At this move the three boys turned and ran back toward the train, while the excited passengers hooted and yelled at the discomfited cowboys.
The shouts of derision were more than Megget could stand. He shook his fist at the crowd in general and then at Tom and Larry in particular, Then he whirled around and disappeared from view in a cloud of dust.
Quickly the passengers all trooped to the cars and five minutes later the train was again in motion.
All the passengers wanted to shake hands with Tom and Larry, and for several minutes the boys were at the mercy of their well-meaning admirers. Again the sheriff came to their rescue.
"Go back to your own cars," he commanded. "The boys want to be left alone."
But the people gave no sign of heeding his words.
"Well, if you won't go at the asking, I'll make you go," he continued, and seizing the person nearest him, the sheriff turned him round and gave him a shove along the aisle of the car.
After three or four of the passengers had been pushed none too gently away, the others began to leave of their own accord, and the two brothers were able to make their escape.
"If it keeps on the way it has started, we're likely to have a lively summer," remarked Larry when he was again back in his seat.
"I hope they don't come so quick for me," exclaimed Hans. And his tone was so plaintive that the others could not help but laugh.