“The Phonograph is proud of its representative, and congratulates itself as heartily as it does you.”
A dispatch from the general officers of the A. & B. Railroad contained the words:
“This company would not have brought suit against you had it not felt certain of defeat. Accept heartiest congratulations, and come home with Bert as soon as you reach New York.
“Walker B. Saxon, President.”
The fourth message to come flying over the wires to Myles was:
“The 50th rejoices over your victory, and is under orders to celebrate—Fizz, Boom, Ti-gah! Signed, Pepper, Colonel, and a thousand other friends.”
The fast express of that afternoon bore Myles and his three faithful friends away from the scene of the young reporter’s recent trials and triumphs. As it left the Mountain Junction station it was followed by a hearty round of cheers from a crowd of people. They were led by Jacob Allen and little Bob and by Bill Biggs and Tige, the bull-dog.
Billings had seen to it that the Phonograph should have a full description of the trial and its glorious ending. When Myles read it the next morning it was with a greater pride than he had taken in that other account of himself published some ten days before, but it was a pride tempered with humility and sincere gratitude.
As the train rolled into the New York station it was greeted by the familiar cheer of the 50th Regiment. There, in full uniform, drawn up in perfect line, was Captain Ellis’ company, to whom had been accorded the honor of welcoming home the new honorary member of the regiment. His name is inscribed upon the roll as “Myles Manning, the hero of Mountain Junction.”