Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/274

 “Your advice is good and I am thankful to eat with you.”

Four men made their quarters at this lonely cabin. One of them was an extra rider for emergencies, while all, as has been said, could perform the duty if required. Such supplies as they needed were sent to them by their employers. Russell, Majors & Waddell were the proprietors, who made their headquarters in the east, while Bolivar Roberts was superintendent of the western division. In Carson City, Nevada, he engaged the fifty or sixty riders needed, and he and the firm looked carefully after their employees.

Since nearly all the stations were in the midst of superb hunting grounds, the men at the remote posts obtained a large part of their food by means of their guns. It was a pleasant variation of the monotony, and the spice of danger from prowling redskins gave zest to their enjoyment.

Dick having been unsaddled was turned out to graze with three others. In the inclosure at the rear of the cabin, these were gathered at night or during stormy weather, and one or two were always in readiness for the regular riders. The horse which Alden was to ride