There were other instructors, officials, etc., whom you will meet as the story goes on. As for the students, besides the four “inseparables” whom I have already named, I have already told you of some, though I might mention Sam or “Snail” Looper, much given to night prowling, Peter or “Grasshopper” Backus, who aspired to be a great jumper, and “Bean” Perkins, who could always be depended on to “root” for his team in a contest.
These lads were all friends of our heroes. Truth to tell, the lads had few enemies. Fred Langridge and his crony Garvey Gerhart, had made trouble for Tom and his friends, until the two bullies withdrew from Randall, and went to Boxer Hall.
And now, having read (or skipped) this necessary explanation, you may proceed with the story.
“He must be crazy!” called Tom to Sid, who, clanging the bell, was seated not far from the brake-tender. “Clean crazy to try to coast the hollow on his first trip.”
“He doesn’t know any better,” returned Sid, as he looked ahead at the big bob which was nearing the dangerous turn.
“What’s Frank up to?” demanded Phil. “He’s steering for the hollow, too.”
At this there was a scream of terror from some of the girls on the bob of our heroes.
“Don’t do it! Don’t try it!” begged the one next to Frank.
“Keep quiet, please,” he requested in a tense voice. “I’ve got to save them if possible.”