The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-01-27

A tremendous crack oi the dnNers
whip a swinging, grading gallop,
and they tore around low hiii, ana
IN moment were descending a little
dcchviiy to n large farm house.
A dextcrous. back handed twist Of
the whip, dropping it in its socket. a
quick gathering of the rcins IN the
drivers hands, now firm foot on the
brake. Prcsiol il was done. One
sudden jerk. and then a jolt
How are We, Mr. WCcksN says the
driver II was an old trick with him,
and why should hc not be cooii But
Enrique thought that It was q won
dcrful performance, and his admira-
ton for the driver increased.
The passengers FASTENED to rid them
selves of what dust they could and sat
down 70 dinner This was presently
over and they saw the four new horses
put to. in place Of the six that had
brought them mthcr and then they
took their places again.
"Why do they put only four horses
in place Of the sixN Enrique ventured
10 ask the new passenger, as they
started.
because" said the man, with a
pleasant smile, the way IS now mostly
down hill
Thank YOU. said Enrique, much
cratifod. The man smiled again.
"He's a first class chap, thought the
lad 10 himself. i reckon he likes
boys
The fresh horses now seemed dis
posed to show their mettlc, and the
driver was willing that they should.
So they dashed on brayely tora while,
and during the interval no one seemed
disposed TO talk. \ few miles further
and they came down to q slower pace,
and now 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
His hearers started
Great joshua | hope the ain I
none round tits time, said the old
lady. who had been formerly for war
II told Mr. Dinyhock tore ! left this
moulin." she went on, that jest as
likely as not some Of the critters might
pounce on us. lie only jest LATED at
ne.
And I told my husband. said the
other older woman, says l., Mr.. Pen
nidge. if come back dead tonight,
YOU mustn't be surprised, " and he said
he wouldn't l do believe he didn't
feel lest right about havin' me come,
though. truly
The young lady and the gentleman
smiled IN spiteof themselves, and even
Enrique was amused. The two women
ahattorcd ON. Soon they passed
through the romantic little village Of
San Gregolio. Here 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 dosolate
region, and presently the horses were
holding back, aided by the break,
down q long and perilously steep bill.
Looking out Enrique saw, on ono
hand. a high, bald cliff, md on the
other q fmghtful ravine, and still fur
Their on % long succession Of gulches,
PERCEPTIONS cliffs, and bare, rocky hill
sides Always on the left rose the
frowning. craggy mountain. lie drew
in his head with a little sigh.
what is it 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, Il
saw ON
Then drive slowly, said a voice,
which they recognized as that OF the
tall young man.
Get your pop ready" lie added,
next moment, i do believe there
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 1t all, bat
felt strangely excited.
"HollOw said the driver. why,
them fcllels are comm down, and
mean TO show themselves Bold, ain
they"
zone. two, three four" answered
the young man, rather irrelevantly
-Four al them
"Ycs. 'they've got down into the
road, and are waiting. Drive on"
Here Mrs Dillyhock thrust her
head ont Of the window. She drew II
IN abruptly.
Great J0shual There's four men
armed TO the teeth, a-standin' down
there in the road. What viii become
of usf Oh, dear, why did ! ever leave
my homo and poor Mr.. Dillyhock
Oh dear Oh dearp
BE quiet, madam This in a stern
voice from the young man on the box;
There may be no danger at all, and
If there IS we must have absolute
quiet. You must be ready to act as
we direct"
'Vvho is that fellerl' family in
quired Mrs. Dillyhock
II think he is Wells-FGrgo's express
messenger" said the gentleman with
spectacles. Il noticed thai he looked
carefully after box be took up with
him"
The poor woman groaned, but made
no other rejOinder
Now tho stage jolted on again
slowly, and presently came 10 a halt
once more. They were now just be
Meath "a huge, towering cliff, while ON
the other side was fearful ravine. \
little 10 one side OF the cliff the noun
tain receded less abruptly, and here
grew few stuntel trees and bushes.
4 kind of sheep path here appeared,
and il seemed 10 have been 10y this
that the new corners had descended
Enrique thrust out his head once
more. Far away 10 the south and
east he could see where the road re
peated itself, in a white, indistinct
line. Just below this it appeared
more plainly again. lie had heard
his father say that near Pescadero
there was "a place where the road
wound about i'm such manner that