By this time the passengers, whose curiosity had been roused by the
sudden halt, began to pour out of the cars.

When they saw the washout, strong men turned pale, and ladies grew
faint, while many a fervent ejaculation of gratitude was heard at the
wonderful escape.

"We owe our lives to this boy!" said the engineer. "It was he who
stood on the fence and signaled me. We owe our deliverance to
this--tablecloth."

A small man, somewhat portly, pushed his way up to Harry.

"What is your name, my lad?" he asked, brusquely.

"Harry Vane."

"I am the president and leading stockholder of the road, and my
property has come very near being the death of me. Gentlemen"--here
the president turned to the group of gentlemen around him--"don't you
think this boy deserves a testimonial?"

"Yes, yes!" returned the gentlemen, in chorus.

"So do I, and I lead off with a subscription of twenty dollars."

One after another followed the president's lead, the president himself
making the rounds bareheaded, and gathering the contributions in his
hat.