`` Fire up and make her hum ! '' laughed Gus , quoting Bill 's frequent order to his mate , but with no idea of being obeyed . `` All right ; I 'll just roll her up to the switch and back again . I 've often done it with Bill ; '' and Frank cautiously opened the throttle-valve , threw back the lever , and the great thing moved with a throb and a puff . `` Steady , old fellow , or you 'll come to grief . Here , do n't open that ! '' shouted Gus , for just at that moment Joe appeared at the switch , looking ready for mischief . `` Wish he would ; no train for twenty minutes , and we could run up to the bend as well as not , '' said Frank , getting excited with the sense of power , as the monster obeyed his hand so entirely that it was impossible to resist prolonging the delight . `` By George , he has ! Stop her ! Back her ! Hold on , Frank ! '' cried Gus , as Joe , only catching the words `` Open that ! '' obeyed , without the least idea that they would dare to leave the siding . But they did , for Frank rather lost his head for a minute , and out upon the main track rolled No. 11 as quietly as a well-trained horse taking a familiar road . `` Now you 've done it ! I 'll give you a good thrashing when I get back ! '' roared Gus , shaking his fist at Joe , who stood staring , half-pleased , half-scared , at what he had done . `` Are you really going to try it ? '' asked Gus , as they glided on with increasing speed , and he , too , felt the charm of such a novel adventure , though the consequences bid fair to be serious .
`` Yes , I am , '' answered XXXXX , with the grim look he always wore when his strong will got the upper hand .
Bill Frank George Joe Open minute right thrashing throb throttle-valve