When they had eaten something they got into the stage, which was drawn by six horses.
Foss was the best driver in California, and the way in which he handled a team was quite fascinating to Jack, who could "handle the ribbons" and "tool a pair of tits" as well as the next one.
The distance between Calistoga and Fossville was completed in about twenty-five minutes, the stage rolling about in the most alarming manner.
It was arranged they should stay for lunch, and Mr. Foss indulged in further demonstrations of grief for the five-hundred dollar horse.
That is to say, he drank enough champagne to float an ordinary rowing-boat.
At one o'clock they started to ascend the mountains on their way to the Geysers.
Harkaway was perfectly charmed by the magnificent scenery which he saw on all sides.
So engrossed was he in contemplating the wonders of nature that he did not see a man spring out in the middle of the road.
Nor did he notice half a dozen men form in line behind the stage.
These held blocks of stone in their hands, and when Foss brought his horses to a standstill, they placed the stones behind the wheels to prevent the stage slipping down hill.