TWO STRANGERS IN A COACH

Lorry wasted very little time.  He dashed into the depot and up to the operator’s window.

“What’s the nearest station east of here?”

“P——­,” leisurely answered the agent, in some surprise.

“How far is it?”

’Four miles.”

“Telegraph ahead and hold the train that just left here.”

“The train don’t stop there.”

“It’s got to stop there—­or there’ll be more trouble than this road has had since it began business.  The conductor pulled out and left two of his passengers—­gave out wrong information, and he’ll have to hold his train there or bring her back here.  If you don’t send that order I’ll report you as well as the conductor.”  Grenfall’s manner was commanding.  The agent’s impression was that he was important that he had a right to give orders.  But he hesitated.

“There’s no way for you but to get to P——­ anyway,” he said, while turning the matter over in his mind.

“You stop that train!  I’ll get there inside of twenty minutes.  Now, be quick!  Wire them to hold her—­or there’ll be an order from headquarters for some ninety-day lay-offs.”  The agent stared at him; then turned to his instrument, and the message went forward.  Lorry rushed out.  On the platform he nearly ran over the hurrying figure in the tan coat.

“Pardon me.  I’ll explain things in a minute,” he gasped, and dashed away.  Her troubled eyes blinked with astonishment.

At the end of the platform stood a mountain coach, along the sides of which was printed in yellow letters:  “Happy Springs.”  The driver was climbing up to his seat and the cumbersome trap was empty.

“Want to make ten dollars?” cried Grenfall.

“What say?” demanded the driver, half falling to the ground.

“Get me to P——­ inside of twenty minutes, and I’ll give you ten dollars.  Hurry up!  Answer!”

“Yes, but, you see, I’m hired to—­”

“Oh, that’s all right!  You’ll never make money easier.  Can you get us there in twenty minutes?”

“It’s four mile, pardner, and not very good road, either.  Pile in, and we’ll make it er kill old Hip and Jim.  Miss the train?”

“Get yourself ready for a race with an express train and don’t ask questions.  Kill ’em both if you have to.  I’ll be back in a second!”

Back to the station he tore.  She was standing near the door, looking up the track miserably.  Already night was falling.  Men were lighting the switch lanterns and the mountains were turning into great dark shadows.

“Come quickly; I have a wagon out here.”

Resistlessly she was hurried along and fairly shoved through the open door of the odd-looking coach.  He was beside her on the seat in an instant, and her bewildered ears heard him say: 

“Drive like the very deuce!” Then the door slammed, the driver clattered up to his seat, and the horses were off with a rush.