Part 7 (1/2)
”Most of the stretch, and perhaps it wasn't thought necessary,” replied Frank
”We're going to save it, all right; but I wonder if our train dare pass over? It seems to me the fire must have weakened the structure more or less,” remarked Jerry
”Oh, well, they'll find so about the delay Mr Mabie will have to wait so long”
”But, Frank, they must wire the news, and he will know the reason for our hold-up,” said Will quickly, and the others all agreed that this must be so
Less than an hour later the last spark had been extinguished Then men climbed all over the trestle to ascertain just how much it had been weakened by the fire
There was a difference of opinion aood as ever, and the others shaking their heads soles if the through train, with its heavy sleepers, attes ofup a weak spot hat ency of this sort, a freight train that happened to be on a siding at the station, was pushed out on the trestle to discover how the situation stood
The chuuratively speaking; but no catastrophe followed, and it began to appear that, after all, the express iven, this tiest flats, laden with steel beams The trestle bore the strain handsomely
”That settles it, fellows Back to our car for us We're going across!”
sang out Jerry as he turned ande here?” asked Bluff, sighing, and they kneas thinking again of the weary hours thattrunk in order to ascertain whether his fears in connection with that beloved hunting-knife had any foundation or not
”Three hours, about Give the, and there you are Hark! The engineer has started to whistle That is to tell the passengers a start is intended; and here they co left” And Frank laughed at the energy displayed by some of those who had been aboard
It was a critical ti trestle Everybody doubtless held their breath, and doubtless ht, boys! We're safely over!” exclai out of the open , he could see that they had passed the critical stage
”Oh! I'lad! I don't knohen I've felt such a flutter about ood snapshot of that burning bridge Every time we look at it we can re with relief
It was now about ten o'clock at night, and on account of the delay, travel wasthe line
Frank, uponinquiries, learned that they would not arrive at their destination until about daybreak, and so he and his chums went to their berths to secure what sleep was possible
Frank had the before dawn they were fully dressed, awaiting the arrival of the train at the valley station with impatience
”Another hour now, and then I shall know,” Bluff was saying to hioodness!” exclaimed Jerry, who happened to overhear hi you see when you open your bag will be that awful sword”
”We're stopping, fellows!” cried Will, treerness
Five minutes later they jumped down from the train
”hello, boys! Glad to see you! Better late than never!” said a hearty voice, and then they found theray-bearded face seeood nature