`` Bear up , old fellow , I 'll stand by you ; and if the worst comes , I 'll call as often as the rules of the prison allow , '' said Gus , consolingly , as he gave his afflicted friend an arm , and they walked away , both feeling that they were marked men from that day forth . Meantime , Joe , as soon as he recovered from the shock of seeing the boys actually go off , ran away , as fast as his legs could carry him , to prepare Mrs. Minot for the loss of her son ; for the idea of their coming safely back never occurred to him , his knowledge of engines being limited . A loud ring at the bell brought Mrs. Pecq , who was guarding the house , while Mrs. Minot entertained a parlor full of company . `` Frank 's run off with No. 11 , and he 'll be killed sure . Thought I 'd come up and tell you , '' stammered Joe , all out of breath and looking wild . He got no further , for Mrs. Pecq clapped one hand over his mouth , caught him by the collar with the other , and hustled him into the ante-room before any one else could hear the bad news . `` Tell me all about it , and do n't shout . What 's come to the boy ? '' she demanded , in a tone that reduced Joe to a whisper at once . `` Go right back and see what has happened to him , then come and tell me quietly . I 'll wait for you here . I would n't have his mother startled for the world , '' said the good soul , when she knew all . `` Oh , I dar ` s n't ! I opened the switch as they told me to , and Bill will half kill me when he knows it ! '' cried Joe , in a panic , as the awful consequences of his deed rose before him , showing both boys mortally injured and several trains wrecked . `` Then take yourself off home and hold your tongue . I 'll watch the door , for I wo n't have any more ridiculous boys tearing in to disturb my lady . '' Mrs. Pecq often called this good neighbor `` my lady '' when speaking of her , for Mrs. Minot was a true gentlewoman , and much pleasanter to live with than the titled mistress had been . Joe scudded away as if the constable was after him , and presently Frank was seen slowly approaching with an unusually sober face and a pair of very dirty hands . `` Thank heaven , he 's safe ! ''
and , softly opening the door , Mrs. XXXXX actually hustled the young master into the ante-room as unceremoniously as she had hustled Joe .
Bill Frank Gus Joe Minot Pecq ante-room day gentlewoman right