The boy knew at once that some accident had happened, and unmindful of
the severe scratch he had received, he instantly clambered to his
feet, and began examining the machinery, first taking the precaution
to give vent to the surplus steam, which was rapidly gathering.
It was some time before he could discover the cause of difficulty, but
he finally ascertained that a small bolt had slipped loose, and had
caught in such a manner as to check the motion of the engine on the
instant.
Fortunately no permanent injury was done, and while he was making
matters right, he recollected that in chatting with the trapper as he
was on the point of starting, be had begun to screw on the bolt, when
his attention had been momentarily diverted, when it escaped his mind
altogether, so that he alone was to blame for the accident, which had
so narrowly escaped proving a serious one.
Making sure that everything was right, he remounted the wagon, and
cautiously resumed his journey, going very slowly at first, so as to
watch the play of the engine.
Everything moved with its usual smoothness, and lifting his gaze he
descried three buffaloes, standing with erect heads, staring
wonderingly at him.
'If you want a chase you may have it!' exclaimed the boy as he headed
toward them.
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