Fast as the horses galloped, it was not fast enough to suit the impatient riders. It seemed as though the intervening space would never be covered, and a feeling of relief shot through them as they saw the horsemen begin to canter in their direction.
"Unk—I say, Unk, is that really you?" called out Tim. "I can't believe it's true, even now."
"Yes, Tim; and I'm mighty glad, as well as relieved, to see you, all safe and sound. How are you, captain?"
With the skill of cowboys, the seven brought their bronchos close alongside the two men, while the Great Dane, still uttering his musical bays, capered wildly about.
Amid the confusion, the din of questions and answers, and the stamping of horses' hoofs, Wanatoma, the aged warrior, sat dignified and silent, though the brightening of his eyes told of a feeling of satisfaction.
"Now, Lovell, I'm a-waitin' ter find out what all this means."
The captain's big voice boomed out above the others.
"Wanna, old boy, this is certainly a great surprise."
Jack had ridden up close to the Indian, and was energetically shaking hands.
"Quick, Uncle Stanley, do tell us something," pleaded Tim. "Have you seen those lumberjacks? Do you know what Bob Somers thinks?"