, 1889-02-02

~ NN@>NAANS0 80 ~ tPcNC AAAd ~ ~
the stranger. The others made room
for him promptly, and he was soon
seated beside the pleasant young lady.
He had no baggage, but carried simply
n stout Inc
There was something attractive
about the mans face, and all were
pleased with him. Perhaps they
thought he would be a valuable aid in
cnse 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 a map ut their feet, and far in
the distance doomed the blue peaks of
the northern spur of the Coast Range.
The air here was thin and hard 10
breathe, and one seemed almost neigh
DO TO the blue summer sky with its
tracery of white low lying clouds.
The driver now urged his horses n
little, and they bowled along at good
pace over the mile or so of smooth
road that extended along the summit.
Soon they entered upon n narrow,
winding way, penetrating n growth of
low branched trees, and with its course
cut out of tho side of the mountain
like n 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, n swinging, grading gallop,
and they tore around n low hill, and
in n moment were descending q little
declivity TO n large farm house.
y dcxterous, back handed twist of
the whip, dropping it in its socket, a
quick gathering of the reins in the
drivers hands, o n firm foot on the
brake. Prestol it was done. One
sudden jerk, and then n jolt.
How are ye, Mr.. Weeks1" says the
driver. II vas an old trick with him,
and why should he not be cool2 But
Enrique thought that it was a 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 tho four now horses
put TO, i'll place of the six that had
brought them hither, and then they
took their places again.
Why do they put only four horses
III place of the sixf' Enrique venturcd
TO ask h new passenger, rs they
started.
Because" said the man, with a
pleasant smile, "the way is snow mostly
down hill"
"Thank YOU" said Enrique, much
gratificd. The man smiled again.
He's n first class chap" thought the
to himself. Il reckon he likes
boys"
The fresh horses o seemed dis
posed TO show their mettle, and the
driver was willing that they should.
SO they dashed on bravely for a while,
and during the interval no one seemed
disposed TO talk. A few miles further
and they came down to n slower pace,
and nov the way was growing wilder
and more rocky.
1T was along here somewhere, /
was told, that the stage was robbed"
said the gentleman with the spectacles.
Ills hearers started.
Great Joshual l hope the amt
none round this time" said the old
lady, who had been formerly for war.
Il told Mr.. Dillyhock fore 1 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 l told my husband" said tho
other older woman, says l, Mr.. Pen
indigo, if | come back dead tonight,
you mustn't be surprised" and he said
he wouldn't. l do believe he didn't
feel Jest right about havin' me come,
though, truly"
The young lady and the gentleman
in spiteof themselves, and even
M 81 g,t,n ,Ns,,. n,.,,,-zl M.
shattered III. 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 n desolate
holding back, aided by tho break,
down a long and perilously steep hill.
Looking out Enrique saw, on one
hand, a high, bald cliff, and on the
other a frightful r%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 n little sigh.
What is It'll" 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.
Now the stage lurched, and came to
an abrupt halt.
Yes" they heard the driver say, 81
saw EN-"
Then drive slowly" said a voice,
which they recognized as that of the
tall young man.
Get your pop ready" he added,
next moment, Il do believe there's
going TO be business"
The young lady turned deadly pale.
Tho 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.
"Hcllor' said the driver. "Why,
them fellors are comm down, and
mean TO show themselves. Bold, amt
theyT
Zone, two, three, four" answered
h young man, rather irrelcvantly.