But the train made such a rumbling noise, and the engine whistled so loudly, that Don’s howls and barks could not be heard.
But he kept on howling and barking, until his poor throat and tongue were tired, and he was thirstier than ever.
“I guess I’ll have to stop,” thought Don. “This isn’t doing any good, and it only makes me feel worse than ever. Oh, if I could only get out!”
Then poor Don, tired out and weary, lay down and tried to sleep.
But it was hard work even to sleep in the rumbling car, though at last Don dozed off for a little while. Then he suddenly awakened, and as he sat up he knew what had made him stop sleeping. It was the sudden quiet that had come after all the noise.
The train had come to a stop. It no longer rumbled over the rails, and the car did not sway from side to side.
“Oh, maybe I can get out now!” thought Don, jumping up. Once more he barked and howled, but he could not do it so loudly now, or he was so thirsty his throat seemed all swelled shut.
Finally, after giving a pitiful howl, Don heard the voices of men outside the freight car. And Don knew enough of men’s talk to hear one of them ask:
“Don’t you hear a dog somewhere?”