“From there we’ll take up the trail,” said Tinny.
The automobile soon took them to the spot where they had turned back the night before. As they came in sight of the little cave Bob remarked:
“I wonder if there are any of those moths in there now. The professor might like to have some.”
“We haven’t any time now to stop and see,” decided Jerry. “Every hour makes it more dangerous for Bill.”
After a consultation and a further casual looking over of the trail in the vicinity where the professor had been bound, it was decided that the only way to get real clews to the whereabouts of Noddy was by asking persons along the road who might have seen the wagon passing.
They had a very good description of the vehicle, thanks to the observations of Professor Snodgrass. Before this they had not been certain whether it was an auto or a dump cart, for Hang Gow was so excited that he hardly knew what he was talking about.
But the little scientist was accustomed to observing accurately, and he had had a good view of the vehicle in which poor Bill lay bound. Thus it could be described to persons of whom information was sought. Uriah Snodgrass had also taken note of the two horses and, as they belonged to the animal kingdom, he could speak intelligently of certain marks and blemishes on them which would lead to easy identification.
“Well, at least we know what we’re looking for,” said Jerry, as they started on again.
However, if they hoped soon to pick up the trail of the kidnapers they were doomed to disappointment. After journeying along for several miles, the trail being a lonely one, they met a party of prospectors who were developing a mine.
“Did you see anything yesterday of a wagon with a bound man in it passing here?” asked Tinny, who knew some of the miners slightly.