`` Yes 'm , '' returned Toady , with a crack which would have done honor to a French postilion . It was a fine day , and the young people would have enjoyed the ride in spite of the breakers ahead , if Aunt Kipp had n't entertained the girl with a glowing account of the splendors of her own wedding , and aggravated the boy by frequent pokes and directions in the art of driving , of which she was of course , profoundly ignorant . Polly could n't restrain a tear or two , in thinking of her own poor little prospects , and Toady was goaded to desperation . `` I 'll give her a regular shaking up ; it 'll make her hold her tongue and do her good , '' he said to himself , as a stony hill sloped temptingly before him . A sly chuck , and some mysterious manoeuvre with the reins , and Bob started off at a brisk trot , as if he objected to the old lady as much as her mischievous little nephew . `` Hold him in ! Keep a taut rein ! Lord ' a mercy , he 's running away ! '' shrieked Aunt Kipp , or tried to shriek , for the bouncing and bumping jerked the words out of her mouth with ludicrous incoherency . `` I am holding him , but he will go , '' said Toady , with a wicked triumph in his eye as he glanced back at Polly . The next minute the words were quite true ; for , as he spoke , two or three distracted hens flew squalling over the wall and scattered about , under , over , and before the horse , as only distracted hens could do . It was too much for Bob 's nerves ; and , taking matters into his own hands , or feet , rather , he broke into a run , and rattled the old lady over the stones with a velocity which left her speechless . Polly laughed , and Toady chuckled , as they caught glimpses of the awful bonnet vibrating wildly in the background , and felt the frantic clutchings of the old lady 's hands . But both grew sober as a shrill car-whistle sounded not far off ; and Bob , as if possessed by an evil spirit , turned suddenly into the road that led to the railroad crossing . `` That will do , Toady ; now pull up , for we ca n't get over in time , '' said Polly , glancing anxiously toward the rapidly approaching puffs of white smoke . `` I ca n't , Polly , -- I really ca n't , '' cried the boy , tugging with all his might , and beginning to look scared . Polly lent her aid ; but Bob scarcely seemed to feel it , for he had been a racer once , and when his blood was up he was hard to handle . His own good sense might have checked him , if Aunt Kipp had n't unfortunately recovered her voice at this crisis , and uttered a succession of the shrillest screams that ever saluted mortal ears . With a snort and a bound Bob dashed straight on toward the crossing , as the train appeared round the bend . `` Let me out !
XXXXX me out !
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