"Is the pony express rider here?"
"Yes," answered Jack, coming forward. "What's wanted?"
"Stage has had a bust-up a little way out," the messenger said. "I come in to get help, and to say that the driver wants to see you."
"Wants to see me?"
"Yes, he's got a bundle of mail that's marked 'Rush,' and he wants to know if you can ride out there, get it and take it on to Rainbow Ridge."
"Well, I suppose I can," Jack said, "though it isn't regular."
"No, he told me to tell you he knowed that. And he said he'd have sent the mail in by me, only there's some valuable stuff in it, and he wants a regular man to take it. So will you go out?"
"I think I'd better, yes. How far out is the stage?"
"About five miles. Half way between Bosford and Tuckerton," was the answer.
"All right, I'll ride out and get the mail," decided Jack, and in due time he arrived at the place where the stage had been delayed because of a broken wheel. The mail was transferred to Jack, and he started back with it.