I started to go to the curve , and I 'll do it if it costs me a hundred dollars . No danger ; there 's no train under twenty minutes , I tell you , '' and Frank pulled out his watch . But the sun was in his eyes , and he did not see clearly , or he would have discovered that it was later than he thought . On they went , and were just rounding the bend when a shrill whistle in front startled both boys , and drove the color out of their cheeks . `` It 's the factory train ! '' 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 XXXXX of the reprimand his father would give him .
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