`` I 'd give ten dollars if I could run her up to the bend and back , '' he added , fondly touching the bright brass knobs and glancing at the fire with a critical eye . `` You could n't do it alone , '' answered Gus , sitting down on the grimy little perch , willing to indulge his mate 's amiable weakness . `` Give me leave to try ? Steam is up , and I could do it as easy as not ; '' and Frank put his hand on the throttle-valve , as if daring Gus to give the word . `` Fire up and make her hum ! '' laughed Gus , quoting Bill 's frequent order to his mate , but with no idea of being obeyed . `` All right ; I 'll just roll her up to the switch and back again . I 've often done it with Bill ; '' and Frank cautiously opened the throttle-valve , threw back the lever , and the great thing moved with a throb and a puff . `` Steady , old fellow , or you 'll come to grief . Here , do n't open that ! '' shouted Gus , for just at that moment Joe appeared at the switch , looking ready for mischief . `` Wish he would ; no train for twenty minutes , and we could run up to the bend as well as not , '' said Frank , getting excited with the sense of power , as the monster obeyed his hand so entirely that it was impossible to resist prolonging the delight . `` By George , he has ! Stop her ! Back her ! Hold on , Frank ! '' cried Gus , as Joe , only catching the words `` Open that ! '' obeyed , without the least idea that they would dare to leave the siding . But they did , for Frank rather lost his head for a minute , and out upon the main track rolled No. 11 as quietly as a well-trained horse taking a familiar road . `` Now you 've done it !
I 'll XXXXX you a good thrashing when I get back ! ''
Hold Stop appeared come give opened put quoting said touching