The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1908-04-23

ut would have been three twenty
four II old Snorteh and Posey had
been leading But reckon well 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 your"
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 there'll be
heap of wagons on the grade. No
otheh chance fo' speed this side of
Donneh Lake. Hey, there, Socks an
Boots! Stretch yo'selvesl"
What queer Names" ventured Stel.
la, her eyes on the straiOing leaders.
"Yes. 1t fits, though. See? That
nigh leadeh's white clean up to his
sorrel knees; the otheh's sorrel plumb
down to his white fetlocks"
Foam-hecked, 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 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 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
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
horset1esh battle against mountains
and time. A proprietary pride warmed
Stellas heart as she noticed the
eager Difference paid to him; his non
chalance; his apparent unconcern as
he rubbed his hands timber while
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 a smile and a
word that made refusal as gracious as
acceptance.
How is it the Chrysopolis didn't
break down between Freeport and Sac
asked a bystander, eager
for news of the race Il 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 TO the II miles
to Sacramento; but we beat EN-! 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 !
49 minutes afteh their cars left Free
port"
Scant were the moments, hardly |
reaching a plural, before they were |
of again.
Wen pass Gideon suah; he's got i
powerful little the start of US" 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 |
ali thO,,Uh dipnaA 6Cmr r6 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 eXclamations expanded to con-
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 as fab back as SO. 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 driveh's getting
off the earth. | don't know
whatll become of him"
"Oh, he'll get job with the iron
horse"
I'VE wouldn't win in that business.
What would do with train" Uncle
BILLY asked earnestly. 81 don't know
low to hook up heh up. nothin' about
he running geah, nor heh disposition.
1 she kicked | wouldn't know whetheh
S was 70 cause, or TO deviltry."
Perhaps not as an engineer; but as
! conductor you'd be shining sue
.ess."
Stella indorsed that opinion enthus.
astically.
Did the California Stage company
tart the Overland Express, MI
)odge?"
The western end, yes and Louis
lclane's operating 1t yet to Salt
AXE. From there ON it's the Old
lan's goose, Been running daily eyeh
ince 50"
Daily or otherwise" laughed the
ther
When it's othehwise, it's the Old
lans end" the driver said with em.
hasls.
Keep yo feet. you son of Posei-
on" he called suddenly as one of the
swing team" went down on his knees.