Phil Forrest, however, was keeping his eyes steadily on
the shining rails ahead. All at once the storm broke.
The lightning seemed to rend the heavens before them.
Then the rain came down in a deluge.
So heavy was the rainfall that the young pilot could see only
a few car lengths ahead of him. Instinctively he tightened the
brakes slightly. The car was swaying giddily, not having a
train with it to steady it.
"We ought to be near that grade the section man told us about,"
said Conley.
"Yes; I was just thinking of that. I guess I had better let her
out, so we shall be sure to make it."
Phil threw off the brake wheel and Car Three shot ahead like a
great projectile, rocking from side to side, moving at such high
speed that the joints in the rails gave off a steady purring
sound under the wheels.
The wildcat car struck the grade with a lurch and a bang,
climbing it at a tremendous pace.
The two men on the front platform were compelled to hold on with
their full strength, in order to keep from being hurled into the
ditch beside the track.
"I hope Teddy is all right," shouted Phil.
Billy leaned out over the side looking back. Teddy, who was also
leaning out, peering ahead regardless of the driving rain, waved
a hand at him.
"Yes; you can't hurt _that_ boy--"
Just then the car plunged over the crest of the hill and went
thundering away down the steep grade.
Pages:
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184