As by a miracle it had run completely over the space from which
the rail had been loosed and landed upon the good track, down
which it now sped.
So unexpected was the change from ties to track that Adrian and
Billie were unable for a few moments to understand what had
happened. Then Billie rushed to the door and seized the hand
brake.
"Grab hold and help stop this car," he yelled to Adrian, "or
there is no knowing where we'll land."
Adrian hastened to obey, but the wrench that had been given the
car when the engine broke loose had put the brake out of
commission and the car sped on.
The three Mexican guards now appeared on the platform and gazed
wildly up the track where they could see the fight going on
between the bandits and their companions.
"What shall we do, Senor?" asked one of them.
"Search me," from Billie. "How long is this grade?"
"It is down hill all the way to Pitahaya."
"How far is that?"
"Ten kilometers from Pachuca."
"That must be about three miles farther," said Adrian.
"Correct," from Billie, "but unless it's a mighty steep up-grade
the other side of Pita-what's-its-name, we're going so fast we'll
not stop till we've run away past it."
"Well, what of it? We can coast back, can't we?"
The car gave a lurch to one side that almost threw the boys off
the platform.
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