"Railroad train," said Dave. "The line passes just below us. You can see the smoke of the train in a minute. There she is—a fast freight. Whistled because they're going to stop for water I guess. Yes, there she goes up to the tank."
Down below them they could see the crawling freight. As they watched they saw it draw up to the tank and stop. Water poured into the tender of the engine.
"Why, look at Len! He's riding straight for the freight!" cried Dave.
"That's what he is," echoed Mr. Bellmore. "Maybe he's going to take it!"
"If he does—" murmured Dave.
They spurred on, but were too far away. A moment later they saw Len leap from his horse, abandon the creature, and jump on one of the freight cars. The engine whistled, started off and rapidly gathered speed, taking Len away from his pursuers.
"Well, if that isn't tough luck!" bitterly said Dave, as they pulled up.
Len had escaped. There was no use in chasing the fast freight.
CHAPTER XXII
TANGLES
Sitting astride his tired horse Dave looked lung and earnestly at the fast-disappearing freight, as it went around a bend in the hills. He could not see Len, but he knew the young bully was aboard.