"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.