To this they all agreed. Supper was prepared and the guard set. The other auto, with a last mocking toot of the horn, had disappeared.
When the first indication of light in the east told that dawn was at hand, Broswick, who had the last watch, awoke his companions. A hasty breakfast was made and, even before the sun was up, the journey was renewed.
“I’d feel easier if I could git a sight of them other fellers,” said Nestor.
“Do you s’pose they kept on goin’ all night?” asked Broswick.
“Let’s see if we can’t pick up their trail,” suggested Professor Snodgrass. “We can easily tell if an auto has preceded us.”
Jerry stopped the machine and Broswick got out. He made a careful examination of the road and soon gave a yell that told he had discovered something.
“They’re ahead,” he announced, “but they made a stop here. The ground is all trampled up. I wouldn’t wonder if they had a breakdown, an’ had to halt for fixin’ their shebang up. They can’t be very far in advance.”
With lighter hearts the adventurers started off once more, keeping a sharp lookout for the other auto. The sun rose high in the heavens, and it was hot in the valley. Mile after mile was reeled off, but Noddy’s machine was not in view.
It was almost noon when Professor Snodgrass, who was peering intently ahead, suddenly uttered a cry.