Just fifteen minutes before the time of arrival set for the coach by schedule, Hal Harding drove up to the hotel at Last Chance.
From his entering the valley, and passing the first mine, he had been followed by cheer after cheer, until when he reached Landlord Larry's tavern there were many there to swell the chorus of welcome.
Larry greeted him most warmly, and when he saw what a valuable freight he had brought through with him, he told him that he was deserving of the highest praise.
Harding received the honors heaped upon him in a modest manner, and when asked by Landlord Larry if he had seen any road-agents, answered:
"Not one."
"All quiet along the trail, then?"
"As quiet as the grave."
"I suppose you were anxious upon reaching the Dead Line?"
"I think the horses were more nervous than I was, for they at least showed it."
"You told the agent at W—— about old Huck's fate?"