"Is it possible that you did a thing like that?"
Teddy nodded again, demanding sullenly:
"Well, we beat 'em, didn't we?"
"Yes; but do you know what would happen, were it known what you
have done?"
"I'm easy. What would happen?" Teddy was rapidly assuming a
belligerent attitude.
"You would be arrested, and nothing could keep you from state's
prison, Teddy Tucker."
"Oh, fudge!"
"You may scoff all you will. It is the truth, nevertheless.
I should not be surprised if there were an investigation over
this affair--"
"And you'll go tell all you know, won't you?"
"Not unless I am put under oath. If I am, and am asked, I shall
have to tell the truth. I ought to sail in and give you a good
thrashing here and now."
"You can't do it!"
"Perhaps not, but I could try." A smile struggled to dissipate
the clouds on Phil's face. "Listen to me! Do you know that you
might have imperilled a great many lives by that foolish act of
yours"
"No. How?"
"In the first place, being cut loose from our train as they were,
they might have continued on, provided we were on a down or up
grade and--"
"We weren't. I looked to see," interjected Teddy.
"Oh, then you admit the charge. I am glad that you
have confessed."
"I haven't confessed!" shouted Teddy, his face growing very red.
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