They found such comfort and amusement in this sensational programme that they were rather disappointed when Frank returned , reporting that a fine would probably be all the penalty exacted , as no harm had been done , and he and Gus were such respectable boys . What would happen to Joe , he could not tell , but he thought a good whipping ought to be added to his share . Of course , the affair made a stir in the little world of children ; and when Frank went to school , feeling that his character for good behavior was forever damaged , he found himself a lion , and was in danger of being spoiled by the admiration of his comrades , who pointed him out with pride as `` the fellow who ran off with a steam-engine . '' But an interview with Judge Kemble , a fine of twenty-five dollars , and lectures from all the grown people of his acquaintance , prevented him from regarding his escapade as a feat to boast of . He discovered , also , how fickle a thing is public favor , for very soon those who had praised began to tease , and it took all his courage , patience , and pride to carry him through the next week or two . The lads were never tired of alluding to No. 11 , giving shrill whistles in his ear , asking if his watch was right , and drawing locomotives on the blackboard whenever they got a chance . The girls , too , had sly nods and smiles , hints and jokes of a milder sort , which made him color and fume , and once lose his dignity entirely . Molly Loo , who dearly loved to torment the big boys , and dared attack even solemn Frank , left one of Boo 's old tin trains on the door-step , directed to `` Conductor Minot , '' who , I regret to say , could not refrain from kicking it into the street , and slamming the door with a bang that shook the house . Shrieks of laughter from wicked Molly and her coadjutor , Grif , greeted this explosion of wrath , which did no good , however , for half an hour later the same cars , all in a heap , were on the steps again , with two headless dolls tumbling out of the cab , and the dilapidated engine labelled , `` No. 11 after the collision . '' No one ever saw that ruin again , and for days Frank was utterly unconscious of Molly 's existence , as propriety forbade his having it out with her as he had with Grif . Then Annette made peace between them , and the approach of the Twenty-second gave the wags something else to think of . But it was long before Frank forgot that costly prank ; for he was a thoughtful boy , who honestly wanted to be good ; so he remembered this episode humbly , and whenever he felt the approach of temptation he made the strong will master it , saying to himself `` Down brakes ! '' thus saving the precious freight he carried from many of the accidents which befall us when we try to run our trains without orders , and so often wreck ourselves as well as others . Chapter XII . The Twenty-Second of February Of course , the young ladies and gentlemen had a ball on the evening of that day , but the boys and girls were full of excitement about their `` Scenes from the Life of Washington and other brilliant tableaux , '' as the programme announced . The Bird Room was the theatre , being very large , with four doors conveniently placed . Ralph was in his element , putting up a little stage , drilling boys , arranging groups , and uniting in himself carpenter , scene-painter , manager , and gas man . Mrs. Minot permitted the house to be turned topsy-turvy , and Mrs. Pecq flew about , lending a hand everywhere . Jill was costumer , with help from Miss Delano , who did not care for balls , and kindly took charge of the girls . Jack printed tickets , programmes , and placards of the most imposing sort , and the work went gayly on till all was ready .
When the XXXXX came , the Bird Room presented a fine appearance .
Grif Gus Jack Jill Joe Loo Molly Twenty-second evening fume