After we had helped the ladies into the coach, we returned to the house and solemnly shook hands with the paralytic Jim, as solemnly settling him back into position after each handshake.

Then we looked for the last time around the long low room, at the stool where Miggles had sat, and slowly took our seats in the waiting coach.

The whip cracked, and we were off! But as we reached the highroad, Bill's dexterous hand laid the six horses back on their haunches, and the stage stopped with a jerk.

For there, on a little eminence beside the road, stood Miggles, her hair flying, her eyes sparkling, her white handkerchief waving, and her white teeth flashing a last "good-by." We waved our hats in return.

And then Yuba Bill, as if fearful of further fascination, madly lashed his horses forward, and we sank back in our seats.