But as Bert stretched out his hand to test the steam as Bob had done, Mr. Blipper called from where he stood talking to the driver of the last truck.
"Stop monkeying with that engine, Bob!" yelled the red-faced man. "You want to get it all out of kilter again!"
"I was only testin' the steam gauge," the boy answered.
"Well, you let it alone, do you hear, and water the horses."
"I have watered 'em!"
"Well, water 'em some more! I'm not going to stop again till I get to the Bolton County Fair if I can help it."
"He's sort of cross, isn't he?" asked Charlie, as Bob moved off.
"More than that—he's mean!" declared the ragged lad.
Bert and his chums stood looking at the steam engine and listening to the organ, while Nan and the smaller children danced. Then up came Mr. Blipper.
"I guess this is a dollar's worth of music," he announced.