“Then Noddy and his gang have stolen our auto!” cried Jerry.
“That’s about it,” assented Nestor. “However, we mustn’t give up yet. We’ll take after ’em.”
“Not much chance of getting them, though,” put in Ned.
“You’re welcome to my horse,” said Broswick. “He ain’t very fast, but he’s better than nothin’.”
“There’s no use doin’ anythin’ to-night,” was the miner’s opinion. “We’d only get lost on the road, and I don’t know but what we’re lost already. We’ll have to camp until mornin’.”
After some consideration this was voted the best thing to do. It was a sorrowful band of adventurers that gathered about the fire which Broswick made, for the hearts of the boys were dispirited over the theft of their machine, and the men sympathized with them.
Fortunately, the hunter had some bacon left, and a meal, such as it was, the travelers made on this. Then, selecting the driest places they could find, they prepared to spend the night in the open, without coverings. It was cold, but by keeping a good fire going some comfort was had.
When the sun rose the adventurers got up, stretched themselves and wondered what they were going to do for breakfast.
“Leave it to me,” said Broswick. “I’m used to providing meals.”