“Not so fast,” spoke Nestor, slowly, carelessly drawing his revolver from the holster. “Those are very pretty tires of yours, but it’s no fun ridin’ on ’em when the wind is out. So go easy, Mr. Noddy Nixon!”
“We’ll fix you for this!” cried Dalsett.
“Oh, it’s you, is it?” asked Nestor, in seeming surprise. “Well, I wouldn’t crow too soon if I was you. It might not be altogether healthy, you know.”
The other remained silent. The boys finished drinking, and, at Broswick’s suggestion, filled several cans with water, and placed them in the auto.
“Come, are you going to stay there all day?” growled Noddy.
“As long as we please,” answered Nestor. “We know what you’re up to, but we’ll beat you yet.”
“The mine belongs to whoever stakes it first,” put in Dalsett.
“I see you know the law right enough,” spoke Nestor. “But I wouldn’t advise you to get too well acquainted with it. There are some little matters in New Mexico the law might want you to explain,” and he smiled at his former helper, whereat Dalsett turned pale and muttered beneath his breath.
But, having satisfied their thirst, the adventurers had no longer any motive for blockading the bridge. They started off, Jerry getting the motor up to a good speed before throwing in the gear, so that the car moved off swiftly at the start.
Like a flash, Noddy was after them. Once more the race was on. The sun reached the zenith and began to decline in the west.