On thundered the pursuing auto. Jerry slowed up at the turn, but even then he took it at such speed that the machine skidded unpleasantly.
Once more they swung out into a straight stretch, and as they did so there came a simultaneous cry of surprise from the three boys.
For there before them, off to one side, and stuck deep in the muddy road-side ditch, was the car of Noddy Nixon. But the bully was not in it, nor was he in sight. He had suddenly disappeared.
[CHAPTER IV]
NODDY NIXON’S PLIGHT
“What can have happened to him?” asked Ned.
“That’s his auto; isn’t it?” demanded Bob.
“Surely,” answered Jerry. “No mistaking that; but Noddy isn’t in it—that is unless he was knocked unconscious and has slipped under the seat.”
“Let’s look,” proposed Ned. Jerry had brought their own car to a stop, and as the three lads alighted, peering anxiously toward the stalled machine for a sight of the bully, they were startled by hearing a groan of distress.