Lee, however, was not so easily silenced. Climbing down, she crossed the
wabbling cab with unsteady steps and caught Jake's arm. "Oh, don't take
the risk. We'll abandon the engine. Come with us!"
Looking down into her face, Jake's bleak eyes were almost soft. He
gently patted her hand. "Now don't be jumping at conclusions, Missy. We
need the enjine to go on, but I ain't a-going to commit suicide. If the
tracks are blocked we'll back right off. Then I'll take to the bushes
an' follow you round."
With that she had to be content. But, realizing the danger, she climbed
up and sat beside him while the mogul rolled and racked and plunged
forward through the night. She was still sitting there when, an hour
later, a headlight flashed up far away.
"They've wired ahead!" Bull yelled across the cab. "Make him stop, Jake!
We'll take to the bushes here."
"Oh! now you come with us!" Lee cried.
But Jake's answer wiped out her happiness. "No, Missy, I'll pull 'em
along for a few miles while you-all make your getaway afore I drop off."
Already the throttle was closed. Slowing under the brakes, the mogul
glided to a stop. Leaping down, Gordon caught the provisions,
ammunition, and rifles as Bull threw them down. Meanwhile Lee stood
looking up at Jake with wide, distressed eyes.
"Come on, dear!" Gordon called up from below.
"No time to waste." Bull touched her shoulder.