“Here!” exclaimed Jerry. “Bob, you and Ned go ahead with the lantern, and the professor and I will carry Tommy. Step lively now!”
Moving in that order the procession started, and in a few minutes the travelers were back at the machine, which did not seem to have been disturbed. There was no sight or sound of the gang.
Tommy was made as comfortable as possible, and then there was a brief consultation.
“Which way had we better go?” asked Jerry.
“I think it would be best to turn around,” said Bob. “We’ll run up against the gang if we go ahead.”
“The best road is straight ahead through this woods,” spoke Tommy. “If you take the other your machine will get stuck.”
“Then we’ll take this one, and trust to luck not to have any trouble with the gang,” decided Jerry, as he cranked up the car.
Just as they started the moon came out from the clouds, for the rain had ceased, and, though not many of the silver beams shone through the thick foliage, it was much lighter than it had been. Jerry threw in the gear and the next instant the car glided forward and shot along the tunnel of trees, leaving the hut where Tommy Bell had been a prisoner.
“Is the Mexican camp near this main road?” asked the professor of Tommy.
“About three hundred feet in,” answered the boy, who was feeling much better.