`` We sha 'n' t hear the last of this in a hurry , '' responded Gus , relieved , yet anxious , as he thought of the reprimand his father would give him . `` I hope mother wo n't hear of it till I tell her quietly myself . She will be so frightened , and think I 'm surely smashed up , if she is told in a hurry ; '' and Frank gave a shiver , as all the danger he had run came over him suddenly . `` I thought we were done for when we saw that train . Guess we should have been if you had not had your wits about you . I always said you were a cool one ; '' and Gus patted Frank 's back with a look of great admiration , for , now that it was all over , he considered it a very remarkable performance . `` Which do you suppose it will be , fine or imprisonment ? '' asked Frank , after sitting in a despondent attitude for a moment . `` Should n't wonder if it was both . Running off with an engine is no joke , you know . '' `` What did possess me to be such a fool ? '' groaned Frank , repenting , all too late , of yielding to the temptation which assailed him . `` 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 XXXXX to a whisper at once .
Frank Gus Joe Minot Pecq ante-room arm day fool reprimand