Crash! the biplane had struck the earth, directly beside the railroad
tracks. One end of the machine rested across the rails, the other end
hung in the bushes bordering the tracks.

As they struck Tom and Dick were thrown out-- the former into the
bushes and the latter on the tracks. Sam kept at the wheel, the force
of the intact smashing the landing wheels beneath him.

For the instant all three boys were too stunned to do anything. Then,
as the gleam from the express train came closer, Tom let out a wild
cry.

"Jump! Jump for your lives! We haven't a moment to lose!"

"Dick!" screamed Sam. "Save Dick! He is on the tracks!"

"Where?"

"There!" and Sam pointed with one hand, while he clambered down from
his seat. The seat was broken and his coat got caught in the
splinters, and it was several seconds before he could release himself.

Tom looked to where his brother pointed and saw Dick lying in a heap,
face downward. The fall had been sufficient to stun him and he was
thus unable to help himself.

Tom did not hesitate over what to do. Dick was very dear to him and
never for an instant did he consider the risk he was running in going
to the rescue. He made a flying leap from the bushes to the tracks and