Schwartz blew his nose with great deliberation.
“Ole,” said he, “what d’ye think of the old man’s scheme?”
“Ay tank,” said Ole, “dat bane hellufa notion!”
“Come,” said Mr. Elkins, “we’re losing time! Uncouple at once!”
We started to mount the engine; but Schwartz and Ole were before us, barring the way.
“Wait,” said Schwartz. “Jest look at it, now. It’s quite a run yet; and the chances are you’d have the cylinder-heads knocked out before you’d got half way; and then where’d you be with your connections?”
“Do you mean to say,” said Jim, “that there’s any likelihood of the engine’s dying on us between here and the Junction?”
“It’s a cinch!” said Schwartz.
“For God’s sake, then, let’s get on!” said Jim. “I believe you’re lying to me, Schwartz. But do this: As you come to the trestle, stop. From the approach we can see down the other track for ten miles. If Pendleton’s train is far enough off so as to give us time, we’ll see how the bridge is before we cross. If we’re pressed for time too much for this, promise me that you’ll stop and let us run the engine across alone.”
“I’ll think about it,” said Schwartz; “and if I conclude to, I will. It’s got to clear up, if we can see even the headlight on the other road very far. Ready, Jack?”