But the crowd made one mistake.
They did not know that Leo, as an acrobat, was used to making lightning-like movements whenever necessary.
His profession now stood him in good stead.
As he came down he had no chance to use his feet.
But his hands and arms were ready, and like a flash he turned a handspring and swept out of the way just as the ponderous locomotive rolled past.
The monster brushed his left leg, but he was unharmed, and in a second more had reached the platform on the opposite side of the street.
Although attacked so unexpectedly, Leo did not lose his presence of mind.
“That was that rascal’s work!” he muttered to himself.
Reasoning that the man would try to escape from the scene, the young gymnast rushed down the stairs into the street.
He was right; for scarcely was the pavement touched than he beheld Griswold on the opposite side walking along at a rapid gait.