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 growl in his deepest tones. But more than all the other trains put together, Dan feared the Red Dragon. This was a long, slow freight that went through at nine o'clock in the evening about the time that Dan was taking his first nap; and to be roused up every night, and to stay awake until it had thundered past, was more than his bad temper could endure, and many were the threats that he made among the dogs against the Red Dragon.

Big Ben, an old coon dog who was often out at night, said that all the trains that went along after dark were red dragons; but this Dan stoutly denied, and as he lived so near the track the dogs were in doubt which to believe.

One evening four or five of the friends were standing on the railroad track, talking about things of interest in Dogtown, when Master Frisky, who was standing with one paw upon a rail, said, "The Red Dragon is coming."

"No, it isn't," said Dan stoutly; "it isn't time for it. And, besides, I can't see the big red eye."

"Put your paw on this rail and see if you feel anything," said Frisky. All of the dogs did as they were told, and had a queer feeling in their legs. "Now listen to the rail," said Frisky. The dogs listened, and could hear a queer snapping in the rail every little while. "That's the Red Dragon," said Frisky again.

"No, it isn't," said Dan as stubbornly as before.