Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/338

 Shagbark, though I had a pretty tough time of it. Is every one else well?”

“They war a few minutes ago,” replied the guide, turning in his saddle and looking back as if not sure everything was right.

The plodding train was rounding into sight, and at the head was Jethro Mix on his horse. Alden waved his hand. The dusky fellow stared a minute unable to grasp the situation. Then, recognizing his young master, he banged his heels against the ribs of Jilk, and cantered up.

“Gorrynation! if it doan’ do my eyes good to hear you and my ears good to see you! I’ve been worrying awful and was gwine to start out to hunt you up if you hadn’t been here.”

In the exuberance of his delight, Jethro slipped to the ground and warmly shook the hand of the one whom he loved more than any person in the world.

“We’ll camp hyar!” called Shagbark to the teamsters, all of whom had come within easy reach of his voice.

While the wagons were assuming position, and the men preparing to spend the night where Chadwick’s party had camped the night