After we passed the Springs I saw Tommy stalking through the car, and coming towards me. I pitied him much more than I should if he had been defeated in his purpose, for success to him was ruin. In spite of all he had done to vex and annoy me, I tried to harbor no ill will against him. He knew that the train was behind time, and that it was still losing. I had no doubt that the fact vexed him. It seemed to me that an opportunity presented itself by which I could show him that I had no ill feelings towards him. I wished still to carry out the good principles which my mother had taught me; and, as the little president approached my seat, I promptly decided that I would ride on the engine the rest of the way, and give Lewis such instructions as he evidently needed. I meant to do this, hoping it would make things a little pleasanter between us. “Tommy, I suppose you see that Lewis is losing time,” said I, as he halted in the aisle, and stared at me as savagely as though I had been a snake in his path. “What are you doing here?” demanded he. “I was going to say, if I could be of any service, I would ride on the engine with Lewis, and show him how to run it.” “I guess not,” said he, shaking his head. “What are you doing here?” “I’m going home,” I replied, not comprehending what he was driving at. “Didn’t I tell you never to let me see you about this road again?” continued he, with imperial majesty, and, I may add, with lion-like ferocity. “I believe you did; but I am going home, and the railroad is now the only conveyance up the lake.” “How dare you disobey me?” stormed he. “I was not aware that I had disobeyed you.” “What are you on this train for, then?” “But I paid my fare, and Tom Walton’s too,” I replied. “I don’t care if you did! After what has happened, I won’t have you on the road.” “Even Centreporters are allowed to ride on the road by paying their fare.” “No matter if they are; you can’t.” “After I get home, I won’t trouble you or the road,” I added, mildly. “But you won’t get home on this road,” said he, seizing the connecting line which ran through all the cars to the engine, and giving it a violent twitch. Lewis Holgate, unfortunately for me, understood this signal, and whistled to put on the brakes. The conductor was counting his tickets at the end of the car, and came forward to witness the scene. The train came to a halt. “Now, Wolf Penniman, out with you!” said Tommy, fixing a savage gaze upon me. “I don’t wish to make any trouble, Tommy; but I have paid my fare, and I intend to ride to Middleport,” I replied, as calmly as I could, though my blood was boiling with indignation at the gratuitous insults heaped upon me. “Good, my boy! Don’t budge an inch,” said a respectable-looking gentleman in the seat behind me. “Mind your own business!” snapped Tommy to the speaker.