10:30 p.m.
We are thus particular in describing the engine-driver 's household because , apart from other reasons , a group of human beings who could live , and thrive , and eat , and sleep , and love , and learn , and so forth , in such circumstances is noteworthy . It was quite a treat -- believe it , reader -- to see little Gertie and the baby slumber while the engines were apparently having `` a night of it '' outside ! Come with us and behold . It is 10:30 p.m. Father is crossing country on the limited mail at any pace you choose between fifty and eighty miles an hour , time having been lost at the last station , owing to the unaccountable disappearance of a first-class passenger , and time having to be made up by fair means or otherwise . His mate stands beside him . In the family mansion pretty Loo sleeps like a `` good angel , '' as she is , in a small room farthest from the corner next the line , but with her we have nothing to do at present . Nanny , also sound asleep , lies in some place of profound obscurity among the coals in the lower regions of the house , laying in that store of health and vigour which will enable her to face the rugged features of the following day .