ging, swears at the horses, politely directs his attendant to make some change, gathers up the "ribbons," and turning half round bellows to the crowd, "All aboard for Brighton, Mormon Island, Mud Springs, and Hangtown!" In times of opposition, the confusion was increased ten-fold by runners. "Now, gentlemen, this way for Nevada; take you there in five hours; last chance to-day for Coloma and Georgetown, Auburn and Yankee Jim's!"
Soon all is ready, and off they go, amidst shouts and cracking of whips, and clatter of horses' feet, and the rattling of stages, through the town, and out into the fresh morning air, into the vastness of the open sea-like plain, diving through the long grass, under the wide-spread oaks, down into gulches, across streams, and up into the hilly country of the mines. All is exhiliration and merriment.
Round the broad streets of Marysville gaily-decked horses before brilliantly painted coaches snort and prance in the early morning, while the office clerks stand beside drivers and shout, "Here ye are for Brown's Valley, Long Bar, Bough and Beady, and Grass Valley." In like manner the Stockton herald proclaims, " Knights Ferry, Chinese Camp, Jamestown, and Sonora."
Before the United States Hotel, Nevacia City, one morning in May 1855, stood two rival stages for Forest City. One passenger only had put in an appearance when the agents for the contending lines came up and opened the business of the day. The solitary passenger they found seated in the stage.
"What fare are you paying in there?" asked the agent for the opposition.
"Five dollars," was the reply,
"Get out, and I'll carry you for four." The passenger, thinking it was an easy way to earn a dollar complies and takes his seat in the opposite stage.
"Here, come back," exclaimed the other agent, "I'll take you up for three."
