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Rh selves disagreeable to me, however, and were evidently inclined to be on their good behavior on account of a lady being present. In spite of their rough manners they were better gentlemen than the fellow who sat next to me, and who wore more stylish clothes than they did. They used no black guard language or profanity, and showed a disposition to be attentive to me whenever they had an opportunity.

This other man, however, swore fearfully, and, in spite of my being on the seat with him, made use of language such as no true gentleman would degrade himself by using under any circumstances. At length, noticing the expression of disgust on my face, one of the mountaineers on the front seat, said, "See here, old chap, just remember there is a female aboard this stage-coach, will you?" The other replied, "I am a captain in the United States army, sir, and I wish you to respect my commission." "I don't care a d—n who you are" said one of them, called Bill by his companions. "You simmer down mighty quick;" and with that he took him by the throat and choked him till he was nearly black in the face.

This treatment was effectual, and he did simmer down; and I was annoyed no more by him during the balance of the trip, while Bill and his friends earned my hearty respect despite their rough ways, and their over-fondness for whiskey-drinking.

I shall not attempt to describe the rough and toilsome ride over the plains. It was scarcely such a journey as one would make for a mere pleasure trip, and yet it was one worth making, if only for the reason that it afforded an opportunity to study, with some minuteness, a country that ere many years will probably be the seat of empire on this continent. Much of this land between Omaha and the Rocky Mountains is, undoubtedly, capable of great improvement under a proper system of cultivation, and that it ultimately will be settled and improved there can be no doubt. Just at present, how ever, there are more inviting regions to which settlers may be expected to flock in preference.

In course of time we arrived at one of the most remarkable products of Western civilization,—he town of tents, called Julesburg. I had seen a great deal of life, and a great deal