“Yes, that part's all right,” yelled the engineer, who had been ruthlessly detailed to assist. “But say, mister, how about the time-table?” “What about it?” demanded Hawkins. “Why, the other trains ain't arranged to give with this ninety-mile-an-hour gait.” “They should be. I told the railroad people that I intended to break a few records.” “But I guess they didn't know--we may smash into something, mister, and----” “Not my fault,” said the inventor. “If we do by any chance have a collision, the railroad people are to blame. But we won't. I can stop this machine and the whole train in two hundred feet. That's another great point about the Alcomotive, Griggs--the Alcobrakes. You see, when I shut off the engine proper, all the power goes into the brakes. It is thus----” “Hey, mister,” the engineer shouted again, “here's Newark!” “Why, so it is!” murmured Hawkins, with a pleased smile. “Really, I had no notion that we'd be here so soon.” I will say it for Hawkins that he managed to stop the affair at Newark in very commendable fashion. It seems so remarkable that one of his contrivances should have exhibited that much amenity to control that it is worthy of note. Some of the passengers who alighted to be sure, exhibited signs of hard usage. There were visible bruises in several cases, due, presumably, to the slightly startling suddenness with which our trip began. But Hawkins was blind to anything of that sort. “Now, wasn't that fine?” he said proudly. “Well--we're here--and alive,” was about all I could say. “I wonder how it feels to be back in the cars. Let's try it,” proposed Hawkins. “But say, mister,” said the engineer, “who's going to run the darned machine, if you're not here?” “Why, you, my man. You understand an engine of this sort, don't you? But of course you do. Here! This is the valve for the alcohol--this is the igniter--here are the brakes--this is the speed control. See? Oh, you won't find any difficulty in managing it. The Alcomotive is simplicity on wheels.” “Yes, but I've got a wife and family----” the unhappy man began. “Well,” said Hawkins, icily. “And if the thing should balk----” “Balk! Rats! Come, Griggs. It's time you started, my man. I'll wave my hand when we reach the car.” Frankly, I think that it was a downright contemptible trick to play on the defenceless engineer. Had I been able to render him any assistance, I should have stayed with him. But Hawkins was already trotting back to the cars, and, with a murmured benediction for the hapless mechanic who stood and trembled alone on the platform of the Alcomotive, I followed. We took seats in one of the cars. “Well, why doesn't he start?” muttered the inventor. “Maybe the fright has killed him,” I suggested. “It's enough----” Bang!