He got a wrench and unfastened the bolts, took off the two pieces, and then saw that the rim of one of the wheels had picked up a long stone which flew around with it.
It jammed between the body of the stage and one of the spokes, and the sudden shock had caused the rod to snap.
Just as Jack examined it, he heard the distant tooting of a locomotive whistle, momentarily drawing nearer.
"Here comes the express now!" he exclaimed.
"Kin yer git her ready in time?"
"No. It will take an hour to fix this."
"Donner und blitzen! Dey holt her ub!"
"No doubt of it."
"We must do somethin', my lad."
"Arm yourselves, if you're anxious. Don your metal suits. We'll follow the train. She must be nearing the curve to whistle like that. Hurry up, and we'll leave the Terror here."