“Why, Shirley,” exclaimed Mabel, “you almost lost your own life.”
Shirley frowned at her friend.
“It was nothing,” she said.
The little girl’s mother looked first at one and then at the other.
“I didn’t know you endangered your own life,” she said. “I wish I could thank you properly.”
“Just say no more about it then,” said Shirley, somewhat embarrassed by this conversation.
The woman smiled.
“As modest as you are brave,” she said. “Well, then, I shall say no more about it. But remember, if you ever need a friend, just call on me.”
“Thank you. I shall remember,” said Shirley, and the woman walked away, carrying her daughter in her arms.
From down the track at this moment came the buzz of an approaching car. It was the wrecking train bringing a crew to clear the track, also physicians and nurses.