"That's more likely to happen to us," replied the engineer shortly. "No. 10 doesn't carry anything but the money the newsboy gets out of the passengers for peanuts and bum dime novels but we have something in that express car that's going to California and it's valuable." "I'm going to California," put in Jim mildly. "But you ain't valuable," replied the engineer with a grin. "Except with this," said Jim, putting his hand on his revolver, with a touch of seeming bravado. "That's where you come in," said the engineer. "I thought you weren't giving me a ride just for the fresh air, and to get a view of the 'mountings' by moonlight. But where do you expect these villains to jump you?" inquired Jim. "Well, there are numerous, romantic, little spots along the trail ahead where they might stop us for an interview," said Ketchel. "I'm thinking they will be a lurking in 'Boxwood Canyon,'" said Bill Sheehan, the fireman. "It's the likes of a dirty black gang that will do the deed, the same that shot poor Jimmie McGuire last month because he wouldn't give up his train to 'em, and him with three childer at home." "There comes 'No. 10.'" cried Jim, "and it will be all aboard for Boxwood Canyon." "Aye, but you have sharp ears, I don't hear anything of her as yet," remarked Bill. "Him has sharp ears and eyes, Bill!" exclaimed the engineer. "That boy there can take the trail with any red Indian and that's the truth." CHAPTER II A HOLD UP At that moment there came a glare of light sweeping down the track from the headlight of "No. 10." With a roar and swaying of the big engine, the train rushed down upon them and swept past with its hind heels or wheels kicking up the dust. Then its tail lights of cherry red grew dim way down the valley. "All aboard, boys," cried Ketchel as No. 10 passed; "we've got some time to make up." "He'll stop just short of murder to the train," declared the fireman who knew his engineer when it came to a question of picking up a few minutes of time. "He will swing her like he used to drive the old stagecoach on the down grade," remarked Jim, "and that will be going some." Already they were gathering speed, as he sent "The General Denver" along the level of the valley. In a short time the train came to a steep descent through a narrow canyon, and Jim was in for a new experience. Enured though he was to all kinds of dangers it made him catch his breath when the engine went straight for a wall of solid rock and then turned as though to dash straight from the track, into the brawling stream below. It righted itself with an effort and leaped down the shining trail rocking from side to side and trembling with the vibrations of its fierce power, dashing straight for the depths of the shadows between the towering cliffs. Little did the sleeping passengers realize the dangers through which they were passing every minute.