ain't afraid you'll fall Off"
IA little"
jeff hesitatcd. twas beginning t. blow
again.
"You couldn't reach down and put your
arm around my neck could ye, honey?"
'1 am afraid not although there ,paS
slight attempt to do so.
"No2"
"No!'
swell, then take good holt, firm,
strong holt O my hair! Don't be afraidi'
A small hand timidly began to r,,mmage
in Jeff's thick curls.
''Hake a firm holt; thar, lust back O
my neck. That's right"
The little hand closed over half dozen
curls. The little figure crowcd and ggglcd
Now, don't you see, honey, if Pm
kccrlcss with you. and don't keep yor
plumb level up thar, you jist give mo pul
and fetch me up all slanding!"
Life IN Corca.