"Them that wants to stop kin do so," said Bill
authoritatively, cutting the Gordian knot; "them as wants to take a
sledge can do so,--thar's one in the barn. Them as wants to go on with
me and the relay will come on." Mr. Wiles selected the sledge and
a driver, a few remained for the next stage, and Thatcher, with two
others, decided to accompany Yuba Bill. These changes took up some
valuable time; and the storm continuing, the stage was run under the
shed, the passengers gathering around the station fire; and not until
after midnight did Yuba Bill put in the relays. "I wish you a good
journey," said Wiles, as he drove from the shed as Bill entered. Bill
vouchsafed no reply, but, addressing himself to the driver, said curtly,
as if giving an order for the delivery of goods, "Shove him out at
Rawlings," and passed contemptuously around to the tail board of the
sled, and returned to the harnessing of his relay.
The moon came out and shone high as Yuba Bill once more took the reins
in his hands.
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