He made a rapid inspection of the shed, and stopped at the far end with a low whistle.
“What is it now?” demanded Chester.
“Petrol,” replied Hal. “Gallons and gallons of it. Now what do you suppose it is here for?”
“That doesn’t concern us,” said Chester dryly. “We’ll fill up the tank of one of these cars and get away.”
Quickly this was done, and the car was run out the door. Chester climbed into the rear seat and motioned for Alexis to follow him. Alexis hesitated.
“I’ve never been in one of those things,” he said slowly. “Now, a horse is all right. I know all about a horse. But I don’t know anything about these things.”
“Never mind that,” said Chester. “Get in here quick. Those Austrians are likely to be back any minute and we must hurry.”
Alexis climbed in, plainly not without trepidation, and sank back in one of the comfortable seats. Hal already had taken his place at the wheel, and slowly the large machine moved forward.
“I wonder,” said Hal to Chester, “whether we can go down these passes safely.”
“Where a machine has gone once, another may go,” said Chester calmly. “Besides, if you’ll notice, there is a well-defined track ahead of you, and unless I am much mistaken, it goes not toward the road but away from it.”