“‘T. H. Wingate:
“‘Regret to report that car 16,431, billed Cinnabar, with horses for the Overland Riders, was by mistake shifted to siding at Summit Junction early morning of the fourteenth and by mistake of train crew left there when taking on car of work horses for the west. Regret also to report that, upon examining the car supposed to contain Overland Riders’ mounts, it was found to be empty.
“‘Making investigation and will report developments.’”
“Empty!” howled Stacy Brown.
“Our ponies gone!” cried Emma.
The Overland Riders uttered long-drawn groans; that is, all did except Hippy Wingate. Hippy, barefooted, was chasing the telegraph messenger out of camp, and shouting his opinion of railroads and railroad officials.
CHAPTER III
ON THE ROAD TO WONDERLAND
“Remember that stop, Summit Junction,” cried Miss Briggs. “We stayed there so long that I peeked out of the window wondering if it was another hold-up, but there was nothing to see.”
“What could have happened to the poor little animals?” wondered Nora Wingate.