Jim stood speechless. That a student should romp off like that in bloomers too—and without a hat!
And how she was a-going it!
Her hair flew out in a cloud about her head, while Firefly, who was plainly wildly excited at his unexpected caper, just did as Jane told him without the slightest regard for lack of bridle or saddle. Wasn't he from Montana and didn't his mistress train him to go as she chose without foolish restrictions? Students along the way looked in amazement at the racing girl, but being Jane Allen some allowance was made for the caprice.
At the cedars a shrill train whistle warned Jane she had but a few seconds more to make the little Bingham station, and she promptly imparted the same message to Firefly.
"We'll make it, boy," she whispered. "Take Janie to the station, careful—careful—" in that droning, even voice a horse always knows how to interpret.
There, she touched the back platform, told her horse to wait, and threw his strap over the livery post; then she hurried to the front to find her freshmen.
There they were! Bags in hand, standing now as the train was pulling in.
Jane saw them some seconds before they espied her, and quick as a flash she had a hand on each of the others.
"Girls," she called, "drop those bags. Where are you going?"
Sally dropped her bag from sheer surprise, but Bobbie had a firmer grip.