Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/248

226 The motorman left the car, and walked toward the wheel which had been pointed out. As he did this he was seized from behind and made a prisoner. They marched him to a tree, and produced a cord as if to bind him fast.

"Now will you wait here until we come back, or shall we have to tie you to this tree?" said one of the masked boys. "We won't hurt you or the car, and we'll be back inside of two hours. It's three dollars in your pocket if you don't open your mouth."

"You'll wreck the car and kill yerselves," grumbled the old motorman.

"No, we won't. Now, will you keep still and be good, or must we tie you up?"

"I'll wait here and say nothing if you pay me and there's no trouble. But if there is damage done, it's you will foot the bill," was the warning.

One of the boys was already at the front of the car. He kicked off the brake, turned on the power, and away went the car with a jerk that threw all those standing off their feet. There was a yell and a cheer, followed by wild hurrahs, as the turnout swept along the somewhat uneven track, up grade and down, and around numerous curves, and over bridges.

"Say, ain't this dandy!"

"Let her go, Mr. Motorman! We want our money's worth."