"No, I'm not particular. East or west, the north pole or the south pole. I haven't any one to worry about me, no matter which way I go. I'd a little rather go north, though, as it is mighty warm to-day," and Jack laughed carelessly.
Little did he guess how soon his wish was to be gratified.
"Then we may as well keep on until we get to the next town," said Mark.
They walked on for some distance, their thoughts busy with their recent experiences, when they suddenly heard a noise at a distance.
"Sounds like a freight train," said Mark.
"So it is! Come on! Let's get aboard! Riding is easier than walking any day! Hurry up!"
And then the two boys broke into a run toward a slow moving freight on a track that crossed the country road a short distance away from them.
"Look out that you don't get under the wheels!" cautioned Jack to his companion.
"Oh, I'm used to jumping the cars," replied Mark, as he ran quickly up beside the rails.
The two boys reached the track along which the freight train was bumping and clicking. It was a long outfit, with many box, flat and gondola cars.