"Yes, sir, I have."
"Say it."
"You are the most ill-tempered man it has ever been my experience to know."
"You're discharged! Both of you! Get off my car instantly!
Do you hear me?"
"I could not very well help hearing you. I am sorry to disobey you, but we were ordered to Number Three by Mr. Sparling. We will try to do our duty, but we shall not leave this car until Mr. Sparling orders us to do so," answered Phil steadily.
CHAPTER X
A SURPRISE, INDEED
Phil had triumphed, but he felt little satisfaction in having done so.
The manager had ordered the two boys from his office after the interview and the command to leave the car at once. But the lads had stayed on, and had gone about their duties, Phil working with all the force that was in him. He had even stirred Teddy to a realization of his duty and the latter had done very well, indeed.
A week had passed and the car was now in South Dakota. >From there they were to make a detour and drop down into Kansas, whence their course would be laid across the plains and on into the more mountainous country.