The Irish standard., 1908-05-09

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spirit and stretched to their task with
almost human ardor.
"Misteh Montague, will you time us
from that pine tree yondeh?" the
driver asked of the passenger on the
other side of Stella.
Three forty-four," he said when q
mile had sped behind
ut would have been three twenty,
four if old Snorteh and Posey had
been leading. But reckon we'll make
this beat in pretty good shape with
Socks and Boots
That's great speed. You can't
make it much of the time. can you?"
''No, sab; not as much of the time
as I'd like to-" Uncle Billy barely
touched the nigh swing" horse with
the lash, and the double tree pulled
true again. This is the best team I'll
have; and two houhs latch therell be
heap of wagons on the grade. No
otheh chance fo' speed this side of
Donneh Lake. Hey, there, Socks an
Boots! Stretch yo'selves!'
What queer names," ventured Stel.
la, her eyes on the straining leaders.
"Yes. 1t fits, though. See? That
nigh leadehs white clean up to his
sorrel knees; the othehs sorrel plumb
down to his white fetlocks."
Foam-fecked, painting, dripping, the
wheel horses dun with dust, they
swung into the first changing station.
Uncle Billy was on the ground before
the wheels had stopped, and forward
among the horses. He gave the one
nearest him an affectionate slap and
low word. Stella saw the jaded
creature turn to the caress and knew
then why John Spalding said that
Billy Dodge could get more out of his
stock with less damage than any other
driver the company had.
The change was made with incred-
ible swiftness. A fresh team stood
harnessed and ready. A man to each
horse, they led them in line and
hooked them up close upon the heels
of the retiring team. Other men
looked to the running gear, tested the
was everywhere safe to continue its
lul ching, racking journey.
Stella now saw Uncle Billy on duty.
silent, watchful, himself observed by
all, the captain and autocrat of this
horsefesh battle against mountains
and time. A proprietary pride warmed
Stella's heart as she noticed the
eager Difference paid to him; his nom
chalance; his apparent unconcern as
he rubbed his hands timber while
pacing slowly, or leaned in perfect re-
post against the rough porch pillar Of
the station house.
The bartender brought him a hot
drink. He slipped little and returned
the glass unemptied. A woman came
to the door with warm crullers; but
he shook his head with smile and a
word that made refusal as gracious as
acceptance.
How is it the Chrysopolis didn't
break down between Freeport and Sac
ramento?' asked a bystander, eager
for news of the race. II expected
they'd play that trick on us"
Uncle Billy's lip curled. "The
snipes! They had it fixed to slow up
and take two houhs fo' the IL miles
to Sacramento; but we beat 'em! Had
He took the Virginia mail and papehs
into Sacramento like creased light.
ming; and our train pulled out only
~ minutes afteh their cars left Free.
port"
Scant were the moments, hardly
reaching a plural, before they were
off again.
We'll pass Gideon suah; he's got
powerful little the start of u.s." Uncle
Billy whispered to Stella as he took
his seat. HE CANT get fresh horse
this side of Coburn's."
They we're now on the long, long
climb, though it dipped downward in
q few short spaces. The sun rose in
belated glory long after it had gilded
far western submits. 1t soon clouded !;
yet the brief glimpse cheered the trav-
elers and loosed their tongues; and
,
versation and stories.
On the box the two men exchanged
anecdotes.
"Oh, yes" Uncle Billy responded to
q question frcm the other, "the Cali
fornia State company's an old concern.
Why, they operated fo' hundred and
fifty miles as fab back as '53. They
kept adding territory till they had
eleven hundred and mo- miles, and up
wards of twelve hundred head of
stock
They've sold most Of their lines,
haven't they?" the young man asked.
"Yes. The po' stage drivehs getting
steamed off the earth. l don't know
what'll become of him."
ooh. he'll get job with the iron
horse" /.
1--WE wouldn't win in that business
What would do with train?" Uncle
Billy asked earnestly. 81 don't know
how to hook I'D heh up. nothin' about