s himself. He had possibly taken
advantage of the excitement to steal his elder brother's gun; and
casting about for some object upon which to exercise his ambitious
marksmanship, had sighted a hovering bird, which had instantly fallen
to his fire.

"But what makes Tony act like that?" demanded Larry.

Phil had divined the wonderful truth, even as his chum made his inquiry.

"It must have been one of his homing pigeons!" he exclaimed; "perhaps
the one that he expected to bring him news from up-river way, about the
girl in the hospital!"

"Oh! I wonder could that be so?" ejaculated Larry; and the two of them
stood there, watching and waiting for they hardly knew what, only that
into Phil's heart there seemed to have suddenly leaped a new and wild
hope.

They saw Tony lift the little feathered messenger, and stroke its
feathers, as he looked angrily around for the guilty youngster, who was
already hiding behind one of the shanties.

"Look and see if it has a message from Tom Badger!" called Phil,
himself quivering with eagerness and suspense.

Tony evidently had not thought of this at first, in his anger at having
one of his precious pets slaughtered so ruthlessly. He sent a quick
comprehending look toward his new chums, and instantly turned his
attention again to the pigeon.

Immediately Phil saw him draw some small object from the bundle of
crumpled feathers, which he began to unroll with great haste.

"It's a note from above," declared Phil, talking to himself, though
Larry was listening with both ears to what he said. "The message has
come, and just in the nick of time to save us from a mighty unpleasant
experience. I hope it holds good news for Tony and his mother."

"It does--it must, Phil!" cried Larry. "Just look at Tony dancing
around, would you? Oh! he's read something that's taken his voice
away, you know! He can't even say anything; but see how his face
talks! Phil, what d'ye think it can be?"

"Good news must mean the operation has taken place, and that it has
been a success!" replied his chum, trying to master the tremor in his
own voice, and hardly succeeding very well. "And can't you see just
what that must mean for us, Larry, old fellow? Bring it here, Tony!
Let us see what you have found!" and he beckoned to the boy while
saying this.

But Tony made first of all for his mother, who was standing there with
clasped hands, in an agony betwixt doubt and hope. No sooner though,
had