As they went around a curve and came to a straight stretch, Jerry cried out and pointed ahead. They all looked, to behold another automobile speeding away from them.
“That’s Noddy’s car, I’m sure of it!” Jerry shouted. “I’d know it anywhere by this time.”
“I’d like to catch those rascals!” exclaimed Nestor. “They’ve made trouble enough for us, an’ they’ll make more if they can. Besides, I have my score to settle with that chap Pender. I’d have overlooked it if they’d let us alone, but now I want to git even!”
“There’s no reason why you shouldn’t,” said Broswick. “Your machine is as good as theirs. Give ’em a chase. If you catch ’em, put their auto out of business until you have enough of a start to get to the mine first. Besides, we could have the law on ’em for stealin’ this machine.”
“But what about leaving you behind?” questioned Jerry, to whom the thought of a chase after his old enemies was not unwelcome.
“Leave me behind; I’ll catch up to you later,” spoke the hunter.
Jerry looked at Nestor. The miner nodded his head in approval. The next instant the auto fairly sprang forward, as Jerry threw on the high-speed gear and opened wide the flow of gasolene.
The chase was on. Jerry sent out a challenging “honk” on the horn, and it was answered by the auto ahead. That machine, too, as soon as the occupants became aware of the pursuit, went forward at top speed.
Fortunately for all, the road was much better than the average. It was wide and level, and as soon as the machines had warmed up they fairly flew along.
“Aren’t—we go-going a—a—trifle fast?” asked Professor Snodgrass, in a frightened tone, as he held fast to the car-side to avoid being bounced out.