Page:Betty Gordon in Washington.djvu/192

182 ladder before you could open your mouth to object. I ain't used to arguing with anybody."

"There's another way that might work, chief," suggested his aide. "If we can fix ropes and rig up a windlass, we can maybe hoist the car up to the level of the gate."

It was decided to try this plan, but the wily chief first extracted a promise from every one in the car that if the scheme failed, they would submit to a ladder rescue.

"'Cause I ain't saying this will work, and I don't aim to cook up a different plan every minute till you're all suited," he declared, with commendable precaution. "You all agree to the ladder if this ain't a go?"

An unanimous chorus assured him that they did.

It took some time to arrange the ropes, but at last, creakingly and slowly, the car began to make its ascent.

"Bless the Lord!" ejaculated the darky operator fervently. "I done guess our troubles is ovah!"

He changed his mind in a minute when it was discovered that the car gates were jammed. There the eleven imprisoned passengers stood, on a level with the third floor, a crowd gathered in the corridor as far as the eye could see, a thin iron grating separating them from escape.

"I don't know but I'd just as lief stay here as