After lunch, Henry and Patrick told Hobo about their plight.

"Our bus is broken down, the railroad is closed.  Missouri is so far away.  We have no idea how we are going to rescue the best puppy in the world, or even if we'll get to him on time."

"On time?" asked Hobo.  "On time for what?"

"We've been told our puppy is dying," said Patrick sadly.  "We just want to get him before he dies, so that at the very least, he knows what it is like to be loved."

"That is so sad," said Hobo.  "There is one railroad that isn't closed," he said, thinking out loud.

"Really?" asked Patrick with hope?  "How far is it from here?" 
'

 

"Oh you cannot go there," said Hobo, "but it exists.  It's called the Underground Railroad."

"Oh not more of that in your heart, stuff," said Patrick.  "I need a real solution."

"The underground railroad is very real," said Hobo smiling. "There are planes, trains, and pawtomobiles in it."

"Even busses when they run," smiled Henry.  "My underground railroad was a truck."

"The underground railroad is made of all the creatures who care about each other," said Hobo. "In the South, where I am from, the underground railroad helped the slaves to escape to freedom in the olden days. They had songs with secret codes to tell them which stars to follow at night."

"What song will help us to  find the way?" asked Patrick.

Hobo changed the words to an old Underground Railroad song for Patrick.
"Ok," he smiled, "how bout this?"
"When your hope runs out, and your bus won't run,
Follow the rescue dust.
The world is full of caring, to find those who can help,
Follow the rescue dust.

Follow the rescue dust, follow the rescue dust,
There are rescue angels ready now
to carry your puppy home
Follow the rescue dust

The world wide web makes a mighty fine way,
To find the angels of our day
And it's left paws, right paws, traveling on
Follow the rescue dust.

Follow the rescue dust, follow the rescue dust,
There are rescue angels ready now
to carry your puppy home
Follow the rescue dust

I thought I heard the angels say, follow the rescue dust
The stars in the heavens gonna show you the way
Follow the rescue dust."
"That sounds like great advice," said Henry, "now it's time to 'left paw, right paw, travel on.'"

"Sure was great to meet you," said Hobo.  "And it was great to have something to eat."

"We put more bones in your refrigerator," said Patrick. "Will we ever see you again?"
"I'm waiting for an underground railroad of my own," said Hobo. "The town is trying to kick me and my caboose to the curb, but don't worry about me, I'm used to it."

"I hope you can save your friend," said Henry.

"I hope you can save your puppy," said Hobo.
"We'd best be getting home before dark," said Patrick, "thank you for your help!" 
After the travelers left, Hobo looked at his conductor watch and then up to the trees over his caboose. "Help?" he smiled. "Just wait 'til they see all the help coming.  You know what to do my friend."
 

 
A little web sparkled above.  "Their kindness in giving you their lunch was all the rescue dust needed for strength," said a tiny voice. "Their message has been sent.  Help is on the way!"

"Thanks to the World Wide Rescue Web!" smiled Hobo.