This little play went on for several minutes. Then, at a time when Dick had circled quite close to her, Cordie suddenly put two fingers to her lips and let out a shrill whistle. Instantly the splendid horse pricked up his ears and came trotting toward her.
“Good old Dick,” she whispered, patting him on the neck and not so much as putting out a hand for his rein.
“Well I’ll be—” mumbled the younger policeman.
“There’s lots like ’em, both horses and girls,” the old man smiled, “and I’ll swear there’s not more bad in the girl than the horse.”
“No, now Hogan,” he held up a warning hand to the one who came riding up. “You leave this to me. Where’s O’Hara’s stand?”
“State and Madison,” volunteered the younger man.
“Good, we’re off. You men can ride back to your posts. I’ll tend to this matter myself.”
The younger man grinned. Hogan growled; then they rode away.
“You better mount and ride back,” suggested the older man to Cordie.
Seeing her hesitate, he reached for her rein, “I’ll steady him a bit, but he’s had his race. Guess he’ll be satisfied. But,” he said suddenly, “you’re not dressed for this. You must be half frozen.”