Hal peered over Chester's shoulder.

"Another sh.e.l.l," he said slowly. "But how does it happen we were not killed also?"

"I don't know," said Chester, "but I judge the sh.e.l.l must have struck in the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the engine."

It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of the cab, made a startling discovery.

"Wow!" he shouted. "Here come the Germans again--thousands of 'em. We are goners, now, sure."

But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he released the brakes and threw the throttle wide--and the huge locomotive leaped suddenly forward.

"It's our only chance," Hal shouted to Chester. "The track behind is covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way."

That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and bullets began to spatter against the side of the engine.

"Well, we'll give 'em a chase, anyhow," said Hal grimly.

He opened the throttle even wider.

CHAPTER X.

A WILD RIDE.

The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot with a lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the rails.

"Where is the end of this road?" asked Chester of Hal, raising his voice to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding locomotive.

"I don't know," Hal shouted back.

"Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and we would certainly be killed."

"You are right," shouted Hal.

Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon slackened.

Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far in the rear, and both breathed more freely.

"How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?" Chester demanded.

"Don't you think we had better get off and walk back?"

"What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much.

Besides, I am certain the British must control this road at the other end or it would have been destroyed by this time. We'll just keep on going and see what happens."

"Well, something will happen, all right," said Chester. "I can feel it in my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then."

The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen eye ahead. For perhaps five minutes they rode along without incident; then suddenly Hal, without even a word to Chester, "opened her up"

again.

Once more the huge locomotive jumped forward.

"What's the matter now?" cried Chester, springing to Hal's side.

"Matter!" shouted Hal. "Look ahead."

Chester peered out, and drew his head back with an exclamation.

"More Germans, eh!" he muttered, and then shouted. "You do the driving and I'll keep her hot."

"Good!" Hal called back, never taking his eyes from the road ahead.

Apparently the Germans were unconscious of the approach of the locomotive, for they did not even glance in its direction. Troopers stood beside either side of the track, and several groups were standing between the rails.

Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move.

A moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a sudden shout, but it was too late--for some, at any rate.

The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine shot past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close work, and no mistake.

"Whew!" breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of the German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the locomotive. "That was close."

"Too close for comfort," Hal agreed.

"I wonder how many we killed back there," said Chester.

"I don't know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their lives or ours."

"It's only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken cause," said Chester slowly. "But, as you say, it was either they or us. There was nothing else we could do."

"No," said Hal, "there wasn't; but, just the same, it gave me a cold chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible."

Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its way. It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed of the engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a wary eye ahead for Germans.

Darkness came on, and still they rode along. Their speed was little better than a walk, and it was well that Hal had decided to discontinue his reckless driving.

From ahead, a sudden red glare went up to the sky, followed almost instantly by a report like that of a thousand cannons. The locomotive came to a stop with a jolt as Hal applied the brakes.

"What's up now?" demanded Chester.

"I don't know; but that explosion sounded to me as if there were something wrong ahead. I wouldn't be surprised if the Germans had dynamited the bridge."

"By George! I believe you are right," exclaimed Chester. "I wouldn't have thought of it, and if I had been in your place at the throttle the chances are we would have gone over if such is the case."

"Well," said Hal, "I'll climb down, take a walk ahead and investigate."

"I'll go with you," declared Chester.