The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1908-04-23

the wheels had stopped, and forward
among the horses. He gave the one
nearest him an affectionate slap and
a low word. Stella saw the iaded
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 vas 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
wheels, saw that the numbering coach
was everywhere safe to continue its
lurching, 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 non
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 a little and returned
the glass umemptied. A came
TO the door with warm crullers; but
he shook his head with a smile and q
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 u.s."
Uncle Billy's lip curled. THE
snipes! They had 1t fixed to slow up
and take two houhs TO the IL miles
to Sacramento; but we beat 'em! Had
a messenger there on a race horse.
He took the Virginia mail and papehs
into Sacramento like creased light
ming; and our train pulled out only
40 minutes afteh their cars left Free
port"
Scant were the moments, hardly
reaching a plural, before they were
off again.
"We1l 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 a fresh horse
this side of Coburn's."
They were now on the long, long
climb, though it dipped downward in
a 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
isolated ordinations expanded to con.
v~ersation and stories.
On the box the two men exchanged
anecdotes.
"Oh, yes." Uncle Billy responded to
a question from the other, 'the Cali.
fornia State company's an old concern.
Why, they operated TO hundred and
fifty miles Al 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.
Eyes. The po' stage driveh's getting
steamed off the earth. l don't know
whatll become Of him."
"Oh, he'll get a job with the iron
horse"
we wouldn't win in that business.
What would I do with q train?" Uncle
Billy asked earnestly. 81 don't know
how to hook up heb up. nothin' about
the running geah, nor heh disposition.
she kicked / wouldn't know whetheh
was TO cause, OF TO deviltry."
Perhaps not as an engineer; but as
conductor you'd be a shining sue
Stella Endorsed that opinion enthus.
lastically.
Did the California Stage company
the Overland Express, Mr..
"The western end, yes; and Louis ;
McLane's operating it yet to Salt
Lake. From there on It's the Old /,
Mans goose. Been running daily eveh
since So" .
Daily or otherwise" laughed the +,
when It's othehwise, it's the Old }
Mans end" the driver said with en- .
:
Keep yo' feet, you son of Posei- !
he called suddenly as one Of the G
swing team" went down on his knees.
"Oh, oh! He's bleeding, Uncle :
Silly! His knees-his mouth" i.
Don't look, honey" he said sym /.
,athetically. 1T CANT be heiped. \
We've got TO win II It kills the stock" c
ne favored the poor stumbler r
possible till they came to the !
station. :
What in" Uncle Billy began an '
as o AZ his feet touched the r
but stopped, and sent q quick
ook toward Stella. lis that all the
cam you've got for me? That stocks
'lumb done up"
4 know It, Mr.. Dodge" a,hostler re-
lied. "Charley's team went over the :
rade last might've killed o o az !.
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