Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/247

 except that it seems to be through signal fires from elevated positions. But in that case there must have been smoke or blaze visible at different points, as we know was really the case.

But Alden Payne saw only the shadowy wisp of vapor in front of him, and must wait to learn its full meaning. That knowledge could not be long in coming.