Then Carlos seized the nippers, and, with their powerful, sharp jaws, severed the chain that held his wrist to that of the officer.
He was free!
He walked quickly to one end of the car, and as he passed him, exchanged hats with the man who was asleep.
The speed of the train had by this time slackened, so that as soon as he reached the platform of the car he jumped to the ground.
The train passed slowly along, and halted at the water-tower, some twenty rods distant.
Now came a brief period of suspense. Would his flight be discovered before the train started again? The chances were against such discovery, for no passengers were likely to get on or off. He concealed himself behind a clump of bushes and waited.
Soon the whistle sounded the signal for starting. The engine began to puff, and the red lights on the rear car to recede. There was no disturbance, no alarm.
Faster and faster went the train, until it rounded a curve, and Carlos was left solitary and alone.
The handcuff was still on his wrist, with the short fragment of chain dangling to it. To possess himself of some implement by which to rid himself of this incumbrance was the next desirable step.
After reflecting a moment, he made his way cautiously toward the water-tower. On coming within a few yards of it, he stopped suddenly and fell flat on the ground. A man emerged from the door of the structure. It was the keeper.