Again came the whistle of the train. “Ready!” cried Alex. “The next time!”
It came. Like sprinters they threw themselves at the car, and in a few strides were racing down the rails at full speed; reached the head of the grade, and sprang over the tail-board just as the train rumbled onto the bridge.
Downward they shot, gaining momentum at every turn of the wheels.
“Whe-ew! But we’re taking an awful chance,” said Jack, nervously.
“No. Listen to her brakes,” said Alex.
Despite his assurance, when, a moment later, the great engine suddenly appeared out of the smoke and came thundering down upon them, Alex faltered, and, with Jack, nervously clutched the sides of the little car. But dashing on unrestrained, they yet further increased their mad speed, and for a few seconds seemed even to be holding their own with the mighty mogul.
Then the great engine began eating up the distance between them, and the boys gathered themselves together for the supreme moment.
Closer came the roaring monster. “Now, don’t jump,” cautioned Alex, who had regained his nerve. “Wait until she is just going to hit us, then fall forward and grab the brace—that rod there.
“Here she comes! Ready! Now!”
With a jolt the engine hit the car, and in an instant the boys fell forward, grasped a smoke-box brace, and in another moment had scrambled to the top of the cow-catcher.