The engineer and conductor were talking excitedly with a signal-man, whom the station-master at Medicine Bow, the next stopping place, had sent on before.

The passengers drew around and took part in the discussion, in which Colonel Proctor, with his insolent manner, was conspicuous.
Passepartout, joining the group, heard the signal-man say, "No! you can't pass.

The bridge at Medicine Bow is shaky, and would not bear the weight of the train." This was a suspension-bridge thrown over some rapids, about a mile from the place where they now were.

According to the signal-man, it was in a ruinous condition, several of the iron wires being broken; and it was impossible to risk the passage.

He did not in any way exaggerate the condition of the bridge.