Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/256

228 The effect was instantaneous.

“Massy on us!” piped the aged heroine of the bonnet. “Snakes! Ow!” And she climbed nimbly up on the seat, an example quickly followed by her opposite neighbor. And though the cat was soon found and exhibited, the two worthy women sat sideways on the seat, their feet and skirts carefully tucked up beside them, until they left the train at Albany.

“Rob, how could you?” said Bess reprovingly, when quiet was restored.

“I don’t care, cousin Bess. She was so mean to Fred that I did it on purpose, and I sha’n’t say I am sorry.”

And Bess prudently changed the subject.

After a long delay at Albany, our travellers settled themselves anew in their sleeper. Neither of the boys had ever before travelled all night, and it seemed so cosy to go gliding away through the darkness that was slowly shutting in the landscape. There were few people in the car, and Rob prowled up and down, investigating his quarters, and making the acquaintance of the porter; while Bess chatted with