“I’m not going to,” answered Jerry.
“Isn’t there room for us to pass him?” inquired Bob, for Noddy’s car was a little farther back from the obstruction than was that of our heroes. “I think you can make it.”
“It’s a pretty tight squeeze, but I’ll chance it if I have to.”
“Well, are you going to back up, and let me pass?” demanded Noddy again. “You’d better or I’ll smash into you!”
“Just try it!” retorted Jerry, a flush mounting to his cheeks. “It’ll be the last smash you ever make!”
“Why don’t you be decent, Noddy?” asked Ned, in what was intended to be conciliatory tones. “You can back up easier than we can; and besides, we were here first. Why don’t you do it?”
“Because I don’t want to. I’m in a hurry.”
“So are we,” said Ned, as he thought of the necessity for seeing Mr. Jackson.
“Come on,” spoke Jerry in a low voice to his chums as he turned to reënter the car, for they had all left it, including Mr. Snodgrass, who was eagerly looking about in the bushes for some rare insect. “Get back to your seats,” went on the tall lad, “and I’ll try to get through. It’s the only way to do with such a chap as Noddy.”
“What about the professor?” asked Bob in a low voice, for the scientist was some distance away from the car now, having walked back along the road. “If we call to him Noddy will hear us, and guess what we’re up to.”