"Then we ought to do it," decided Betty, "for we don't want to get caught in the rain," and she glanced up at the clouds that were now more threatening.
They reached the railroad track a short distance out of the little village, and proceeded down the stretch of rails.
"There's a train in half an hour," a man informed them, "but you'll be off long before then."
"I hope so," murmured Amy.
They had nearly reached the end of the ballasted way, when Betty, who was in the lead, came to a sudden halt.
"What is it," asked Mollie, "a snake? Oh, girls!"
"No, not a snake," was the quick answer. "But look! This rail is broken!
It must have cracked when the last train passed. And another one—an
express—is due soon! If it runs over that broken rail it may be wrecked!
Girls, we've got to stop that train!" and she faced her chums resolutely.
CHAPTER XV
"IT'S A BEAR!"
"What can we do?" It was Grace who asked the question. It was Betty, the
Little Captain, who answered it.