The boys did eat, and felt much better for it. When they had scraped up the last crumb, they stretched out on the burlap sacks.
The remainder of the day passed without incident. Darkness was just setting in when, with a slight jerk, the train started moving.
Even though they had expected an undisturbed sleep, Bob and Joe were delighted that they were again on their way. Every mile left behind would mean that they were nearer Chicago, which was perhaps the only city at which they could hope to escape from their prison.
“Let’s hope we make good time now,” breathed Bob, as he and his friends turned in, to get what sleep a rumbling train would allow them.
All through the night the freight rattled on, this time much faster than before. Although several stops were made, the train made unusually good time, pulling into Cincinnati late the next morning.
“Here’s where we’ll have to wait,” said Joe. “They might keep us switched here for several days.”
Almost at once their box car was sidetracked, and was not moved until late the next day. About four o’clock another engine was attached, a much shorter train being formed. Then slowly it pulled off the switch and found a through track.
Bob and Joe could hardly believe their eyes. Were they to leave Cincinnati so soon?
An hour later this question was answered. The boys found themselves speeding along to Chicago, after having remained on the switch less than twenty-four hours.
“I suppose we’ll stop at every town and small city in Indiana,” said Bob gloomily. “Even though this is a fast freight, a delay will be almost inevitable.”