Drabble 3: A Necessary Evil
John didn't like stagecoaches.
They were far too small, built for those the size of women or children.
When crowded with big, smelly men in 110 degree heat, they were even worse.
He would have much preferred to ride his horse. However, the advantages were the stagecoach's speed and the relative safety provided. Over a week with frequent team changes, it could travel over twice as far as a rider on a good horse. The risk of robbery or attack by Indians was lower, too.
Checking the time, Silver City was still four hours away.
His thoughts turned to Victoria.
~HC~
Author's Notes: Many thanks are extended to Nillis82, wotwasithinkin, and Cathy for their great reviews and feedback so far on this story. Readers, reviews, follows, and favorites are always welcomed!
For historical perspective, the Butterfield Overland and the later Wells Fargo express stagecoaches carrying US mail across country often traveled around the clock, covering over 2,500 miles over primitive roads in just under 25 days. Stagecoaches in other areas would often travel from dawn to dusk, spending the night in a town along the way or at a relay station if in the wilderness.
The rather rambunctious village of Silver City, New Mexico, was incorporated as an actual town in 1878. It is famous as the first place William Bonney, AKA Billy the Kid, was arrested.