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

WuOk0 6Itnt8 SldfR Y0Al0y lay Bprcho
out like map at their feet and far In
the distance loomed the blue peaks Of
tho northern spur OF tho Coast Range.
The air here was thin and hard TO
breathe, tand ono 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 good
pace over the mile or 30 Of smooth
road that extended along tho summit
Soon they entered upon O 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. It was
high noon now, and time they reached
Weeks ranch.
A tremendous crack of the drivers
whip, swinging, crad1ing gallop,
and they tore around q low hill, and
in q moment were descending little
declivity to large farm house.
A dexterous, back handed twist of
the whip, dropping it In its socket q
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 ye, Mr.. Weeksi" says the
driver. It was an old trick with him,
and why should no not DO coois 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 the six that had
brought them hither, and then they
took their places again.
"Why do they put only four horses
in place of the six9" Enrique ventured
to ask the new passenger, as they
started.
Because" said the man, with
pleasant smile, "the way is now mostly
down hill
'Thank you," said Enrique, ruuch
gratifed. The man smiled again.
Hes first class chap" thought the
lad to himself. II reckon he likes
boys"
The fresh horses now seemed dis
driver was willing that they should.
So they dashed on bravely for q while,
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 moro rocky.
1T was along here somewhere, I
was told, that the stage was robbed, I"
said the gentleman with the spectacles.
His hearers started.
Great Joshual I hope the amt
none round this time" said the old
lady, who had been formerly for war.
II told Mr.. Dillyhock fore left this
mornin'," she went on, 'that Jest as
likely as not some of the critters might
pounce on us. He only jest LATED at
me-"
"And I told my husband" said the
other older woman, Says I, Mr.. PEN
nidge, If come 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' me come,
The young lady and the gentleman
smiled in spite of themselves, and even
, ..ssss xs,e q = saa..eel
shattered on. Soon they passed
through the romantic little village of
San Gregorio. Hero the two old ladies
made some talk about "gittin' out and
stoppin' over" but made no move to
carry the idea into execution, Now
they were whirling through desolate
region, and presently the horses were
holding back, aided by the break,
down long and perilously steep hill.
Looking out Enrique saw, on one
hand, a high, bald cliff, and on the
other frightfsl -avine, and still fur
ther on a long succession 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 it9" 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.
NaSMu NSupe the hskhfee. hskhffeeA l''r'hed and came to
Eyes" they heard the driver say, IT
SAW WrHesh Hesh drive slowly" said a voice.
which they recognized as that of the
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.
The other women uttered dismal
groans. Even the man in the glasses
looked disturbed. As for little ENRIQUE
he did not quite understand it all, But
felt strangely excited.
"Hellop said the driver. "Why,
them fellers are comm down, and
mean to show themselves. Bold, amt
they3"
Zone, two, three, four" answered
the young, man, rather irrelevantly.
-Four of them"
Eyes, they've got down into the
road, and are waiting. Drive on"
Here Mrs: Dillyhock thrust her
head out of the window. She drew it
in abruptly.
Great Joshual There's four men
armed to the teeth, e-standin' down
there in the road. What will become
Of us3 Oh, dear, why did ever leave
my home and poor Mr.. Dillyhock7