“Out with him!” “Out with him!” called the indignant passengers, not a few of whom were Centreporters. [Illustration: THE PRESIDENT IS INSULTED.--Page 286.] The stout stranger landed Tommy on the ground, and then, by a dexterous movement, pitched him down the steep bank to the beach on the shore of the lake. If the president of the road was never astonished before, he was astonished then. He had discovered that his lordly will, though it carried terror into his own family, could not accomplish much among the general public. “Now go ahead!” said the gentleman, as he stepped into the car. “I can’t go without the president,” replied the conductor. “Then go with him!” yelled a stout fellow, who, I think, had drank more liquor than was good for him, as he seized the gentlemanly official, and hustled him after the president. Some one pulled the string; but the train did not start. I looked out the window. I was sorry to see that Tommy appeared to be hurt, for he sat on the ground, rubbing one of his legs. The conductor went to his assistance. Lewis Holgate now appeared, and I told the stranger he was the engineer. “Will you go ahead now?” demanded my uncompromising friend. “What’s the row here?” inquired Lewis. He was informed; but, instead of going ahead, he went down to the place where Tommy and the conductor were. Several of the passengers got out, and went forward to the engine. Half a dozen of them beset me with entreaties to run the train up to Middleport; but I positively refused. Indeed, I was thinking of going to the assistance of the disabled president, though I was sure my services would not be welcome, when the train started. The passengers crowded in, and it was evident that some one had taken possession of the engine. “Here’s a pretty kettle of fish!” said Tom Walton. “I’m sorry for it; but I can’t help it. I have as much right to ride on this road as any one else,” I replied. “We are going it now,” added Tom, as the train began to leap forward at the rate of thirty miles an hour. “Don’t you submit to any imposition, young man. I’ve heard all about your case, and if you want any help, call on me,” said my belligerent supporter. I thanked him, and he gave me his card, which I deposited in my wallet. The new engineer understood his business, and in less than half an hour we entered the station at Middleport. CHAPTER XXV. THE PRESIDENT IN TROUBLE. I had not waited to ascertain the condition of Tommy Toppleton. I had seen the stout stranger pitch him down the bank. The gentlemanly conductor had rushed down after him, to render whatever assistance he might require. Lewis Holgate had left the engine to sympathize with his powerful young friend. My occupation was gone; but I felt a certain pride and satisfaction in having stood up for my rights. I had not allowed Tommy to tread upon me this time, and I felt more like a man than I had ever felt before.