The Monmouth inquirer., 1926-07-22
BY ROBERT RUSSELL


"Gip, Nell-gip. vic!"
Wit a dexterity acquired by years
of proctice. he snapped his long-lash-
ed whip, gathered the reins more
more firmly in his hands, and with
his foot pulled taut the strap that
closed the door of the vehicle.
AS the man approached the end OF
the route which had been the scene
of his daily occupation ever since his
hair, now nearly white, had begun to
lose the hue of youth, he paid less
and less attention to his horses and
more to the scenes about him.
"That there club" he remarked to
himself. .Tve seen the same faces in
them windows ever since | can re-
member. Wonder where they'd go if
they was turned out?"
AT last with a courageous "Whoa!'
which seemed entirely supernuous
for the nabit-trained steeds, ne
brought the stage to standstill at
the end of the line. For some min
utes he sat in his seat under the big
umbrella which protected him from
the summer sum- then, with an en-
barrassed laugh, he climbed down and
stood before his team, hand on
each low-held head.
well Nell and Vic, we're through.
We amt going to pass up and down
the avenue any more, together
dreading the hills, and looking for
ward to the easy grades. You won't
have to grab on the bit when you
come to slippery places any more, to
let me know you're afraid of falling
down. You'll go somewhere, where
/ hope they'll be good to you; and !
I'll go somewhere. The only sure
thing is that we won't be on the
avenue any more-together.
The company that owned the stage
line of the famous throughfare had
progressed with the times. On the
morrow, automobiles were to displace
the horse-drawn vehicles, and the pic
turesque but Anticipated stage was to
be thing Of the past.
With a last at his friends Of so
many years, the man entered the of
fee to get his last pay and bid good
bye to the cashier.
81 wish we had place for you,
Bill" said the young man, handing
over some small notes.
''Pve got my plans" nodded Bill as
he left the Office, determined that
none but the dumb animals should
think him given to sentiment.
He went to a small room in an old
boarding house in humble part OF
the city. There setting alone by the,
open window, smoking an old clay
pipe, he looked out at scenes upon
which the passing years had made
little impression. The lines of his
strong face seemed to grow deeper
as the evening advanced and 1t was
a very old man who eraWled into
bed at last.
Early the next morning, before the
broad avenue which he knew SO well
had become crowded with its stream
of luxurious vehicles, Bill had taken
up a position whence he could get q
good view of everything that passed
over the smooth asphalt. The private
carriages received little of his atten-
ton, but his eyes were intent and
anxious whenever one of the new
automobile stages came into view.
He studiously noted the confident,
quick movements of the chauffeurs.
When the noon sun had become
almost unbearable, he left his retreat
and walked slowly down the avenue,
nodding his white head in apparent
satisfaction
The. summer had gone, and the
stage company had benefited great
Iy by the change of motive power.
Its profits had increased steadily. In
place of the little wooden structure
which had been the headquarters Of
the paymaster and other minor
officials, larger and finer office had
been built. 1t was here that the new
superintendent sat one auaumn morn
ing, when to him was announced the
name. of William Corringan.
Old Bill entered almost immediate
~ after the attendant had disturbed
the young superintendent AAU4H Oil III
terested perusal of his newspaper.
The veteran stood looking about him.
Some different from the old place,
sir" he said.
Il imagine severe you familiar
with it?" replied the young man.
81 drove stage for about as many
years as have passed over your head,
sir ."said ELL impressively.
We'll that's q good recommends
ton. What can l do for your
Bill regarded the superintendent
moment. as If to prepare him for the
good news.
Il have come to apply for the posi-
tion of chauffeur on your line"
sWhat?" shouted the young man.
Chauffeur, reiterated Bill. II
want to cover the avenue again"
"But running an automobile is
something entirely different from
driving horses!"
''Tm not fool, sir" and Bill
smiled confidently. Eve been taking
lessons for three months, and / know
ali about the things"