Phil Forrest, however, was keeping his eyes steadily on
the shining rails ahead. All at once the storm broke.
The lightning seemed to rend the heavens before them.
Then the rain came down in a deluge.
So heavy was the rainfall that the young pilot could see only a few car lengths ahead of him. Instinctively he tightened the brakes slightly. The car was swaying giddily, not having a train with it to steady it.
"We ought to be near that grade the section man told us about," said Conley.
"Yes; I was just thinking of that. I guess I had better let her out, so we shall be sure to make it."
Phil threw off the brake wheel and Car Three shot ahead like a great projectile, rocking from side to side, moving at such high speed that the joints in the rails gave off a steady purring sound under the wheels.
The wildcat car struck the grade with a lurch and a bang, climbing it at a tremendous pace.
The two men on the front platform were compelled to hold on with their full strength, in order to keep from being hurled into the ditch beside the track.
"I hope Teddy is all right," shouted Phil.
Billy leaned out over the side looking back. Teddy, who was also leaning out, peering ahead regardless of the driving rain, waved a hand at him.
"Yes; you can't hurt that boy—"