As the train sped by him he heard startled exclamations and shouted oaths mingled with the sound of the breaking glass. He caught a glimpse of the engineer face thrust from the cab window, and once more he frantically waved the red flag.
At last, at last, he heard the grinding and whistling of the air-brakes as the express began to slow down. So great had been its speed that its momentum carried it on even when all steam had been shut off and the air-brakes applied.
The engineer and fireman, now fully aware of some terrible danger, feared the train could not be stopped in time. With bated breath they waited, while nearer and nearer crept that awful gap. On, on, went the great locomotive until within two scant feet of the broken trestle when, with whistling brakes and grinding wheels, it came to a full stop.
From cab and car people poured, gathering around Jack, whose white face, bleeding hands and clothing torn almost in shreds told their own story of the terrible ordeal through which he had just passed.
As it happened, there were several wealthy mine owners on the train going up into the Adirondacks to verify a report of a rich vein in that locality. With them was the superintendent of the road, likewise interested in the mining project. His family, consisting of his wife, his married daughter and her husband and their two young children, were also of the party. It was for their accommodation that a most luxuriously furnished private car had been added to the regular train, and very soon Jack, quite restored, found himself sitting in a wonderfully comfortable chair, and the center of attraction.
With keenest interest all listened to his account of the storm in the mountains and as, in answer to their many questions, they drew from him the story of the crossing of the trestle, their hearts glowed with gratitude to the brave Boy Scout who had done so much for them. They quickly made up a purse, and the superintendent of the road presented it to Jack, saying, “This is from the passengers, for they recognize the great debt you have placed upon them, and I can say for the road itself that it will be quick to recognize in a substantial way the service you have rendered it.”
Jack drew back, and firmly refused to accept the reward, first of all because he did not wish it, and second because it is against Scout rules to accept a reward for any such service. When the passengers saw how determined he was in the matter, their admiration knew no bounds, and if Jack had not been as strong minded as we know him to be, it is to be feared that he would have grown conceited.
The superintendent soon gave orders to the engineer to make best speed in backing the train to the county town, only a mile or two away, and there Jack alighted, and after a short wait was joined by the rest of the Troop, who had gained the town by means of a bridge which had withstood the storm some miles down the river.
CHAPTER XV
A STRANGE DUEL
Lounging in all sorts of careless attitudes around the campfire that evening, the boys were playing with Don. That exuberant animal was an unfailing source of delight. No matter how much he had tramped through the day, he was always ready for a frolic with the boys. All of them were fond of him and since he had led the Scouts to the cave and saved the lives of Jack and Tom just when the situation seemed most desperate, he had become the idol of the camp. He was constantly learning new tricks and perfecting those he had. Now he rolled over and over, turned somersaults, stood on his hind legs and marched as a soldier, stretched himself out and played dead and went through all his extensive stock of tricks. Nor did he do it as a matter of obedience to the shout of a command, but took as much delight in it as did the boys themselves. It was easily seen that he thought himself as important as any Scout in camp and there were times, it must be said, when the boys agreed with him.