That's the reason I am stealing a ride on this freight," answered the man.

"But what are you doing here ?" he continued in curiosity.
In his own fashion Nat related how he had been attacked by two of his former school enemies, dragged to the car and thrown in.

He added that he had been next to unconscious, and so was unable to fight off Dave and Phil.

Then he asked how Tom Shocker happened to be on board.
"I got on at Jack's Junction," said the man.

"I haven't got but fifty cents left and I thought I'd beat my way to Buffalo, where I think I can get some more cash.