I walked out upon the platform, but managed to keep out of sight as much as possible, fearful that if Mr. Norton saw me he would leave the vicinity at once.
I wished that I could run across a policeman to whom I could state the case. But there seemed to be none in the neighborhood; and an inquiry brought forth the fact that the official on that post had just gone off with a drunken man in charge.
Presently I heard the rumbling of an approaching locomotive, and the next moment a train dashed up and came to a halt.
As it did so I kept my eyes wide open, and saw Mr. Norton dash from behind a neighboring building, and make for the nearest car. I gave chase at once, and caught him by the arm just as he was about to mount the platform.
“Let me go!” he cried.
“No, sir; you sha’n’t escape me in this fashion,” I returned.
For a moment he glared at me; then drawing back his right arm he gave me a heavy blow directly on the chin.
The crack made my teeth fairly rattle, and I staggered back and rolled upon the platform.
“That will teach you a lesson, Reuben!” he exclaimed. “Good-by! I never expect to see you again.”
The train started off, and in a moment the first two cars had passed me. I was dazed, and hardly knew what to do.