Suddenly, just as they neared the railroad junction, the sharp whistle
of an engine sent Prince plunging into the air. Donald rose in his
stirrups and made a frantic clutch at the horse's head, but even as he
missed it, he heard the clanging signal for an approaching train and
saw the gates immediately in front of them descending. Instantly he
flung himself out of the saddle, and sprang for Prince's head. The
horse, almost under the nose of the engine, reared frantically,
swerved, then came to a trembling stand, as Miss Lady deftly loosened
her skirt from the pommel, and swung herself to the ground.
In a second Don was beside her.
"Are you hurt?" he cried, catching her arm with his free hand and
looking anxiously into her face.
"Not a bit. Who won?" she asked with a little catch in her voice.
"Lord! You were plucky! If anything had happened to you!" his hand
tightened on her wrist, and he drew in his breath sharply.
The afternoon freight came lumbering by, and they stood close together
with the hot breath of the engine in their faces. Her hair blew across
his face and he could feel her body trembling against his shoulder.
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