he
bandits, uncouple the train, put on the brakes and stop the
coaches. We will rush by with the engine and express car, firing
as we go----"

"Which will be all right," interrupted Billie, "if they don't
ditch the engine."

Adrian's face fell.

"I hadn't thought of that."

"Well, you'd better."

After a moment Adrian's face brightened.

"They might better ditch the engine and express car than the
whole train," he declared.

"Right you are," from Donald. "If you and Billie are game enough
to try it, I say it is the proper thing. If they ditch the
engine, we will be back a ways and can run down to your
assistance. If they don't ditch you, we will have them between
two fires."

"Just what I thought," replied Adrian. "How about it, Billie?"

"I'm game. My head may be a little thick, but I can see just as
far through a two-inch plank as the next one."

"All right, then. Come on," and Adrian led the way into the car
ahead, while Donald and Pedro stood by to uncouple as soon as
they passed the clump of trees before alluded to.

Almost at the same instant several sharp blasts from the whistle
gave the danger signal, and Donald threw over the coupling lever
and put on the brake. The coaches slowed quickly down, but the
engine and express car dashed in between the horsemen stationed
on either side of the track.

Prepared for what they knew was coming, the engineer and fireman
had thrown themselves down on the floor of the cab, while Adrian,
Billie and the three guards poured a volley into the robbers as
they passed and several horses lost their mounts.

This fire was followed by a fusillade from the horsemen and a
minute later the engine, striking an unspiked rail, rolled
completely over into the ditch, wrenching itself clear from the
express car, which, after bumping over the ties for several
seconds, suddenly ceased its antics and glided smoothly along.

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 ou