The story was intense. As with all short stories the focus is on the story itself and not on character development. So right away the reader must accept that the cousins are also best friends. Also it has to be assumed that some of what is presented is in the thinking of the boy's and not accept fact between them.
The story brought to mind adventures from my own childhood, and my and my cousins did challenge a train or two. I do not suggest it. Overall the short story is worth the time to read and I do give it a high suggestion to read. I also look forward to reading more from Ben. Check it out at Amazon.com >The Trestle<.