[CHAPTER XII]
DISAPPOINTMENT
“What do you suppose his game is?” asked Bob, as the auto containing Noddy and two others shot around a curve in the main road, leaving a cloud of dust behind.
“His game was to delay us long enough to catch up to us, I think,” explained Jerry. “You see he lost time when he had to stop to fix his tires, and he’s depending on us to show him the way to Snake Island, since he failed to get any clews as he sneaked around. But he spoiled his own chances. We’re behind him now, and he’ll have his own troubles tracing us.”
“Are you going to let him get a long way in advance?” asked Ned.
“I think so. The more trouble we can give him to pick us up the better—for us. I’m even going to get off the main road, if I can, and take a less-used route.”
“The nerve of him charging us with assault and battery, just because he happened to run over a few tacks!” exclaimed Bob, with an air of virtuous indignation.
“Well, I suppose it did batter them up a bit,” remarked Jerry with a smile. “The auto stopped rather suddenly, you remember.”
“It sure did,” agreed Ned. “But say, I wonder who that other chap is with Noddy. I saw Bill Berry plainly enough, but I can’t imagine who the other fellow is.”
“I had a glimpse of his face,” said Professor Snodgrass, looking up from his note book. “I have seen him before, somewhere, but I can’t recollect where. I never forget a face, but the association sometimes escapes me. However, I may recall it later. I think—hold on, Jerry, don’t move!” he exclaimed suddenly, for the tall lad had reached forward to start the car. “There’s a fine, big yellow-backed toad at the foot of that stump. I must get it. It isn’t as valuable as the two-tailed one, but it is a very good specimen,” and the scientist leaped out and was soon in possession of the toad, which he clapped into a box.