"Now," said the engineer, "what was your object in trying to wreck the train?"
"We didn't do it. The boy lies," said Jones sullenly.
"It was in revenge for being put off the train," suggested the miner.
"Lynch them! Hang them to the nearest tree!" shouted half a dozen.
"That's my idea," said the miner.
Had the engineer sanctioned this, it would have been done without further delay, but he was a man of good judgment, and would not countenance such a proceeding.
"No," he said, "secure them and take them on board the train."
"Come here, boy," said the miner, beckoning to Tommy. "The passengers owe you something for exposing these infamous rascals. Who will chip in?"
He took off his hat and dropped in a piece of money. Others followed suit, and the happy Tommy went away the richer by over thirty dollars. The two men were secured by a strong cord, and once again boarded the train as passengers, but under very unfavorable circumstances, and with gloomy forebodings as to the fate that was in store for them.