"Nothing but the biplane," answered Sam. "You made mince-meat of that."
"How did you happen to land on the track?" asked the fireman.
"The wind put the machine out of control and we came down quicker than we wanted to," explained Sam. "Then you came along—before we had a chance to drag the biplane off the tracks."
"Well, I'm glad I didn't hit anybody," said the engineer, in tones of relief.
"We had a close shave," returned Tom, and then he and Sam told of how they had struck, and of how Dick had been dragged out of the way. By this time the oldest Rover boy was feeling more like himself and he managed to stand up, even though somewhat dizzy.
"Well, we're losing time," said the conductor, consulting his watch by the light of his lantern. "We'll have to get into Ashton and report this."
"And somebody has got to pay for the biplane," said Tom.
"I don't see as it is our fault," answered the trainman, and then he gave the order to go ahead—after it had been ascertained that the track was clear.
"We'll ride to Ashton with you," said Dick. "No use of staying with this wreckage," he added, to his brothers. "We can drive down to-morrow and look it over. I don't think it is worth much."
"Never mind—I am glad nobody was seriously hurt," returned Sam.