Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move. A moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a sudden shout, but it was too late—for some, at any rate.
The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine shot past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close work, and no mistake.
“Whew!” breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of the German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the locomotive. “That was close.”
“Too close for comfort,” Hal agreed.
“I wonder how many we killed back there,” said Chester.
“I don’t know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their lives or ours.”
“It’s only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken cause,” said Chester slowly. “But, as you say, it was either they or us. There was nothing else we could do.”
“No,” said Hal, “there wasn’t; but, just the same, it gave me a cold chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible.”
Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its way. It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed of the engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a wary eye ahead for Germans.