Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/185

 The two men glanced in surprise at Alden. He of the shorter statue was about to reach out his hand to take the missive but refrained.

‘T do not recognize the names you mention.”

The elder is Garret Chadwick and his nephew, who I judge is nearly my own age, is Ross Brandley. The note is for the younger.”

“Sorry, but I never heard of them before.”

“Then,” said the disappointed Alden, “they cannot be members of your party.”

“They are not; we have never met either.”

“I beg your pardon for my mistake; you will excuse me for not remaining. I thank you for your courtesy, and you and your friends have my best wishes for a pleasant journey to the other side of the continent.”

The trio exchanged military salutations, after the men had repeated their invitation for the visitor to go forward and meet other members of the company. Alden put his foot in the stirrup and sprang into the saddle.

“Too bad,” he muttered, “but I shall meet that fellow before many days.”

He was right in his surmise, but little did he dream of the circumstances which were to attend that memorable meeting.