They started through the woods to the village, the stranger leading and Mike and James following. At the edge of the village, they paused instinctively and without a word.
"Tell me where the car is and who your accomplice is," said the stranger in the short sharp tones of one born to command, "and you two can go free. If you don't tell, I'll do my best to have you arrested and sent up for grand larceny. Understand?"
"Oh, yes," said Mike, "I understand. When I was young I learned English, foolishly, as I haven't used it since."
"We don't know where your damn car is," declared James. "And we didn't steal your blooming outfit. What do you take us for, anyway?"
"Very well, then," snapped the stranger. "I see that you won't tell. Remember, I gave you your chance."
He turned and hurried down the village street. The two watched him as he stopped a pedestrian and apparently asked to be directed to the justice of the peace, then they slipped away in the woods and quietly, simultaneously, turned north, falling into a gentle lope that took them far with the minimum of effort.
"I hope the kid ain't pinched," said James, after a while.
Mike sighed and shook his head. "Grand larceny," he murmured. "That's gratitude for you."
CHAPTER IX
ON THE ROAD