The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1889-02-01

whole Santa Clara valley lay spread
cut like q map at their feet, and far In
the distance 1oomed the blue peaks Of
tho northern spur Of tho Coast Range.
The air, here was thin and hard to
breathe, land one seemed almost neigh
Dor to the blue summer sky with Its
tracery Of white low lying clouds.
The driver now urged his horses Q
little, and they bowled along at o good
pace over the mile or SO Of smooth
road that extended along tho summit
Soon they entered upon q narrow,
winding way, penetrating q growth OF
low branched trees, and with its course
cut out Of the side Of the mountain
like shelf. So onward till at last
they reached the open again. 1t was
high noon now, and time they reached
Weeks ranch.
A tremendous crack of the drivers
whip, q swinging, cradling gallop,
and they tore around q low hill, and
in q moment were descending little
declivity to q largo farm house.
A dexterous, back handed twist OF
tho whip, dropping it in its socket, a
quick gathering Of the reins in the
drivers hands, now q firm foot on the
brake. Prestol it was done. One
sudden jerk, and then jolt.
"How are We, MIR. Weeks7" says the
driver. 1t was an old trick with him,
and why should no not be cooli But
Enrique thought that it was q won
derful performance, and his admira-
ton for the driver increased.
The passengers hastened to rid them
selves of what dust they could and sat
down to dinner. This was presently
over and they saw the four new horses
put to, in place of tho six that had
brought them hither, and then they
took their places again.
"Why do they put only four horses
in place of the six3" Enrique ventured
to ask tho new passenger, as they
started.
Because" said the man, with
pleasant smile, 'the way is now mostly
down hill"
''Thank you," said Enrique, much
gratificd. The man smiled again.
Hes first class chap" thought the
lad to himself. II reckon he likes
boys"
The fresh horses now seemed dis
posed to show their mettle, and the
driver was willing that they should.
So they dashed on bravely for while,
and during the interval no one seemed
disposed to talk. A few miles further
and they camo down to slower pace,
and now the way was growing wilder
and moro rocky.
1T was along here somewhere, !
was told, that tho stage was robbed,
said the gentleman with the spectacles.
His hearers started.
"Great Joshual I hope the ain't
none round this time," said the old
lady, who had been formerly for war.
II told Mr.. Dillyhock fore left this
mornin'," sho went on, that jest as
likely as not some of the critters might
pounce OH us. He only jest LATED at
me-"
"And told my husband" said tho
other older woman, says /, Mr.. Pen
nidge, il como back dead tonight,
you mustn't be surprised" and he said
he wouldn't. I do believe he didn't
feel jest right about havin' mo come,
though, truly"
The young lady and the gentleman
smiled in spite of themselves, and even
shattered i'"c on. r"''Tst, Soon thew lev passed passed
San Gregorio. Hero the two old ladies
mado some talk about "gittin' out and
stoppin' over" but made no moye to
they wero whirling through desolate
holding back, aided by the break,
down a long and perilously steep hill.
Looking out Enrique saw, on ono
hand, high, bald cliff, and on the
other frightfal ravine, and still fur
ther on long succession of gulches,
precipitous cliffs, and bare, rocky hill
sides. Always on tho left roso the
frowning, craggy mountain. He drew
in his head with n little sigh.
What is ita" asked the young lady,
pleasantly.
Nothing" said Enrique, trying to
smile back. He was ashamed of the
depression this wild scenery gave him,
and like the little man he was, would
not say anything to disturb the others.
...NtSWu upe 6flf" '"r"hed and came to
Yes, they heard the driver say, IT
Ifeh drive slowly" said a voice,
which they recognized as that of tho
tall young man.
Get your pop ready" he added,
next moment, II do believe there's
going to be business"
The young lady turned deadly pale.
Tho other women uttered dismal
groans. Even tho man in the glasses
looked disturbed. AS for little ENRIQUE
he did not quito understand it all, but
felt strangely excited.
"Hello" said tho driver. "Why.
them fellers arc comm down, and
mean to show themselves. Bold, amt
they2"
Zone, two, three, four" answered
the young man, rather irrelevantly.
Yes, they've got down into the
road, and are waiting. Drive on"
Hero Mrs. Dillyhock thrust her
head out of the window. She drew it
in abruptly.
Great Joshual There's four men
armed to tho teeth, a-standin' down
there in the road. What will become
OF usi Oh, dear, why did ever leave
my home and poor Mr.. Dilyhock2
Oh deari Oh dearr'
BE quiet, madam" This in a stern
voice ,, from the young man on the box.