He soon knew all about No. 11 , his pet engine , and had several rides on it with Bill , the engineer , so that he felt at home there , and privately resolved that when he was a rich man he would have a road of his own , and run trains as often as he liked . Gus took less interest than his friend in the study of steam , but usually accompanied him when he went over after school to disport himself in the engine-house , interview the stoker , or see if there was anything new in the way of brakes . One afternoon they found No. 11 on the side-track , puffing away as if enjoying a quiet smoke before starting . No cars were attached , and no driver was to be seen , for Bill was off with the other men behind the station-house , helping the expressman , whose horse had backed down a bank and upset the wagon . `` Good chance for a look at the old lady , '' said Frank , speaking of the engine as Bill did , and jumping aboard with great satisfaction , followed by Gus . `` I 'd give ten dollars if I could run her up to the bend and back , '' he added , fondly touching the bright brass knobs and glancing at the fire with a critical eye . `` You could n't do it alone , '' answered Gus , sitting down on the grimy little perch , willing to indulge his mate 's amiable weakness . `` Give me leave to try ? Steam is up , and I could do it as easy as not ; '' and Frank put his hand on the throttle-valve , as if daring Gus to give the word . `` 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 , XXXXX ! ''
Bill Frank Gus Joe afternoon dollars expressman fire station-house throttle-valve