“I think we are over the worst of it now,” he announced a moment later. “There’s not so much crackling; and I don’t think it is so hot.”
Simultaneously the car began to leap less wildly, then perceptibly to slow up. Alex at once prepared to climb out again. “I’ll give her another run,” he said. But promptly Jack pressed him back. “No you don’t! I’m going to take my turn.” And in another moment he was out in the full glare of the still shrivelling heat, rushing the car on at the top of his speed. A hundred yards he drove it, and scrambled back within, gasping for breath. Emptying one of the remaining cans over Jack’s head, Alex sprang out and took his place.
A moment after, they struck a slight up grade. Alex uttered a joyful shout. “Only a short run farther, Jack, and we’re out of the woods!”
But immediately he followed this glad announcement with one of new alarm.
“The washout! I’d forgotten it! It’s just ahead! The rails there almost hang in the air!”
In a panic Alex slowed up. Jack climbed out beside him. “Let us rush it,” he suggested. “The rails may hold—like a bridge. We’re not heavy. And we may as well take one more chance.”
Alex debated. “All right! Come on! And jump quick when I say! I think I can tell when we are near it.”
Once more the car was flying onward through the haze.
“Here we come! Now!”
With a bound Jack was back in the car. Alex made a final rush, and sprang after. The car dipped forward and sideways, a breathless instant seemed to hang in mid-air, then righted, and shot forward smoothly. Uttering a hoarse shout of joy, the boys leaped out, and were again running the car ahead, and a moment later gave vent to a second and louder cry.