Old Jack seemed to share in his lightness of spirit, raising his head once and neighing, as if he were sending forth a welcome.
The boy soon saw two figures upon the hill, the shapes of horse and man, outlined in black against the sun, which was now declining in the west.
They were motionless and they were exaggerated into gigantic stature against the red background.

Ned knew them, although the distance was far too great to disclose any feature.

But signal had spoken truly to signal, and that was enough.

Old Jack made a fresh burst of speed and presently neighed once more.

An answering neigh came back from the hill.
Ned rode up the slope and greeted Obed White and the Ring Tailed Panther with outstretched hands.
"And it's you, my boy," said Obed, his eyes glistening.