In my next trip on the dummy Major Toppleton went to Grass Springs, and ordered the supper for the stockholders. At one o’clock I was in the cab of the new locomotive, which, in compliment to the occasion, was to make its first trip to the Springs. It was a beautiful machine, of about two thirds of the ordinary size. The cars were of a corresponding size. Never was an engineer prouder and happier than I was when I ran the engine out of the house. I had borrowed some flags and decorated it for the great occasion. Faxon was with me in the cab, though Lewis Holgate, the son of Christy, who had robbed my father, was employed as fireman. At the appointed time the students appeared, and, after giving sundry cheers for the train, took their seats, and I started the locomotive. I felt like a real engineer then. The boys screamed as the train moved off, and in half an hour we put on the brakes at Grass Springs. The students hastened to the hotel where the meeting and the supper were to take place. Leaving the engine in charge of Lewis, I hastened to the meeting, where I intended to electioneer for Tommy Toppleton. CHAPTER IV. OFF FOR THE CAMP. “The time to which this meeting was adjourned has arrived, gentlemen, and you are requested to come to order,” said Tommy Toppleton, rapping on the table with the gavel, which he had been careful to bring with him. “Mr. President,” said Barnscott, springing to his feet, with half a dozen others, all anxious to make the first motion. “Barnscott,” replied Tommy, giving him the floor. “I move you we proceed to the choice of officers.” “Second the motion,” added Putnam. “It is moved and seconded that we proceed to the election of officers,” repeated the president. “Question! Question!” shouted the stockholders; for there was now no difference of opinion on this point. The motion was carried without opposition. I had intended to make a little speech myself before any business was done. Indeed, it had been arranged by Tommy and his father that I should do so; but Barnscott was too quick for me. “Mr. President,” I shouted, as soon as the vote was declared, “I have a word to say to the stockholders, if you will allow me to speak directly to them.” “Go on! Go on!” yelled the students. “Gentlemen, though what I have to say does not exactly belong to the business on hand, I hope it won’t be taken amiss,” I began. “By the vote of the stockholders this morning, the expenses of the supper to be provided for the company at this hotel were to be paid for out of the treasury of the corporation. It is well known that the company is in debt, that the interest on its bonds has not been paid. The president, therefore, in consultation with the munificent patron of the road, did not think it right to use the funds of the company in paying for a supper.” “Are we to have no supper?” demanded Wetherstane.