CHAPTER III 

OFF THE TRACK 

"Well, if he isn't the worst yet," was the comment of the senator's son. 

"I hope he isn't waiting for that train," said Shadow. "I don't want to see any more of him." 

"Pooh! who's afraid?" asked Phil. "I guess we can make him keep his distance." 

"I thought I knew him when he came in, but I wasn't sure," said the restaurant keeper. "The man who runs the hotel, Mr. Brown, had a lot of trouble with him because he wouldn't pay his bill--said it was too high. Then he came here once and said the meat wasn't fresh and the bread was stale and sour. I came close to pitching him out. Don't let him walk over you--if he does take your train." 

"No danger," answered Dave. He had not yet forgotten the rude manner in which Isaac Pludding had shoved him. 

It was soon time for the Oakdale train to arrive, and the students walked back to the depot. The snow was over a foot deep and still coming down steadily. The depot was crowded with folks, and among them they discovered Isaac Pludding, with his valise and a big bundle done up in brown paper. 

"He certainly must be waiting for the train," said Dave; and he was right. When the cars came to a stop the stout man was the first person aboard. The students entered another car and secured seats in a bunch as before. 

"By the way, where is Nat Poole?" asked Roger, suddenly. "I didn't see him get off the other train."  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Which train would arrive soon?
2. Which train's arrival was about to happen?
3. What train was coming into the station?
Q2:
1. Who was going to get on the train?
2. Who was set to board the train?
3. Who was going to take the incoming train?
Q3:
1. Was rain falling?
2. Was the precipitation rainfall?
3. Did it rain?
Q4:
1. Was the snow continuing to pile up?
2. Was the snow accumulating?
3. Was there more and more snowfall on the ground?
Q5:
1. Who recognized Isaac Pludding when he entered?
2. Who sussed out Isaac Pludding's identity when he came in?
3. Who knew who Isaac Pludding was upon entry?
Q6:
1. Who runs the motel?
2. Who is the motel keeper?
3. What's the name of the man running the motel?
Q7:
1. Who did Mr. Brown recognize?
2. Who did Mr. Brown identify?
3. Whose identity did Mr. Brown confirm?
Q8:
1. Who states that they do not wish to see Isaac Pludding again?
2. Who makes mention of their desire not to see Isaac Pludding again?
3. Who mentions they'd rather not see Isaac Pludding again?
Q9:
1. What did Shadow not want Isaac Pludding to be doing?
2. What did Shadow hope Isaac Pludding wasn't doing?
3. What was Shadow praying that Isaac Pludding was not up to?
Q10:
1. Could anyone not be found after the train was cleared?
2. Was anyone missing from the train?
3. 
Q11:
1. Why does everyone think Nat Poole vanished?
2. For what reason does everyone think Nat Poole is missing?
3. Why do all believe that Nat Poole has gone missing?
