Setting down the two valises within easy reach, the boy hurried forward.
"Mr. Joyce is in there," was his thought. "Oh, I hope he isn't hurt!"
Though Richard had known the man but a short hour, yet the city merchant's cordial manner had completely captivated the boy.
It was no easy matter for the men in the smoker to free themselves. In turning over, a number of the seats in the car had become loosened, falling on many, and blocking up both doors as well.
But presently several windows were smashed out, and the occupants began to pour from these, some with their clothing badly torn, others hatless, and several severely injured.
"There are two men in there stuck fast!" exclaimed a short, stout man, as puffing and blowing he reached the ground. "I tried to help 'em both, but it was no use,—the seats all piled up atop of 'em. Beckon they'll have to be cut away, they're jammed in so tight."
Instantly Richard thought of Mr. Joyce. Nowhere in the crowd could he catch sight of the gentleman. It was possible that one of the two might be his newly-made friend.
"There's a tool-house down the road a ways," continued the stout man.
"I noticed it as we rode past, a moment before we went over."
"Where?" asked Richard eagerly.
"On the other side, up the embankment," was the reply.