"No," cried Jack emphatically. "I heard all they said, and I've come to help you. There!"
He drew his knife and cut the cords, setting the man free.
"Now," he said, "I've taken the first step. I'm willing to do what you may suggest."
"But—but how on airth did yer get thar, up in the lantern?" asked the conductor. "Aer you a passenger?"
"Yes and no," answered our hero boldly. "I climbed aboard when the train was going, and got on the back of this coach. But I'd seen you tied up when I looked in through the window. I thought I'd help."
"And so ye've risked bein' shot by those villains. Lad, ye've grit in you. Shake a paw. Now, what's ter be done? The train's almost stopping. Ah, swing that wheel back! My hands and arms are too numbed to do it. That'll let the pace git up agin, and possibly leave one of the men behind. Next thing is to make along to the other coaches. Pull that er drawer open. Thar's a couple of shooters thar, and they're ready loaded."
Jack followed the man's orders swiftly, and felt the train gathering way already. Then he brought the revolvers.
"Get a grip of one yerself," said the conductor. "Now jest rub these arms of mine. That's the way. There's a bit more feelin' in 'em already. In a little I'll have a grip, and then we'll give them rascals sauce. Aer yer afraid?"
"No, I don't reckon I am," answered Jack. "I'll help you."
"Then come along. Stick the shooter in your pocket and grip the rail. But I forgot, yer've had experience jest lately. One warnin' though before we move. Ef yer get a sight of those fellers, shoot! Don't wait. Shoot!"