The three miners saw that the boys would not part with their machine, which the prospectors wanted in order to make a quick trip to the new mining region. So they turned away and continued afoot on the trail.
For nearly an hour the stream of miners continued to march by. Then, as the last stragglers were lost to view, Nestor said:
“Boys, we’re in a tight place. We’ll have to hustle. Somehow or other news of the rich mining region near where my mine is located has leaked out. There’s a rush, and we’ll have to travel fast. We can’t stick to our original plan. We’ve got to go over the mountains.”
“Must we start right away?” asked Ned.
“The sooner the better,” answered Nestor. “We’ll have supper and travel night and day from now on. We’ll have to race against not only Noddy Nixon and his gang, but these miners who have gone on ahead of us.”
From what was intended to be a peaceful camp, that of the Motor Boys and their friends was turned into a mere resting place. Every one was filled with excitement, and Professor Snodgrass forgot to start on a collecting tour. He did not open his green box, and, with the others, ate a hasty meal.
As soon as Jerry had finished his supper he gave the auto a thorough overhauling. Plenty of oil was put on the bearings, the water tank was refilled from a convenient spring and the tires pumped up. Then the holder for the carbide, from which the acetylene gas for the lamps was generated, was packed with the chemical.
“I’m ready when you are,” announced Jerry.
By this time each one had finished his meal. The dishes were placed in the basket, Professor Snodgrass stowed his specimens carefully away and Hank Broswick tightened the saddle girths on his horse.
“Forward!” cried Nestor.