“Wolf, I don’t want you to get into trouble for my sake,” said Tom Walton. “I am willing to take myself off, and let you live in peace with Tommy.” “Tommy don’t want peace with me. Ever since our affair at the Horse Shoe, he has been down upon me,” I replied. “I don’t know how the major prevailed upon him to let me stay as long as I have. But he has insulted me and domineered over me in every possible manner, and I have stood just as much of it as I can. If you were not a friend of mine, Tommy would not object to you.” “Well, I don’t want to stand in your way, Wolf,” added Tom. “You don’t stand in my way. If you are discharged, it will be for my sake. I think we had better hang together. If I can’t hold this place for you, I may be able to get you another quite as good.” “Thank you, Wolf; you have always been a good friend, and I will do just what you say. If you think it would be best for me to go, I want you to say so.” “I don’t think so. My mind is made up. If you can’t stay, I can’t; and I shall stick to my text to the end of time,” I replied, with sufficient emphasis to be understood. The gentlemanly conductor, with the gold jewel, walked up to the engine at this moment, and interrupted our conversation. “There’s going to be the jolliest row you ever heard of,” said he, chuckling as though he enjoyed the prospect. “Where is the president?” I asked. “He and his governor are talking over the matter in the car. The little gentleman made an awful tempest on the train, and all the passengers laughed, and enjoyed the fun. The president is going to have his own way, or drown himself in the lake,” laughed the conductor. I learned that this remark was “founded on facts,” and it was evident that Tommy had not forgotten his old tricks. I stood on the engine, expecting the crash every moment; but I was ready for it. The dummy, in charge of Lewis Holgate, stood on the track ahead of the locomotive, prepared to follow our train. Tommy and his father seemed to be having a hard time of it, for neither of them had appeared when the boat from the other side returned, and I concluded that the scene was to be deferred till a more convenient season. As the passengers were getting into the cars, I saw the major go on board of the steamer, which immediately started for the other side. A moment later Tommy approached the engine, attended by Lewis Holgate. “Our time has come, Tom,” I whispered to my companion. “Now, Tom Walton, you will get off that engine, or the baggage masters shall pitch you off,” began the president. “I got off before when you told me,” replied Tom, laughing. “I always obey orders.” “Of course you include me in the order,” I added. “I don’t include you, Wolf Penniman; but you will find that you are not the president of the Lake Shore Railroad, and can’t dictate to me. If you are mean enough to leave, after all we have done for you, you can do so.”