The low morning sun stretched across the hotel dining room as a young cowboy walked toward the lone occupant. Shafts of light shone through the dust, producing golden bands not quite parallel to the floor. Holding his new Stetson hat respectfully at his side, the cowboy walked toward him. The man noted his approach, rose, and extended his hand. “Ah, Mr. Sewell, I presume. I’m Derek Bollinger.” Caleb Sewell was taken off guard at being addressed as Mister, especially by a man wearing a suit that Caleb couldn’t afford with the wages of his last month’s work. “Yep. Howdy.” The words were out automatically, and Caleb immediately regretted his lack of formality as he shook the man’s hand and sat down. He fidgeted with his hat, not knowing where it should go, but certain that it couldn’t go back on his head. Bollinger, sensing his discomfort, pulled out one of the empty chairs and nodded to it.

“In the interest of saving valuable time, Mr. Sewell, I’ve ordered for us both.” Caleb nodded approval and restrained himself from saying something silly like, “Aw, that’s right neighborly of ya.” A waitress filled his coffee cup. To avoid embarrassment, he added only about half his usual amount of sugar. He watched the expensively dressed man for clues as to what to do with his stirring spoon, how to hold the delicate cup, and where to put his napkin.

Mercifully, two orders of steak, eggs, beans, and sourdough biscuits arrived before any more pauses set in. Eating made it easier for Caleb to avoid talking, though he continued to watch Bollinger’s actions closely. The man began enumerating Caleb’s responsibilities as a Pony Express rider. Mail, he said, was a precious commodity. It both connected and fulfilled lives on each end of the route. He must never exhaust the horses; he would ride six or seven each day, and they were the lifeline of the whole enterprise. He should report conditions on the trail—fallen trees, landslides, washed out bridges—at the nearest transfer station. He was to ride alone except when an escort with the local law was arranged. He would have protection on the Humboldt Pass section where robberies had become frequent of late.

Based on the information in the passage, write a continuation of the passage that reveals Caleb’s inner dialogue, or his thoughts, as he begins riding his first Pony Express route. Support your response with details from the passage. Write your answer on the lines provided. ELAGSE8W3 DOK( 3) Worth (4 points)