But the reply finally came back that the cars did not stop there, as the bandits had taken possession of the engine, and were seen forcing the engineer to keep the train going by menacing him with their pistols.
Timberlake was not surprised at this.
He knew that there were no more desperate men than the James Boys, and was aware that they would resort to any means to escape.
"I can't do anything farther," he sighed. "At least, not until I get back to Missouri. I think I'll call on Jack Wright, and get all the facts from him of the bank swindle."
He thereupon left the hotel.
Going to Jack's house, he found the inventor in.
Introducing himself, and showing his credentials, the sheriff had a long talk about the matter with the inventor.
In conclusion, he said:
"For a long time I have tried every means to capture those bandits. But they slip away from me with the most remarkable ease every time I feel surest I've got them. There's a reward of $5,000 offered by the governor of the State for their capture, and I and a Pinkerton detective named Carl Greene have been making the most desperate efforts to capture the James Boys, and break up their gang. We have thus far failed to do so."
"Why has it been such a difficult task?" asked Jack.