I finally convinced her that as I was of no use on the farm, it would be better and more profitable for me to return to the plains.

So after giving her all the money I had earned by trapping, I bade her good-bye and set out for Atchison.
I met Mr.Russell there and asked him for employment as a pony express-rider; he gave me a letter to Mr.Slade, who was then the stage agent for the division extending from Julesburg to Rocky Ridge.

Slade had his headquarters at Horseshoe Station, thirty-six miles west of Fort Laramie and I made the trip thither in company with Simpson and his train.
Almost the very first person I saw after dismounting from my horse was Slade.

I walked up to him and presented Mr.Russell's letter, which he hastily opened and read.

With a sweeping glance of his eye he took my measure from head to foot, and then said: "My boy, you are too young for a pony express-rider.