cried Gus , in a husky tone , as he sprang to his feet . `` No ; it 's the five-forty on the other road , '' answered Frank , with a queer thrill all through him at the thought of what might happen if it was not . Both looked straight ahead as the last tree glided by , and the long track lay before them , with the freight train slowly coming down . For an instant , the boys stood as if paralyzed . `` Jump ! '' said Gus , looking at the steep bank on one side and the river on the other , undecided which to try . `` Sit still ! '' commanded Frank , collecting his wits , as he gave a warning whistle to retard the on-coming train , while he reversed the engine and went back faster than he came . A crowd of angry men was waiting for them , and Bill stood at the open switch in a towering passion as No. 11 returned to her place unharmed , but bearing two pale and frightened boys , who stepped slowly and silently down , without a word to say for themselves , while the freight train rumbled by on the main track . Frank and Gus never had a very clear idea as to what occurred during the next few minutes , but vaguely remembered being well shaken , sworn at , questioned , threatened with direful penalties , and finally ordered off the premises forever by the wrathful depot-master . Joe was nowhere to be seen , and as the two culprits walked away , trying to go steadily , while their heads spun round , and all the strength seemed to have departed from their legs , Frank said , in an exhausted tone , -- `` Come down to the boat-house and rest a minute . '' Both were glad to get out of sight , and dropped upon the steps red , rumpled , and breathless , after the late exciting scene . Gus generously forebore to speak , though he felt that he was the least to blame ; and Frank , after eating a bit of snow to moisten his dry lips , said , handsomely , -- `` Now , do n't you worry , old man . I 'll pay the damages , for it was my fault . Joe will dodge , but I wo n't , so make your mind easy . `` We sha 'n' t hear the last of this in a hurry , '' responded Gus , relieved , yet anxious , as he thought of the reprimand his father would give him . `` I hope mother wo n't hear of it till I tell her quietly myself . She will be so frightened , and think I 'm surely smashed up , if she is told in a hurry ; '' and Frank gave a shiver , as all the danger he had run came over him suddenly . `` I thought we were done for when we saw that train . Guess we should have been if you had not had your wits about you .
I always XXXXX you were a cool one ; '' and Gus patted Frank 's back with a look of great admiration , for , now that it was all over , he considered it a very remarkable performance .
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