Looking in the other direction they saw the sunshine
gleaming for a moment on a roof in Townsville.
"We're all safe now," said Red Blaze, "an' we'll be with the soldiers in
another half hour. But just you two remember that mebbe the next time I
couldn't call up a snowstorm to cover us an' save our lives."
"Once is enough," said Dick, "and, Mr. Petty, Sergeant Whitley and I
want to thank you."
Mittened hands met buckskinned ones in the strong grasp of friendship,
and now, as they rode on, the whole village emerged into sight. There
was the long train standing on the track, the smoke rising in spires
from the neat houses, and then the figures of human beings.
The fall of snow was light in the valley and as soon as they reached
the levels the three proceeded at a gallop. Dick saw Colonel Newcomb
standing by the train, and springing from his horse he handed him the
dispatch. The colonel opened it, and as he read Dick saw the glow
appear upon his face.
"Fire up!" he said to Canby, the engineer, who stood near. "We start at
once!"
The troops who were ready and waiting were hurried into the coaches,
and the engine whistled for departure.
CHAPTER V
THE SINGER OF THE HILLS
As the engine whistled for the last time Dick sprang upon a car-step,
one hand holding to the rail while with the other he returned the
powerful grip of Red Blaze, who with his own unconfined hand grasped the
bridles of the three horses, which had served them so well.
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