In cowboy and Indian country. Wells Fargo was more reliable than the U.S. mails, more welcome than federal marshals, and more eager for more business than any other express company in the West. Wells Fargo is ""a company that has always been good."" To every Gold Rush miner, it was a symbol of faith. Loomis, who frequently probes the West (Texan-Santa Fe Pioneers, and Cheyenne War Cry), worries that only villains may make interesting subjects. But the Wells Fargo bravado (they fought and won a postage price war with the government), speed, and versatility guarantee that even when the narrative sags, the history does not. The company's services included banking, bill collecting, the super-quick pony express (which lost money), and bringing wives and valuables West. A vigorous story, told in slightly stiff language, but the 300 illustrations (not seen here) will no doubt set the balance right.