A Lonely Ride

A Lonely Ride by Bret Harte is a short story that captures the essence of a solitary journey through a dark and desolate landscape. The narrative begins with the protagonist boarding a stagecoach in Wingdam, California, on a night that is both ominous and quiet. As the only passenger, he reflects on his surroundings and the peculiar behaviors of those at the hotel, who engage in odd rituals before his departure.