No one tried, but all got out of the way promptly as the team went
tearing along. The horses came to a crossing, and, terrified anew at a
spitting "Vesuvius" ahead, abruptly veered and turned down a side lane.
It was at this moment that Bart threw open the door of the cab, grasped
a handle at the side of the vehicle, and drew himself up to the driver's
seat.
The swing the horses made just then sent his feet flying out in a wild
circle, but he held on, and the rebound landed him on the seat.
Our hero cast a quick look within the vehicle. The colonel had
"rousted" up somewhat. Buffeted from side to side by the erratic and
violent movements of the horses, he was trying to maintain his balance
by frantically clinging with both hands to the cushion under him.
As a wheel struck a stone the jar drove him forward. His head smashed
out the front glass, and he uttered a yell of fear.
"Don't stir--don't jump!" shouted Bart through the opening thus made.
"We'll be killed!" cried the man.
"No, we won't. Do as I say. I'm on deck, and I'll--"
Bart sized up the situation, counted its risks and possibilities, and
described a sudden forward leap.
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