As he spoke a new thought flashed into his mind and now, looking into the earnest faces of the Scouts, he saw the thought that was in his own mind grow in theirs.
The trestle! But to run along that trestle over the mass of seething, angry water, when the slightest misstep meant death, to warn the on-coming train—could he ask or expect such a heroic deed from these Scouts, the oldest of whom was scarcely more than a boy? He must consider.
The wind that had risen to a hurricane before the storm had broken now began to rise again, and he knew that this would increase the peril fourfold. What was his duty to these boys? Should he teach them at this crisis that their first duty was to themselves, or that it was their great privilege to risk their own lives to save others?
His decision was made, and, raising his head, he quickly called for a volunteer.
Every Scout, to the last man, stood ready!
Strong man as he was, Mr. Durland felt the tears rush to his eyes, and he could not speak for a moment for the choking in his throat. Then he said, “Well, Scouts, I’m proud of every one of you, but you see you cannot all go.” Then glancing keenly about, he continued: “I will let you choose your own man. Whom do you think best fitted, not by courage, for you are all that, but by physical strength and steadiness of head to undertake this task?”
And there was but one word spoken, as with but one voice, “Jack!”
CHAPTER XIV
THE SAVING OF THE TRAIN
Without a word Jack threw off his Scout’s pack and prepared for his task, but turned to ask what he should do for something with which to flag the train. Harry French whipped out a large red silk handkerchief and quickly passed it over. Without a moment’s delay Jack swung off, with Mr. Durland’s “Take care of yourself, Jack,” and the good-bye shouts of his fellow Scouts ringing in his ears.
His companions held their breath as he swung out over the rushing water. Until now they had failed to notice in the excitement that the sky had again darkened and that there was every sign of another downpour. The darkness increased, and again came that terrible rain in such sheets that, strain their eyes as they would, they could not see a trace of Jack.