It was a loud, shrill whistle, penetrating even to the woods, and the instant the old familiar sound fell on Rocket's ear he went tearing around the house, answering that call with the neigh he had been wont to give when summoned by his master.

Utterly speechless, Hugh stood gazing at him as he came up, his neck arched proudly, and his silken mane flowing as gracefully as on the day when he was led away to Colonel Tiffton's stall.
"Won't somebody tell me what it means ?" Hugh gasped, stretching out his hands toward Rocket, who even attempted to lick them.
At this point Alice stepped forward, and taking Rocket's bridle, laid it across Hugh's lap, saying, softly: "It means that Rocket is yours, purchased by a friend, saved from Harney, for you.

Mount him, and see if he rides as easily as ever.

I am impatient to be off." But had Hugh's life depended upon it, he could not have mounted Rocket then.

He knew the friend was Alice, and the magnitude of the act overpowered him.
"Oh, Miss Johnson," he cried, "what made you do it?
It must not be.