Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/180

 on the decision, and it is not likely he cared one way or the other.

Sometime later, Alden dropped back to the main body, where he turned over his pony to the care of Jethro, and entered the wagon in which Mrs. Fleming and several of the women were riding. He apologized for intruding, though he was ever welcome. He explained that he wished to do some writing.

Seating himself with his back against the side of the Conestoga, as it lumbered easily over the plain, Alden drew out his note book, sharpened his lead pencil and framed the following:

“Ross Brandley, Sir,—I did not recognize you when you called last night with Mr. Chadwick. Had I known at the time who you were (my colored servant told me afterward), you would have heard some plain words from me, though coming as our guest, I should have treated you with politeness which probably you would not have appreciated. Fearing that a similar restraint may be upon you when I return the call, I hand you this note.

“I ask you to ride after me as I return, until I reach a point midway between our camps.