to goodness, Missus Brewster, is this business runnin'
away?" exclaimed Sary, after the local had started from Oak Creek.

Mrs. Brewster sat in front of Sary who, with Jeb, occupied the last seat
in the coach. The chosen seat was Jeb's plan; although he did not
explain to any one that he figured out it would be much better to be
near the door in case one had to make a quick exit. Trains _did_ run off
their tracks, and also there might be a collision. He had heard folks
talking of these dreadful accidents.

When Sary addressed her mistress with a tone of anxiety in her voice,
Mrs. Brewster turned her head and smiled reassuringly as she replied:

"Oh, no, Sary! The train hasn't really started to go, as yet. Wait until
we get past these little local stations, then you shall see."

"Wall, Ah don't know ez Ah wants to ride any faster. Ef the driver could
slow up a bit we-all could enjy the country views better," said Sary.

Eleanor giggled and nudged Polly but Polly turned a serious face to her
friend. "Nolla, I think the same as Sary--I'd rather go slower."

"Good gracious, Polly, are _you_ frightened, too?" exclaimed Eleanor.

"No, but I want to remember every inch of this grand country if I am to
stay in New York for many months, you see."

Eleanor understood, and left Polly to her silent work of impressing her
mind with the views she wished to remember, later; Sary would provide
enough entertainment for Eleanor during the trip to Denver.

"Jeb, what you-all clutchin' at my arm like-as-how you are?" now asked
Sary, in no weak or tender voice.

"Ah ain't clutchin' nothin', Sary!" was Jeb's defense of his manhood.

"Ah don't know what you call it, then. Sit up like a regular traveler,
Jeb, and don't slump in the seat like-as-how your head wants to duck
from some crash," declared Sary, heroically trying to lift Jeb's courage
by gripping his coat collar and hoisting him almost out of his badly
fitting coat.

Eleanor smothered a laugh but said nothing to disturb the vaudeville she
was enjoying. Mr. and Mrs. Brewster were talking earnestly about the
future of their daughter.

Suddenly Polly cried thrillingly: "Oh, look, everybody! We're coming to
a torrent, and the train won't slow up!"

Sary instantly turned to the window and saw what seemed to be an
unavoidable end of all earthly things, so she half rose from the seat
and grabbed Jeb in her ample embrace. "Ef we go, we goes together, Jeb!"

Her voice, never so