Summary

Charlotte’s job as a stagecoach driver was busy. She carried passengers, packages, and bank strongboxes. She also took care of her horses and the passengers. She was always kinder to the women and children, which irritated some men. One day her passenger list included Mr. Millshark. She worried that he would recognize her. If he did, passengers would refuse to ride with her because she was a woman.

Charlotte told Ebeneezer she could not drive that day. He saw Mr. Millshark and realized why. Ebeneezer told her to ignore the passengers and remember that she was “a fine horseman” and “the best coachman” he had ever seen (62). Charlotte put her kerchief over her face and pulled her hat down low as she loaded the passengers. Mr. Millshark requested to sit on top of the stagecoach with Charlotte. He offered her cigars in exchange...