“Naturally,” responded Ralph. “Are you going to set me free?”
“That’s the orders, seeing that our party is safe at a distance. Got enough steam on to run the engine?”
“Yes,” replied Ralph. “There was full pressure when you people stopped us, and the steam lasts about six hours.”
“All right. You will have a great story to tell the railroad folks, eh? Don’t forget the letter we put in your pocket. There you are. Now then, go about your business and don’t say we did not treat you like a gentleman. Oh—ooh! What’s this?”
The man had cut the ropes that held Ralph captive, and carelessly swung to the step. In a flash the young fireman was on his mettle. Springing to his feet, Ralph snatched at a hooked 91 rod. Reaching out, he caught the man by the coat collar and pulled him back flat across the cab floor where he had just lain.
“You lie still, or I shall use harsh measures,” declared Ralph, springing upon his captive and menacing him with the rod. “Hold up your hands, folded, and let me tie you.”
“Well, I guess not!”
“Yes, you shall!” cried Ralph.
In a second the situation changed. The man was much stronger than his opponent. He managed to throw Ralph off, and got to his knees. The young fireman decided, as the fellow reached for a weapon, to strike out with the iron rod. It landed heavily on the man’s temple, and he fell back senseless on the coal of the tender with a groan.
Ralph securely tied his captive. Then he reversed the lever and opened the throttle. In a minute he was speeding back over the spur the way the locomotive had come four hours previous.