His action produced the desired effect of tantalizing the brakemen, and they exclaimed eagerly:
"Out with it, Hos'! Tell us! Let us in on it!"
Waiting a moment, to give his words greater emphasis, the conductor removed his pipe from his mouth, and said:
"All the boys are going up to Sweeney's, order the swellest meal he can put up, and send the bill to Jenkins!"
"Whoopee! Great! I wish we were in on it!" exclaimed the brakemen in unison.
"Is that quite fair?" asked Bob, having hoped that his departure would put an end to Tom's plan.
"Fair? Sure, it's fair!" laughed Hosmer. "Anyhow, I don't see why you should care. He treated you mighty mean, taking your pass away from you."
As the other trainmen agreed with the opinion of their conductor, Bob made no further objection, contenting himself with the thought that he could hardly be held responsible.
During the conversation, the long freight train had got under way, and while the boy found many novel things to hold his attention, the brakemen amused themselves speculating on the effect the joke would have upon Jenkins.
As the engine whistled for a station, Hosmer said to Bob: