n catch in his throat, as he realized
the danger his chum was so cheerfully running. "God help him!" added the
superintendent fervently.

Jack, in the distant tower, took little time to think of the danger
himself. Catching up a lantern and lighting it, he was quickly out and
down the tower steps, and running for the nearby shed. Fortunately it was
unlocked. Darting in, he found a large can of oil. Carrying it out to the
main-line track, he returned, and hurriedly dragged forth the yard
lamp-man's rail bicycle--a three-wheeled affair, with the seat and gear
of an ordinary bicycle.

Swinging the little car onto the rails, he placed the oil can on the
platform between the arms, swung the lantern over the handlebars,
mounted, and was off, pedalling with all his might.

As he speedily neared the down-grade of the bridge approach, and the roar
of the flood met him in full force, Jack for the first time began to
realize the danger of his mission. But with grimly set lips, he refused
to think of it, and pedalled ahead determinedly.

He topped the grade, and below him was a solid roof of mist, only the
bridge towers showing.

Apprehensively, but without hesitation, he sped downward. The first
dampness of the vapor struck him. The next moment he was lost in a
blinding wall of white. He could not see the rails.

On he pedalled with bowed head. Suddenly came a roar beneath him. He was
over the water.

Jack's occasional views from the tower had shown him where the bridge was
shattered; and for some distance he continued ahead at a good speed. Then
judging he was nearing the wrecked portion, he slowed down and went on
very slowly, peering before him with straining eyes, and listening
sharply for a note in the tumult of water below which might tell of the
broken timbers and twisted iron.

It came, a roar of swirling, choking and gurgling. Simultaneously there
was a trembling of the rails beneath him.

He was on the shattered span.

At a crawl Jack proceeded. The vibration became more violent. On one side
the track began to dip. Momentarily Jack hesitated, and paused. At once
came a picture of the train rushing toward him, and conquering his fear,
he went on.

Suddenly the track swayed violently, then dipped sharply sideways. With a
cry Jack sprang off backwards, and threw himself flat on his face on the
sleepers. Trembling, deafened by the roar of the cataract just beneath
him, he lay afraid to move, believing the swayi