CHAPTER III
Helplessly Trapped
SPIKE uttered a cry of fright, while Joe dashed forward to make sure that his friend was right.
As Bob had said, the railroad man had fastened the door securely. There was an opening of about eight inches, across which was a heavy chain that terminated at a large lock. In order to cut the chain, a file would be necessary.
Of the three prisoners, Spike was the first to resume his natural attitude. Perhaps this was due to his wide experience in riding freight trains. At any rate he seemed to forget his plight and resign himself over to any fate.
“Tough luck!” the lad said. “Guess you guys will have to ride with me to Chicago. May be several days before we can get anything to eat, too.”
“That’s the worst part about it,” lamented Bob. “It may be days, or even weeks, before we’ll reach our destination.”
Bob and Joe were inclined to be downhearted, but their young friend was cheerful.
“Don’t you worry,” he consoled them. “I’ve been in tight fixes like this many a time, and I’ve always got out all right. One time I went out West and got locked in just like we are now.”