Jerry soon ascertained that the red machine was not damaged. Nestor made inquiries and learned that the other party had left before daybreak, Pud Stoneham accompanying them.
“What became of that chap with one eye and a scar on his left cheek?” asked Nestor of the hotel clerk, the description fitting Dalsett.
“Oh, he went off with the others in the gasolene gig this morning,” was the reply.
It was plain now that Noddy and his gang were going to make a bold strike to discover the lost mine ahead of Nestor and his friends. How the Cresville bully had trailed the Motor Boys as far as he had was somewhat of a mystery, though it was afterward learned that he had been closer behind them after they left Chicago than they supposed. The meeting at the hotel was an accident, though.
A stiff breeze sprang up, and soon dried the muddy roads. An early dinner was eaten and once more the party started forward, this time in pursuit of Noddy.
“It’s too bad to have to leave without getting that red tree-toad,” said Professor Snodgrass.
“We’ll take you to a place where you can get horned toads,” said Nestor.
“Oh, that will be fine!” exclaimed the naturalist, with a boy’s enthusiasm.
The roads were none of the best, and the auto could not be speeded with safety. Nestor explained that the best plan would be to steer straight south for a while, after reaching New Mexico, and skirt around the edge of the mountain range, rather than attempt to make their way across the Rockies.