midnight
`` Them that wants to stop kin do so , '' said Bill authoritatively , cutting the Gordian knot ; `` them as wants to take a sledge can do so , -- thar 's one in the barn . Them as wants to go on with me and the relay will come on . '' Mr. Wiles selected the sledge and a driver , a few remained for the next stage , and Thatcher , with two others , decided to accompany Yuba Bill . These changes took up some valuable time ; and the storm continuing , the stage was run under the shed , the passengers gathering around the station fire ; and not until after midnight did Yuba Bill put in the relays . `` I wish you a good journey , '' said Wiles , as he drove from the shed as Bill entered . Bill vouchsafed no reply , but , addressing himself to the driver , said curtly , as if giving an order for the delivery of goods , `` Shove him out at Rawlings , '' and passed contemptuously around to the tail board of the sled , and returned to the harnessing of his relay . The moon came out and shone high as Yuba Bill once more took the reins in his hands .