“Was the steer killed?” asked a little boy, who was listening with opened mouth and eyes to the story the excited passenger was telling.
“What!” fairly roared the man, and then, as he saw who had asked the question, he turned away, and there was a general laugh.
“Do you think we’ll be here long?” asked Bob of the colored porter of the sleeping car they had occupied.
“Oh, yes, indeedy!” exclaimed the attendant, “If we gits on de move befo’ night we’ll be mighty lucky.”
“Then we’ve got to stay out here on the prairie all day,” exclaimed Jerry.
“Dat’s what,” spoke the negro as cheerfully as though that was the regular program.
The other passengers were returning to their berths to finish dressing, and soon the excitement that followed the accident had almost disappeared. Breakfast was served, and there was nothing to do but to wait for the arrival of the wrecking crew.
“What’s the matter with taking a stroll across the prairie?” suggested Jerry, when the boys and the professor had finished their morning meal. “There’s no fun sitting here in the car all day.”
“Good idea!” exclaimed Ned. “I’m with you. Maybe Chunky will be afraid to come, for fear train robbers will carry off the dining car while he’s gone.”
“Oh, you let up!” retorted Bob. “You like to eat as much as I do.”