Teddy did not yet fully understand what his companion's plan might be. Billy, on the contrary, understood it fully.
"You beat anything I ever came across," Conley remarked in Phil's car as the two were standing at the side of the track in front of Number Three.
"Wait! Don't throw any flowers at me too soon. We have not done it yet. I understand there is a short up-grade about seven miles below here. If we get stalled on that we will be in a fine fix and likely to get smashed into ourselves. It looks to me like a storm. What do you think?"
"I think yes—thunderstorm. I saw the lightning a moment ago." "Good! I hope it storms. It will be a good cover to get away under."
"Slippery rails will be bad for our business, though," warned Billy.
"We shall have to take the chance."
They had not long to wait after that. Day soon dawned but the skies were dark and forbidding. As soon as it was light enough to see well, Phil began to make preparations for his unique trip.
"Now what are you going to do?" demanded Teddy.
"My dear boy, we are going to try to coast all the way to Marion. We may land in the ditch or we may get stalled, but I am not going to lie here and waste nearly a day. Let the other fellows spend the time here if they wish. I reckon they will be surprised in the morning, when they wake up and find Car Three has dropped off the map."
Teddy uttered a long whistle of surprise.