He was none too soon. Back of him he could hear Ned stumbling over rails and ties with his burden. Then came the heart-rending crash.
The car of ore had plunged into the wreck of their empty car, hurling rocks in all directions. Had they remained where they had been, there would have been none left to tell the story of their experiences.
"I guess it's all over," shouted Ned. "But, there will be more, soon, and some of them may hit us."
In obedience to Tad's command, Ned dragged Walter along a few rods further, where on a curve both boys laid down their burdens.
Tom Phipps under the rough treatment that he had received was stirring and making an effort to sit up. Tad helped him along by slapping him vigorously between the shoulders. Ned was shaking Walter almost savagely.
"Wake up, Walt! Wake up! What's the matter with you?"
Walter groaned.
By this time Tom Phipps had partially pulled himself together.
Tad's heart leaped with joy.
"Walt will be all right in a minute, I guess," Ned informed him.