taciturnity being intensified at such moments through a long habit of
confining himself strictly to eating in the limited time allowed his
daily repasts, and it was not until they had taken the horses from the
stable and were harnessing them to the coach that Jeff extracted from
his companion some facts about his guests. They were Mr. and Mrs.
Mayfield, Eastern tourists, who had been to the Sandwich Islands for the
benefit of their daughter's health, and before returning to New York,
intended, under the advice of their physician, to further try the
effects of mountain air at the "Summit Hotel," on the invalid. They were
apparently rich people, the coach had been engaged for them solely--even
the mail and express had been sent on by a separate conveyance, so that
they might be more independent. It is hardly necessary to say that
this fact was by no means palatable to Bill--debarring him not only the
social contact and attentions of the "Express Agent," but the selection
of a box-seated passenger who always "acted like a man."

"Ye kin kalkilate what kind of a pardner that 'ar yaller-livered
Mayfield would make up on that box, partik'ly ez I heard before we
started that he'd requested the kimpany's agent in Sacramento to select
a driver ez didn't cuss, smoke, or drink. He did, sir, by gum!"

"I reckon you were very careful, then, Bill," said Jeff.

"In course," returned Bill, with a perfectly diabolical wink. "In
course! You know that 'Blue Grass,'" pointing out a spirited leader;
"she's a fair horse ez horses go, but she's apt to feel her oats on a
down grade, and takes a pow'ful deal o' soothin' and explanation afore
she buckles down to her reg'lar work. Well, sir, I exhorted and labored
in a Christian-like way with that mare to that extent that I'm cussed if
that chap didn't want to get down afore we got to the level!"