CHAPTER XI
GORDON DESERTS HIS POST
After that they listened cautiously, but heard only the soft sizzling of the engine which had a contented sound as though the Flying Juggernaut was quite as rejoiced at the successful outcome of the venture as they were! More coal was put on, the grate was raked and Lanny contentedly announced that there was a sixty-pound head of steam on. By this time the field was bathed in moonlight save where the stands cast their black shadows, and the task remaining could not fail for lack of light. Forward moved the Juggernaut and there began the work of smoothing out the inequalities of Brent Field. Perhaps had Lanny realized the size of the task he would never have ventured on it. Back and forth, commencing at the infield end, rumbled and clanked the roller, each time covering some four feet of sward and gravel. An hour passed and they were still only as far as first and third base. Gordon voiced doubts.
“At this rate, Lanny, we won’t reach the fence back there before breakfast time. Can’t you make her go any faster?”
“No, I can’t,” replied the engineer shortly, “and if you don’t like the way I’m doing this suppose you take a whack at it yourself.”
“No, thanks. I’d probably run her right through the stand over there. I’m not criticising your handling of the thing, Lanny, but it’s getting a bit chilly and I’m sleepy and——”
“Go on home then. I guess I can do this all right alone.”
“Well, don’t be grouchy,” said Way. “After all, you’re the only one of us who’s getting any fun out of it. Just walking back and forth like this isn’t awfully exciting. Gee, I wish I had my sweater!”
“Tell you what,” said Morris. “I’ll beat it down town and get some hot coffee!”