But there was one thing that neither Tommy nor the two scoundrels had seen. It was a cow that somehow or other had found its way through a gap in the fence from a pasture to the left, and was leisurely walking along the track, full in the path of the approaching train. The engineer could not see the rock, for it was too small an object, but by great good luck he did see the cow. With a tremendous effort, he stopped the engine just in time. When the train halted, it was only ten feet away from the animal, who was looking with startled eyes at the coming train. The shock of the sudden stop was such that the passengers started to their feet, and the engineer leaped from the engine. By this time Tommy had descended the bank, and was standing only a few feet away. "We have had a narrow escape," said the miner, wiping the perspiration from his brow. "You have had two narrow escapes," said Tommy, pointing to the large rock which lay across one of the rails fifteen feet further on. The engineer started, and seemed horror-struck. "Who put that rock on the track?" he demanded sternly. CHAPTER IX. AT THE PALMER HOUSE. Tommy Keegan pointed to Barlow and Jones, who rather imprudently had maintained their position, in the hope that the train would be wrecked. The engineer and the group of passengers around him eyed the two men with a quick, scrutinizing glance. Their appearance made the charge a probable one. "How do you know, boy?" asked the engineer. "I seed them put the rock on the track," answered Tommy. "It's a lie!" blustered Jones. "The boy did it himself." "The boy could not lift a rock of that size," said the engineer positively. Among the group of passengers were Robert and the miner. "Why, it's the scamps that were put off the train!" exclaimed the miner. "You recognize them?" asked the engineer. "Yes, they were put off the train at the last station for trying to swindle some of the passengers." "What have you to say to this, man?" demanded the engineer sternly. "It's a lie. The gentleman is mistaken." "No, he isn't. I was one of those who put them off the train," said one of the other passengers. "Tell all you know about it, boy," said the engineer. "I seed them try to turn the switch first," said Tommy. "They couldn't do that, so they got the rock and put dat on the track just before the train come along." Barlow and Jones saw that things were getting serious for them, and very foolishly started to run. But a dozen men went in pursuit, prominent among them being the miner, whose long legs soon brought him abreast of the rascally pair. He seized Barlow by the collar, and at the same time another passenger grasped Jones. "Now," said the engineer, "what was your object in trying to wreck the train?" "We didn't do it. The boy lies," said Jones sullenly. "It was in revenge for being put off the train," suggested the miner. "Lynch them! Hang them to the nearest tree!" shouted half a dozen.