“Well,” put in Jerry, speaking to the officer, “if you think we were violating the law I suppose we’ll have to go back with you. Shall I turn around and accompany you?” he asked, politely.
“That’s what you better do. I don’t want no fuss, but if you want trouble I’ll make it for you.”
The other boys wondered at Jerry’s easy compliance with what they knew was an unreasonable and unjust command. The steersman started the machine slowly ahead, and, as the road was wide, began to turn in a circle, to head back to Chicago.
But when the auto was half way around, and pointed in the direction of the Windy City, Jerry did not continue on the way the officer expected. Instead, the boy widened his circle, made a complete revolution and then, throwing in the second speed, dashed away down the road, leaving the discomfited motor-policeman to rage over the trick that had been played on him.
“I wasn’t going to submit to arrest when I knew we were not guilty,” said Jerry.
In a little while Chicago was left behind, and the auto dashed along a pleasant country road and was making good time toward the West.
Suddenly there came a puffing from behind that told of another machine coming. It passed the boys, who had slowed down a bit, and as it went by the occupants of the Cresville machine had a good view of those in the other car.
“Did you see them?” cried Jerry, in amazement.
“Who?” asked Bob, who had not given much heed to the other auto.
“Noddy Nixon was in that machine, and with him were Jack Pender and Bill Berry!”