On another occasion, it is recorded, one of these riders journeyed a single stretch of 300 miles--the other men who should have relieved him being either disabled or indisposed--and reached the terminal station on schedule time. The distance between relay riders' stations varied from sixty-five to one hundred miles, and often more. The weight to be carried by each was fixed at ten pounds or under, and the charge for transportation was $5 in gold for each half of an ounce. The entire distance between New York City and San Francisco occupied but fourteen days. The riders received from $120 to $125 per month for their arduous services. The pony express enterprise continued for about two years, at the end of which time telegraph service between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans was established. Few men remember those days of excitement and interest. The danger surrounding the riders can not be told. Not only were they remarkable for lightness of weight and energy, but their service required continual vigilance, bravery, and agility. Among their number were skillful guides, scouts, and couriers, accustomed to adventures and hardships on the plains--men of strong wills and wonderful powers of endurance. The horses were mostly half-breed California mustangs, as alert and energetic as their riders, and their part in the service--sure-footed and fleet--was invaluable. Only two minutes were allowed at stations for changing mails and horses. Everybody was on the _qui vive_. The adventures with which the service was rife are numerous and exciting.