The Sea Letter; A Mystery of Martha's Vineyard (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1901. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. The coach-and-four was brought around to the hotel entrance one evening and Delano inspected the outfit while he smoked his cigar. The horses pranced around lively, for they had not been out much and were really suffering for want of exercise. A party had been invited to go upon a moonlight ride to the South Beach. "Have you looked at their shoes, Jack?" asked Delano of his man. "Yes, sir; all solid." "I see the cut on Juno's off fetlock has healed up." "Yes sir; nuthin but the crust left." "Ease up those checks on the pole-horses -- they are a little too tight for country travelling." "Yes sir, as you please." "Rub that spot off the hames -- so--that's better; take the twist out of the off leader's inside rein, you rascal." "Yes, massa; dat horse must 'ev turned his head." "Have you looked at all the bolts and springs?" "I reckon I has, sir; Jolly's right smart peart dis ebenin." "Did you stow those things in the hamper and clean inside thoroughly?" "Yes sir; I don't need to be told that." "Very well, Jack, now mind; stand by the leaders until I get all aboard and have the reins well in hand, then get up to your place and blow the horn as usual." "All right, sir." The friends were in a group upon the piazza to keep out of the crowd, which surrounded the coach looking at the horses and outfit. Delano went to them and said, " I have numbered the seats odd and even up to twelve -- there are eight outside seats and four inside -- Gentlemen draw the odd numbers and ladies the even ones: I take number one, as I am to drive. Now draw," and he held out each hand with numbered cards. They all drew numbers. "Come down to the coach, as everything is ready" said Delano, and he called out the numbers: "11 and 12, inside front seat; 9 and 10, inside backseat; 7 and 8, ...