Wincing at the words, which slipped out unconsciously as the conductor thought of what might have happened to the boy, Bob hastened to defend the engineer by saying: "Mr. Barney didn't know I was going. I wanted to surprise you by showing you I could go back without your help. And--and then the train started, and I had to hang on to a coal car." "Well, so long as you didn't get hurt, it's all right. But don't try it again. Now, run back and climb into the caboose. Let's see how quick you can do it." The last was a diplomatic means to make the boy hurry, for the conductor was anxious to start the train, yet would not until he saw his charge safe in the caboose. And his ruse was successful, for Bob, eager to show his speed, raced down the track and quickly swung aboard. Smiling, Hosmer again signalled to Barney, the train started, and as the last car reached him, the conductor climbed on. "Have any trouble when we started?" one of the brakemen was asking Bob as Hosmer entered the car. "Pretty near. I was just crossing from a high to a low car, when the jerk came. But I managed to hang on." "Good boy," chorused the train crew, all of whom realized too well the danger to which the boy had been subjected. "But when we stopped on the siding, why didn't you get down?" asked the conductor. "Because I was listening," announced Bob with a manner of mystery that would have been droll were his face not so serious. "Listening?" exclaimed the others, instantly alert. "Yes. I was just going to get down, when I heard some one speak, and then I waited." "Hoboes," growled a brakeman, jumping up and seizing a short club. "What car were they on, kid?" "The first coal car from the engine. But you mustn't go up there. They are bad men." This warning was greeted with laughter by the brakemen, the others of whom had also picked up clubs. The conductor, however, having a son of his own, realized from Bob's manner that the lad had something he wanted to tell but did not know how to begin, and accordingly asked him: "What did you hear, son?" "I heard them plan to hold up Number 4 to get even!" "What?" demanded all the trainmen, their faces instantly growing serious. "Yes; the man said he was going to get even for being put off the 'blind baggage'." For a moment the members of the train crew looked at one another in amazement, then fell to plying Bob with questions, making him repeat the conversation over and over. "Well, you've earned your passage to Fairfax, all right, Bob!" ejaculated the conductor. "It would break our record for being free from holdups, to say nothing of the loss to passengers. The company ought to do something handsome by you, my boy." "Then you can prevent it?" queried Bob anxiously. "Sure thing. We'll capture them at the next station. Better get ready, boys," added Hosmer significantly to his brakemen. "They may prove hard to handle."