stage running between that town and a still smaller village further
east, I own I was not only surprised but well-nigh nonplussed.
Especially as he seemed greatly disappointed to hear that it only ran
once a day, and then for an earlier train in the morning.

"You will have to wait till to-morrow I fear," said the ticket agent,
"unless the landlord of the hotel down yonder, can harness you up a
team. There is a funeral out west to-day and--"

I did not wait to hear more but hurried down to the hotel he had
pointed out, and hunting up the landlord inquired if for love or
money he could get me any sort of a conveyance for Melville that
afternoon. He assured me it would be impossible, the livery stable as
well as his own being entirely empty.

"Such a thing don't happen here once in five years," said he to me.
"But the old codger who is dead, though a queer dick was a noted
personage in these parts, and not a man, woman or child, who could
find a horse, mule or donkey, but what availed himself of the
privilege. Even the doctor's spavined mare was pressed into service,
though she halts on one leg and stops to get her breath half a dozen
times in going up one short hill. You will have to wait for the
stage, sir."

"But I am in a hurry," said I as I saw Mr. Blake enter. "I have
business in Melville tonight, and I would pay anything in reason to
get there."

But the landlord only shook his head; and drawing back with the air of
an abused man, I took up my stand in the doorway where I could hear