“Aren’t you going to get out?” asked Bob.
“That’s what I am,” was the reply. “I wanted to wait until you fellows were out, though. Too much motion at once might start her over the edge.”
And, not until then did it occur to Bob and Ned what an act of heroism Jerry had performed in staying in his place until they were safe.
He might have leaped at the first intimation of danger, for he was in a position to do this more easily than either of his chums. But he had stuck to his post, doing what he could to hold the car in place, until the others were out of danger.
Bob and Ned said nothing at the time. But later they gave Jerry to understand that they appreciated his pluck and self-sacrifice, though the latter was not fully consummated. But it was characteristic of Jerry Hopkins.
“Whew! How it rains!” exclaimed Bob.
“Don’t talk—get some stones and block the wheels, Chunky!” directed Ned.
By this time Jerry, yanking back the emergency brake lever to the last possible notch, in order to keep the car from slipping, cautiously made his way to the side of his chums. Bob and Ned had managed to find, by the lightning flashes, two large rocks, which were wedged in front of each of the rear wheels.
“I guess that’ll hold her,” remarked Jerry, with a sigh of relief.
“How did it happen?” asked Bob.