The distance from Bozeman to Helena was about ninety-five miles, and from what he had heard the roads were in a terrible condition.

Heavy rains had fallen recently, and the mud in some places along his journey was said to be nearly axle deep.

Undaunted by the gloomy prospect before him, however, Manning rested quietly, and, when the time for starting arrived, he was fully refreshed and eager for the long ride before him.
Profiting by his past experience, he now secured an inside seat, as he would be better protected from the chilling night winds so prevalent in this mountainous country, and would perhaps, be able to sleep at intervals during the hours which would ensue before daylight.
The other passengers in the coach were three men who were interested in mining in the neighborhood of Helena, and who, like himself, were bound for that place.

They were all, however, rather wearied with their journey from Billings, and very much disposed to sleep.

Manning, therefore, stowed himself away in one corner of the coach, as comfortably as he was able to do, and nodded and dozed fitfully until they arrived at the breakfast station at Gallatin, a little town on the river.
After an hour's rest and a change of horses, they pushed on again.