" "But he paid the money, and is
entitled to his seat," persisted Thatcher. "Mebbe he is--in the office
of the Kempeny," growled Yuba Bill; "but it's time some folks knowed
that out in the plains I run this yer team myself."--A fact which was
self-evident to most of the passengers. "I suppose his authority is
as absolute on this dreary waste as a ship captain's in mid ocean,"
exclaimed Thatcher to the baleful-eyed stranger. Mr. Wiles--whom the
reader has recognized--assented with the public side of his face, but
looked vengeance at Yuba Bill with the other, while Thatcher, innocent
of the presence of one of his worst enemies, placated Bill so far as
to restore Wiles to his rights. Wiles thanked him. "Shall I have
the pleasure of your company far?" Wiles asked insinuatingly. "To
Washington," replied Thatcher frankly. "Washington is a gay city during
the session," again suggested the stranger. "I'm going on business,"
said Thatcher bluntly.
A trifling incident occurred at Pine-Tree Crossing which did not
heighten Yuba Bill's admiration of the stranger.
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