The sleigh was soon ready, and the students bundled in, making themselves as comfortable as possible. Nat Poole's wet clothing was placed in a sack and tied on behind. Then the farmer mounted to the front seat.
"All ready—let her go!" sang out several of the lads.
At that moment the dogs began to set up another bark, and then came a call from the darkness.
"Hi, there, wait a minute!"
"Who is that?" questioned Dave. "Hullo, if it isn't the stout man!"
It was Isaac Pludding, true enough. He had been walking rapidly and was nearly out of wind.
"Whe—where are you going?" he panted, to the farmer.
"Goin' to take these chaps to Oakdale."
"That is where I want to go." Isaac Pludding glared at the students. "I don't like to ride with those boys, but I suppose I can stand it. Got room for another passenger? I suppose they told you how the train broke down."