how does it happen we were not
killed also?"

"I don't know," said Chester, "but I judge the shell must have struck
in the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the
engine."

It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot
free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of
the cab, made a startling discovery.

"Wow!" he shouted. "Here come the Germans again--thousands of 'em. We
are goners, now, sure."

But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he
released the brakes and threw the throttle wide--and the huge
locomotive leaped suddenly forward.

"It's our only chance," Hal shouted to Chester. "The track behind is
covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way."

That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a
shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and
bullets began to spatter against the side of the engine.

"Well, we'll give 'em a chase, anyhow," said Hal grimly.

He opened the throttle even wider.

CHAPTER X.

A WILD RIDE.

The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to
whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot
with a lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the
rails.

"Where is the end of this road?" asked Chester of Hal, raising his
voice to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding
locomotive.

"I don't know," Hal shouted back.

"Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and
we would certainly be killed."

"You are right," shouted Hal.

Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul
trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon
slackened.

Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far
in the rear, and both breathed more freely.

"How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?" Chester demanded.
"Don't you think we had better get off and walk back?"

"What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much.
Besides, I am certain the British must control this road at the other
end or it would have been destroyed by this time. We'll just keep on
going and see what happens."

"Well, something will happen, all right," said Chester. "I can feel it
in my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then."

The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen