Griggs courier., 1889-02-15


to him. They had succeeded in finding out
most Of his brief history, and had learned
that he was nearly ten years old, wnen they
were interrupted by the coach stopping.
The passengers all glanced out, in some
alarm, but were reassured by discovering
that it was merely pause for way-pas-
senger. He seemed to have come out of q
kind of gorge. and appeared to have come
across from another road. He was short,
stoutly-built man, dressed in gray busi-
ness suit, was smoothly shaven and wore
green spectacles. He appeared to be about
forty-five or perhaps fifty years old.
II think will ride inside, If there is
room," he said, in pleasant, rather low
pitched voice. As he spoke he came up to
the coach door.
"Plenty of room" said the driver. Hede-
ecended as he spoke, and letin the stranger.
The others made room for him promptly,
and he was soon seated beside the pleasant
young lady. He had no baggage, but car
ried simply stout cane.
There was something attractive about the
mans face, and all were pleased with him.
Perhaps they thought he would be vafua-
bic aid in case there should be trouble from
the dreaded .agents."
Now the road begun to ascend once more,
and soon the coach had reached the loftiest
altitude Of the trip The whole Santa Clara
Valley lay spread out like map at their
feet and far in the distance loomed the blue
peaks Of the northern spur of the Coast
Range. The air here was thin and hard to
breathe, and one seemed almost neighbor to
the blue summer sky with its tracery Of
white, low-lying clouds.
The driver now urged his horses little,
h0V loC n14 Mt
the mile or so of smooth road that extended
along the summit. Soon they entered upon
narrow. winding way, penetrating a
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's Ranch.
A tremendous crack of the drivers whip,
swinging, cradling gallop, and they tore
around a low hill, and in a moment were de-
scending little declivity to large farm
house. A dexterous. back handed twist of
the whip, dropping it in its socket, quick
gathering of the reins in the drivers hands,
now firm foot or the brake. Presto! it
was done. One sudden jerk, and then Jolt.
''How are ye, Mr.. Weeks!' says the
driver. 1t was an old trick with him, and
why should he not be cool! But Enrique
thought that it was a wonderful perform
ance and his admiration for the driver in
creased.
The passengers fastened to rid dthemselves
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
the six that had brought them hither, and
then they took their places again.
"Why do they put only four horses in place
4f< <1an 10y .<,,uo a. T.
passenger, as they started.
"Because said the man, with a pleasant
smile, 1.-THE way is mostly down hill"
''Thank you," said Enrique, much graft
fed. The man smiled again.
Hes first-class chap" thought the lad
to himself. II reckon he likes boys"
The fresh horses now seemed disposed to
show their mettle. and the driver was will
ing that they should. So they dashed on
bravely for awhile, and during the interval
no one seemed disposed to talk. A few
miles further, and they came down to q
slower pace, and now the way was growing
wilder and more rocky.
t'It was along here somewhere Twas told,
that the stage was robbed" said the gentle
man with the spectacles. His hearers
started.
'Great Joshua! hope the amt none
round this time,'' said the old lady, who had
been formerly for war. II told Mr.. DillY-
hook fore left this mornin'," she went on,
''that jest as likely as not some of the crit
ters might pounce on US. He only jest
LATED at me.n
Aud told ay husband" said the other
older woman, "says /, Mr.. Pennidge, il
come back dead tonight, you mustn't be
surprised, and he said he wouldn't. do
ha< ;ooH,
me come, though, truly
The young lady and the gentleman smiled
in spite of themselves, and even Enrique
was amused. The two women chartered on.
Soon they passed through the romantic little
village of San Gregorio. Here the two old
ladies made some talk about 'tgittin' out and
stoppin' over" but made no move to carry
the idea into execution. Now they were
whirling through a desolate region, and
presently the horses were holding back
aided by the brake, down long and peril
ously steep hill.
Looking out Enrique saw, on one hand, q
high, bald cliff and on the other frightful
ravine, and still further on long succee-
sion Of gulches, precipitous cliffs, and bare,
rocky hill-sides. Always on the left rose
the frowning, craggy mountain. He drew
in his head with little sigh.
what is lit" asked the young lady,
pleasantly.
':Nothing," said Enrique, trying to smile
back He was asham ed Of the depression
this wild scenery gave him. and like the
little man he was, would not say any thing
to disturb the others. Now the stage
lurched, and came to an abrupt halt.
''Yes," they heard the driver say, 81 saw
'em."
''Then drive slowly" said voice. which
they recognized as that Of the tall young
man.
'Get your non ready" be added next mo-