“What’s ever become of the scheme of yours and that California senator, Gwin, to put a fast mail service through, horseback, from St. Louis to San Francisco, by the Overland route, at $500 for each round trip,” asked Joel of Mr. Ficklin.
“Nothing yet. Senator Gwin was right for it after our talk on the stage from California five years ago, and he introduced a bill in Congress; but the bill died. The California people are howling, though, for something better than news three weeks to six weeks old from the East. And mark my words,” continued Mr. Ficklin, earnestly, “that’s what will happen next—a pony express from the Missouri to the coast that will beat the stage.”
“Do you think they’ll stretch a line of relays clear across for two thousand miles and keep it going day and night passing the mail along?” demanded Billy, his eyes sparkling at the fancy.
“Yes, sir,” answered Mr. Ficklin, shortly.
“Well, when they do I want to ride one of the runs—one that will keep me hopping, too,” declared Billy.
XIX
DAVY MAKES ANOTHER CHANGE
“Did you see my mother when you were back East, Dave?” asked Billy.
“Yes.”