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.