After shaking hands all around, he walked rapidly back to his engine, and soon the big freight was on its way again, the various trainmen waving their hands in farewell.
"I must be on my way, too," the girl said, breaking an awkward little pause which followed the last echo of the vanishing train. "I was going over to Santario, to see my father. He is the keeper of the Life Saving Station at Red Key," she explained. "His name is Anderson,--Peter Anderson. Mine is Ruth."
"We're Boy Scouts," replied Alec, feeling that some introduction was due. "This chap is William Worth,--we call him Billy, for short,--this is Chester Brownell, and I'm Alec Sands. We are on our way to Santario, too; we left our machine over yonder. If you like, we'll be glad to give you a ride. Will you come? It's getting late, the sun's going down, and you'll never walk all the way to Santario before dusk. Better come with us."
His suggestion was offered in frank kindness and Ruth Anderson was quick to appreciate it.
"It's very good of you to invite me," she said. "Thank you very much! I'd love a ride. You see, I've never been in an automobile. I've been in a lifeboat, though; but that's not exciting,--unless there's a storm!"
"That's something we've never done--gone out in a lifeboat," Chester remarked. "I visited a station on the coast of Maine two summers ago, but I didn't see the crew at work."
"I've never even seen a Life Saving Station," said Billy.
"I have it--a great idea!" exclaimed Alec. "Some day, soon after Hugh gets here, we'll motor down to Red Key and----"
Ruth interrupted him with a silvery laugh. "Oh, that will be fine!" she cried gaily. "Dad will be so glad to see you-all and to thank you for all you've done for me to-day. And I'm sure you'll like the crew over at Red Key; they're the nicest, kindest, bravest fellows in the world! And they'll like you, too; I know they will!"
Ruth's spirits, considering the shock and excitement which she had experienced scarcely an hour ago, seemed to have risen wonderfully. And somehow her light-hearted gaiety was soon felt by the three courageous young Scouts who had shared her danger. As they all walked over to the waiting auto, chattering and laughing, even Billy forgot his sorry plight, though he was still "soaked and sticky," as he said jocosely. Alec went to find his coat which he had cast aside, and, returning with it presently, he made Billy remove his wet one and put on the dry garment as well as the dust-robe which lay folded upon the seat in the tonneau.