There was but half a mile more. The two autos were now on the outskirts of the settlement, and men gathered in the single main street to watch the race.
Suddenly Noddy’s car skidded and he was forced to shut off the power. This allowed Jerry to gain a little. He quickly saw his chance. Resolving to risk everything, he turned on full speed and pressed down the accelerator pedal.
His car lurched forward with such suddenness that the youth was almost pitched from his seat. But he caught up to Noddy. The latter saw the advantage that had been gained and tried a desperate measure.
Turning his steering wheel he swerved his auto over toward Jerry’s, intending to strike him a glancing blow and upset him.
But Jerry was too quick for him. He got out of the way, though only just in time. Then he glanced up and saw, about one hundred feet in advance, a white building, with a sign reading:
Government Assay Office.
He brought up his machine with a jerk by applying the emergency brake. Almost before it stopped he leaped out, but his coat caught on the steering wheel and he fell in the dusty road.
At that instant Noddy dashed up in his machine. He was quick to see what had befallen Jerry, and like a flash was out of his car, and, with a proof of claim in his hand, he rushed for the door of the assay office.
“No, you don’t!” yelled Jerry, springing to his feet.