CHEATING THE MAN-KILLER


For the first few yards the assistant engineer ran almost as well as
though on a cinder track. Then his feet sank in. Soon he stumbled.

Then there came a time, within ten feet of Tom, when Harry felt his feet
settling in the sand despite his efforts to pull himself out.

In the meantime the haulers on the other line had forgotten to pull the
laborer nearer to safety.

"You men get your eyes on the job!" sternly commanded Payson, who seemed
capable of having eyes everywhere.

Harry got out, somehow. He made a bound, landing within arm's length of
Tom Reade.

"I'm here, old chum!" gasped Hazelton.

"I knew you'd be," returned Tom calmly, "if there were any way of doing
it."

Harry pulled himself together and floundered still closer.

Nor was there a moment to be lost. Tom was already reduced to the
choice between silence and having his mouth filled with sand.

Harry's hands worked with lightning speed. Feverishly he dug out the
sand, until he had scooped away enough to bare Tom's shoulders and a few