And I think that is what they'll do." That
was all he said as the black entrance grew larger before them.
The engineer glanced at Fuller and Murphy, wondering if they would give the
signal to slow down. Neither of them moved. Then the _Texas_ plunged into
the smoke-laden darkness. Presently there appeared a faint luminous splotch
ahead of them, growing brighter as the seconds passed. They flashed out
into the daylight again.
"Whew!" said Murphy. They exchanged glances and Fuller laughed nervously.
The _General_ was just disappearing around the bend.
"Look!" exclaimed Fuller. They caught a glimpse of the smoking freight car.
He climbed down from the tender and went to the engineer. "Put every ounce
into her! They're making for the bridge--freight car on fire!"
The _Texas_, unburdened by cars, had the advantage in speed now. For
seconds she seemed to hover above the tracks as the engineer forced her
around the curve under full throttle. They came to the point where they had
caught the last glimpse of the _General_; then the bridge swung into view.
Black smoke, with wisps of red flames breaking through it, poured from the
ends of the shed.
"They've left the freight car in there," shouted Fuller to the engineer.
Pages:
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148