The rattling old stagecoach rattled down the road. Old Buck yelled to the horses and passengers "Last Chance, we've made it all the way!" A wooden sign made with one by four slats and white wash announced the last village on the long trail from Boston to Last Chance, Colorado. When this little group started, the stagecoach was shiny and its wheels were new and unbent. But that was three months ago. A new bride and her husband inhabited the coach, and were planning to stake out a new life at Last Chance. Prunella alighted from the coach stiffly as Jake held her steady by the hand. Three months ago - it seemed many years - considering all the adventures through which Buck and Pete, the drivers, had taken Jake and Prunella. First there had been the early spring storms and the mud. They had had to bail out the coach, and leave some of the new trunks to lighten the load. The rest of the spring was through beauteous land, but treacherous as there were Indians afoot. Once, the stage had to be driven so fast and hard that its wheels were bent and its timbers rattled and crooked. Winning over the Indians, the group hammered out the wheels and renailed the slats, but the coach had to be towed gingerly after that. Now they're here - "Last Chance." Buck and Jake tied the horses and went into the noisy Last Chance saloon. Prunella and Pete bedraggled, but arm in arm went upstairs to start their honeymoon. For them it was their "Last Chance." For Prunella was 80 and Pete was 82. © Norma (Dreamer) (Twi1ite@sbcglobal.net) January 2004 If you use my graphics, please add my button and a link to this website. http://www.geocities/writerswinter2004/ If you enjoyed this page, check these out: Valentine Sentiments Tangled Web A Keeper Mr. Valentine The Valentine Box And.......for many others, click the link for HOME. Home: Writers' Winter 2004 Index