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Updated: May 27, 2025
She had gone outside to explain matters to the waiting and anxious crowd, which, having had its curiosity satisfied, in a measure, now dispersed. Some of the younger lads went over to the stable where Sunger was resting. They wanted to look at, and marvel over, the plucky pony that had done so much to safeguard Jack and the mail. Jack got to his feet.
He shook his head over the work, for it seemed more and more impossible to get the stone out without taking off the shoe, and that would mean going back to the blacksmith's shop to have it nailed on again. "Regular nuisance, having this happen," said Jack. "But of course I know it isn't your fault, Sunger."
Out on the trail itself stood a tall, bronzed lad, who was, in fact, about seventeen years of age, but whose robust frame and athletic build made him appear several years older. "Yes, Mrs. Watson," the boy answered with a smile, "I do think a lot of Sunger, and he's worth it, too." "Yes, I guess he is. And he can travel swiftly, too. My goodness!
He took the easiest part of the mountain trail, avoiding places where he might stumble or fall, for he seemed to realize that Jack's guiding and careful hand was not at the reins now. On and on galloped the animal, making the best speed he could, though the trail was hard and steep in places. Suddenly, from the road back of him, Sunger heard the sound of galloping. The pony pricked up his ears.
"Well, Sunger, old boy," went on Jack, "did we do that; did it just happen of itself; or was it done on purpose?" For, in a second's flash, there had come to him his father's warning. "Well, if it's some one after my job, it's a mean trick they have played in trying to get it," mused Jack, aloud. "I wouldn't so much mind for myself, for I guess I could have swum out all right.
He did not know just what he would do, but it was a desperate situation, or it would be if he should overtake the fellow. And luck was with Jack luck and good judgment. As he made the last turn in that part of the trail from which there was no escape by a side road, he saw, just ahead of him, a rider on a horse which Jack knew in a moment. "That's Sunger!" he cried. "I've found him!"
"Maybe those fellows don't know that the letters have arrived, and, if they do, my newspaper stunt will fool 'em," he decided. It was near the bridge where once he had so nearly had a serious accident that, as Jack was riding along, he heard a sudden command: "Halt!" "Go on, Sunger! Go on!" yelled Jack in his pony's ear, as he slapped the animal on the flank.
I believe I'm on the track of the man who has my pony and the Argent letters!" Jack called to his horse, which really was a speedy mount. "Come on, old boy!" he cried. "You may not be as good as Sunger, but he's had a hard time lately, being kept out among the mountains, and I don't believe he's up to the mark.
"Well, if you don't mind, I wish you would have a try," said Jack, straightening up his bent and aching back. "It seems to have gotten the best of me." The stranger patted Sunger, who sniffed at him and seemed satisfied. The pony rubbed his velvet nose against the man's coat. This was his way of making friends.
Still Jack would not have given up had not something occurred that made it absolutely certain that the chase was useless. Coming to a bit of soft ground Sunger stumbled and fell, throwing Jack cleanly over his head. Fortunately the lad landed on a bank of thick ferns, so that his fall only jarred him.
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