The man’s manner, as much as his words, showed how deeply he felt what he was saying.
It was not necessary to read Frank Merriwell a temperance lecture. He fully realized the truth of Hobson’s words. Years before he had promised his dying mother that he would not drink, and although he had been greatly tempted, that promise had never been broken.
Finally, when the work slackened somewhat, Hobson swung down from the engine and went into the yardmaster’s office, saying he would be back in a minute.
The main track was clear, and Hobson had not been gone a minute when Frank was directed to run up past the freight house and change onto another switch. This was to be done on the main track, as no trains were due.
But just as 91 was running along the main track past the freight house, the operator came jumping out of the little office, showing great excitement.
“Get off the track!” he cried. “Clear the track. There is a wild engine coming, and she ought to be here now!”
Frank’s heart gave a leap. A wild engine was coming, and he was on the main track.
The operator waved his arms and shouted. Looking over the tender Frank saw the wild engine just rounding a curve in the distance. Then he opened up, and 91 jumped ahead.
Frank thought he might get down past the switch, and back onto the first siding, thus letting the wild engine pass. He was going to make the attempt.
But, as he approached the switch, he saw that the tender was not on hand, although he had whistled for the man.
Another look back told Merry he had not a moment to spare if he would get out of the way of the runaway engine. He thought he might be able to stop 91, jump off, open the switch, get on again, and back out of harm’s way. Then he saw that he might not be able to do the trick, and, even if he did succeed, he could not leave the engine again in time to throw the switch and save the runaway from being wrecked.
In such a position it was necessary to think swiftly. There was one thing he could do.
He could run away from the wild engine if he could keep up steam.
Now the engine was close upon him, and he hooked 91 up another notch. Down past the first switch he ran, bidding farewell to the hope of backing in and leaving a clear track.