“We’re to carry a message to Constable Pearly at Wandley’s post. It is nearly two in the morning now. We must get there before noon.”
“How we go so fast like that?” Toma wanted to know.
“Ponies,” answered Dick. “Wake Sandy up while I gather together a few things we may need. If Sandy starts talking before he is fully awake, shove a pillow in his mouth. Get busy! We’ll have to hurry!”
CHAPTER VII
WANDLEY’S POST
The boys reached Wandley’s Post shortly after twelve o’clock and just in time to intercept Constable Pearly, who had arrived early and was saddling up in preparation for his departure. Their ponies covered with mud and lather, Dick and his two companions dashed into the compound and came to an abrupt halt not twenty feet from the policeman himself, who had come rushing to the door of the stable at the first sound of clattering hoofs.
Dick stumbled from his mount and limped forward with the message in his hands.
“From Corporal Rand at Fort Good Faith,” he explained, presenting the letter. “I’m Dick Kent. These are my two friends, Sandy MacClaren and John Toma. At Corporal Rand’s request we rode over from Fort Good Faith this morning.”
The corporal acknowledged the introduction with a friendly smile and a hand-clasp for each of the three mud-bespattered messengers. Then he tore up the envelope. As he read its contents, a slight frown settled and overspread his face.
“This is important news. Thanks very much for bringing it over. I see that the three of you are to go with me.”
“Yes; that’s what we understood,” Dick replied.