Both boys leaped from the thicket and after Rush, who was now running up the bank of the stream at top speed. A turn was made and the brothers burst out into a loud and joyous shout.
There, not fifty feet away, was Lilly, the faithful mare Allen had fancied was drowned in the Black Rock River. Rush stood beside her, licking her neck affectionately.
"Allen's horse!" cried Chet.
"And as well as ever almost," added Paul, as he rushed up and began an examination.
The mare was evidently glad to see both the boys and her mate. She stood trembling as Chet and Paul examined her.
"A few slight bruises, that is all," said Paul. "Won't Allen be glad when he hears of it?"
"Indeed he will be. He loves Lilly as if she was his best girl. It's a good thing for us, too, Paul," he went on. "Now each can have a mount home."
"Right you are—if Lilly can carry me."
Paul was speedily on the mare's back. She seemed willing enough to carry him; in fact, glad to be in the keeping of a human being she knew.
