They were expecting great things of the new motor, but were scarcely prepared for the burst of speed which Jimmie coaxed it to yield.
In a few moments they had overhauled the train and were speeding along a short distance ahead of it. Jimmie had brought the craft to a distance but little above the flying locomotive and its burden.
"See him try to beat us!" cried the lad, triumphantly.
"He never can do it," agreed Jack. "Besides, he'll have to slow up for the bridge across that river ahead. That puts him out of the race!"
"Here comes our friend again!" cried Francois, pointing.
"Well, of all things!" declared Jimmie. "He's got nerve!"
"Keep yours, and show him what a Wolf can do," advised Ned.
Nodding his acknowledgment, Jimmie began an ascent which he hoped would carry him above the approaching enemy. He was not quick enough, however, to execute this maneuver, and contented himself with flying directly ahead at an increased altitude. Unconsciously the boy still followed the line of the railroad as it approached the river ahead. The train had now been left a mile or more behind.
Anxiously watching the enemy, the boys observed that he was about to attempt to cross above them once more. More arrows were expected.