The car gave a lurch to one side that almost threw the boys off the platform.
"We're certainly going some," called Adrian. "Hang on!"
And hang on they did until they dashed past the little station of Pitahaya and after several minutes began to slow down.
"This is a little better," Adrian finally remarked as the car showed some sign of coming to a stop.
"Yes, indeed," from Billie. "I suppose we'll come to a dead stop soon. Do you think she'll start back on her own hook, or shall we have to start her?"
"We'll soon see," and see they did, for a couple of minutes later the car came to a stop.
For some minutes the five occupants of the car waited to see if it would start back down the grade. When it did not they got off to decide what could be done.
"It's a mighty steep hill," Billie ventured. "Looks as though the five of us ought to start it. Let's try."
The five put their shoulders against the car and pushed with all their might, but it refused to budge.
"If we only had a crowbar," said Adrian, "we could start it in a jiffy. Suppose some of you look in the car. There might be one there."