Bret Harte

The Argonauts of North Liberty Bret Harte

Book Excerptthe turning, but really to cast a long, scrutinizing look towards the scattered umbrellas now almost lost in the opposite direction. He was still gazing and apparently hesitating whether to retrace his steps, when a horse and buggy rapidly driven down the side street passed him. In a brief glance he evidently recognized the driver, and stepping over the curbstone called in a brief authoritative voice: "Ned!"The occupant of the vehicle pulled up suddenly, leaned from the buggy, and said in an astonished tone: "Dick Demorest! Well! I declare! hold on, and I'll drive up to the curb.""No; stay where you are."The speaker approached the buggy, jumped in beside the occupant, refastened the apron, and coolly taking the reins from his companion's hand, started the horse forward. The action was that of an habitually imperious man; and the only recognition he made of the other's ownership was the question: "Where were you going?""Home--to see Joan," replied the other. "Just drove over