Buried in thought, Tessie forgot Frank's warning to look out for the express, until a shrill whistle rent the air and Gyp sprang forward, almost tossing the girl from her seat on the wagon.
Frantically she yelled at the little horse to "Whoa!" But on he dashed, and the gates were down directly ahead!
Realizing her danger and leaning forward in her panic of fear, something happened to the rein, for she felt it fall, and even the power of pulling on Gyp's head was now lost.
And the express could be seen rounding the curve!
Prayers rose to Tessie's lips while terror gripped her heart.
Moments were like hours, yet time had no proportion in the fear of death that seemed almost certain.
Then just as the frightened little animal shied clear of a telegraph pole, and with head high in the air seemed to make a final dash, he was suddenly pulled back. The jolt threw Tessie against the side curtain.
The little girl scout—she whom Tessie had noticed but a few minutes before, was now hanging on the reins!
But Gyp was dragging her on. Would she, too, be killed? If some man would only come to their rescue!
Then everything seemed to whirl before Tessie's distorted vision. Things "got black and went out." Next, she felt herself tumble back in the box of daisies.