In one spot, as has already been
stated, there was a sharp up-grade for a short distance.
It was Phil's purpose to coast the twenty-five miles in order
to reach the next stand in time for the day's work. It was a
risky undertaking. Besides the danger of a possible collision
with an extra sent over the road, there was the added danger
of the car getting beyond their control and toppling over into
a ditch.
The Circus Boy had weighed all these chances well before starting
on his undertaking.
"I guess we will be moving now," he said, giving the bell cord a
pull, then throwing off the brake, Teddy performing the same
service at the other end of the car.
Car Number Three did not start at once.
Phil and Billy jumped up and down on the platform in excitement.
"She's moving," exulted Phil. "We're off."
A faint "yee--ow!" from the rear platform was evidence that Teddy
Tucker also had discovered this fact.
"That boy!" grumbled Phil.
At first the show car moved slowly; then little by little it
began to gather headway. Rattling over switches, past lines of
box cars, on past rows of houses that backed up against the
railroad's right of way, they rumbled. A few moments later Car
Three shot out into the open country at a lively rate of speed.
CHAPTER XX
ON A WILDCAT RUN
"This is great!" cried Billy.
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