“Oh, you’re welcome, I’m sure. Whenever anyone does me a good turn, I like to return the compliment. I hope you catch them,” and the farmer was about to drive on. “But what makes you think that was your shebang?” he asked.
“From the peculiar shape of it,” answered Jerry. “Ours is a combined dirigible balloon and aeroplane, and that’s what you saw. Besides, it came from the right direction. Come on, fellows,” he added. “We’re on the trail at last. Now to catch Noddy Nixon!”
[CHAPTER V]
THE TELEGRAM
But if the motor boys thought they would soon catch up to those who had stolen the Comet they were doomed to disappointment. For the rest of the day they drove the auto at top speed, but there was no sign of the missing airship, nor could they get any news of it.
“We might as well put up for the night,” was Jerry’s opinion, as it began to get dark. “We may pass it in the night, if we don’t. Andy, we’ll take you to the station, and send you home. I’ll telegraph your folks that you are coming, so they won’t be worried.”
“I wish I could come with you,” spoke the little chap.
But they knew it would be best for him to return, and after promising him a ride in the Comet, when they should have recovered it, they bade farewell to the excitable lad at the station. They put up at a hotel in the town of Rodmead, which was about a hundred miles from Cresville, the auto having made good time on her searching trip. After supper the lads talked over their plans.
“It’s certain that we’re going in the right direction,” remarked Jerry, “but when we’ll catch up to Noddy is another matter. I’m afraid it will take some time.”