The engine tooted, the bell was ringing, the passengers were hurrying, incited by the conductor's shout: "All 'board!" Without another word she tripped for the car steps. I gave the fellow one firm look as he stood stupidly scratching his thatch as if to harrow his ideas; and perforce left him. By the cheers he undoubtedly made in the same direction. I was barely in time myself. The train moved as I planted foot upon the steps of the nearest car--the foremost of the two. The train continued; halted again abruptly, while cheers rang riotous; and when I crossed the passageway between this car and ours the conductor and brakeman were hauling the tipsy Jim into safety. My Lady was ensconced. "Did they get him?" she inquired, when I paused. "By the scruff of the neck. The drunken fellow, you mean." "Yes; Jim." "You know him?" "He's from Benton. I suppose he's been down here on a little pasear, as they say." "If you think he'll annoy you----?" I made bold to suggest, for I greatly coveted the half of her seat. "Oh, I'm not afraid of Jim. But yes, do sit down. You can put these things back in your seat. Then we can talk." I had no more than settled triumphantly, when the brakeman ambled through, his face in a broad grin. He also paused, to perch upon the seat end, his arm extended friendlily along the back. "Well, we got him corralled," he proclaimed needlessly. "That t'rantular juice nigh broke his neck for him." "Did you take his bottle away, Jerry?" she asked. "Sure thing. He'll be peaceable directly. Soused to the guards. Reckon he's inclined to be a trifle ugly when he's on a tear, ain't he? They'd shipped him out of Benton on a down train. Now he's going back up." "He's safe, you think?" "Sewed tight. He'll sleep it off and be ready for night." The brakeman winked at her. "You needn't fear. He'll be on deck, right side up with care." "I've told this gentleman that I'm not afraid," she answered quickly. "Of course. And he knows what's best for him, himself." The brakeman slapped me on the shoulder and good-naturedly straightened. "So does this young gentleman, I rather suspicion. I can see his fortune's made. You bet, if he works it right. I told him if you cottoned to him----" "Now you're talking too much, Jerry," she reproved. "The gentleman and I are only traveling acquaintances." "Yes, ma'am. To Benton. Let 'er roar. Cheyenne's the closest I can get, myself, and Cheyenne's a dead one--blowed up, busted worse'n a galvanized Yank with a pocket full o' Confed wall-paper." He yawned. "Guess I'll take forty winks. Was up all night, and a man can stand jest so much, Injuns or no Injuns." "Did you expect to meet with Indians, sir, along the route?" I asked. "Hell, yes. Always expect to meet 'em between Kearney and Julesburg. It's about time they were wrecking another train. Well, so long. Be good to each other." With this parting piece of impertinence he stumped out.