The day of Dick's arrival with his companions was
a great day in the annals of the Mustang Valley,
and Major Hope resolved to celebrate it by an impromptu
festival at the old block-house; for many hearts in the
valley had been made glad that day, and he knew full
well that, under such circumstances, some safety-valve
must be devised for the escape of overflowing excitement.
A messenger was sent round to invite the population
to assemble without delay in front of the block-house.
With backwoods-like celerity the summons was obeyed;