So I've just discovered that the last cup of coffee, poured by Slade,
was not so fear laden as Mark Twain would have us believe.  The Mark
Twain project has now made available an on-line edition of "Roughing
It", complete with supplements.  One that is of great interest to me
contains Orion's notes on their stage coach trip to Carson.  According
to a letter Orion wrote to his wife, containing his journal notes, they
had breakfast at the Rocky Ridge station, just east of South Pass. 
 Orion remembered Slade from his description but they had not yet heard
any of the tales of his exploits.  Sam may very well have gotten the
last of the coffee but its doubtful he feared for his life because of
it.  That you Mark Twain Project...
-- 
 There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of
                          in your philosophy.
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