`` I am holding him , but he will go , '' said Toady , with a wicked triumph in his eye as he glanced back at Polly . The next minute the words were quite true ; for , as he spoke , two or three distracted hens flew squalling over the wall and scattered about , under , over , and before the horse , as only distracted hens could do . It was too much for Bob 's nerves ; and , taking matters into his own hands , or feet , rather , he broke into a run , and rattled the old lady over the stones with a velocity which left her speechless . Polly laughed , and Toady chuckled , as they caught glimpses of the awful bonnet vibrating wildly in the background , and felt the frantic clutchings of the old lady 's hands . But both grew sober as a shrill car-whistle sounded not far off ; and Bob , as if possessed by an evil spirit , turned suddenly into the road that led to the railroad crossing . `` That will do , Toady ; now pull up , for we ca n't get over in time , '' said Polly , glancing anxiously toward the rapidly approaching puffs of white smoke . `` I ca n't , Polly , -- I really ca n't , '' cried the boy , tugging with all his might , and beginning to look scared . Polly lent her aid ; but Bob scarcely seemed to feel it , for he had been a racer once , and when his blood was up he was hard to handle . His own good sense might have checked him , if Aunt Kipp had n't unfortunately recovered her voice at this crisis , and uttered a succession of the shrillest screams that ever saluted mortal ears . With a snort and a bound Bob dashed straight on toward the crossing , as the train appeared round the bend . `` Let me out ! Let me out ! Jump ! Jump ! '' shrieked Aunt Kipp , thrusting her head out of the window , while she fumbled madly for the door-handle . `` O Toady , save us ! save us ! '' gasped Polly , losing her presence of mind , and dropping the reins to cling to her brother , with a woman 's instinctive faith in the stronger sex . But Toady held on manfully , though his arms were nearly pulled off , for `` Never say die , '' was his motto , and the plucky little lad would n't show fear before the women . `` Do n't howl ; we 'll do it !
Hi , XXXXX ! ''
Bob Kipp Polly Toady bonnet clutchings door-handle fear left racer