“I don’t know,” said Chester, “but I judge the shell must have struck in the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the engine.”
It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of the cab, made a startling discovery.
“Wow!” he shouted. “Here come the Germans again—thousands of ’em. We are goners, now, sure.”
But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he released the brakes and threw the throttle wide—and the huge locomotive leaped suddenly forward.
“It’s our only chance,” Hal shouted to Chester. “The track behind is covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way.”
That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and bullets began to spatter against the side of the engine.
“Well, we’ll give ’em a chase, anyhow,” said Hal grimly.
He opened the throttle even wider.