"Mac, Miss Vennor thinks she would like to take a night spin on the 926. May we ride a little way with you?"
"Well, I should say!" assented Maclure. "Just pile in and make yourselves at home; and excuse me—I hain't quite got through oilin' 'round yet."
"Thank you," said Brockway; then to Gertrude: "We must find your father or Mrs. Dunham quick; we haven't more than a minute or two."
They ran back and fortunately came upon Mrs. Dunham and the collegian.
"Cousin Jeannette, I'm going to ride on the engine with Mr. Brockway," Gertrude explained, breathlessly. "Don't say I sha'n't, for I will. It's the chance of a lifetime. Good-by; and don't sit up for me."
"I'll take good care of her," Brockway put in; and before the astonished lady could expostulate or approve, they were scudding forward to the 926.
VIII
THE CAB OF THE TEN-WHEELER
Engineer Maclure was leaning out of the cab window, watching for the conductor's signal, when Brockway and Gertrude came up.