But had Ralph known of the danger place that lay not so far ahead now, he might not have been so confident.
“Put on the brake!” Jack shouted back over his shoulder as they tore along that dangerous trail.
“Bless my soul! Why didn’t I think of that?” exclaimed Captain Atkinson.
Handing the driver over to the care of the boys, he clambered into the former’s seat, and, placing his foot on the heavy California–style brake, he jammed it down with all his force.
“Good!” cried Jack as the wheels screeched and groaned.
The horses appeared more terrified than ever at the racket made by the brake, but it was strong enough to check their speed perceptibly, struggle as they would.
A short distance further came a little rise, beyond which lay the dangerous spot that Jack dreaded. The rise completed what the brake had begun.
“They’re slackening speed, Jack!” cried Captain Atkinson.
“They are, indeed!” hurled back Jack. “I think I’ll have them under control in a jiffy.”