But there was one thing that neither Tommy nor the two scoundrels had seen. It was a cow that somehow or other had found its way through a gap in the fence from a pasture to the left, and was leisurely walking along the track, full in the path of the approaching train.
The engineer could not see the rock, for it was too small an object, but by great good luck he did see the cow.
With a tremendous effort, he stopped the engine just in time. When the train halted, it was only ten feet away from the animal, who was looking with startled eyes at the coming train.
The shock of the sudden stop was such that the passengers started to their feet, and the engineer leaped from the engine.
By this time Tommy had descended the bank, and was standing only a few feet away.
"We have had a narrow escape," said the miner, wiping the perspiration from his brow.
"You have had two narrow escapes," said Tommy, pointing to the large rock which lay across one of the rails fifteen feet further on.
The engineer started, and seemed horror-struck.
"Who put that rock on the track?" he demanded sternly.