“I sent a man over it with a gauge, yesterday, and he reported it to be in perfect condition,” interposed the major. “It would be very unfortunate to have any accident happen, and I have taken every precaution to guard against one.”
“I think we had better run very slowly the first time,” I replied.
“You can’t be too careful, young man.”
“Let her drive, Wolf!” said Tommy, impatiently.
I let off the brake, and opened the valve. The steam hissed in the most natural and encouraging manner, and the dummy began to move, amid the shouts of those on board and those on the ground. The road was very level and straight, and the car moved as easily as a boat in the water, though the engine made a disagreeable puffing and twanging noise in its action.
THE FIRST TRIP OF THE DUMMY.—[Page 175].
“Here we go!” roared Tommy, at the top of his lungs, swinging his cap to the boys who stood at the sides, looking in at the door. “This is bully!”
“Exceedingly bully!” laughed his father.
“I should like to run through some of the Wimpleton fellows about this time,” added the president. “They would find out that our side of the lake is wide awake.”