“You were right, Jack!” Ken asserted, completely convinced. “We’re being trailed!”
Chapter 12
A MYSTERIOUS FOLLOWER
Dusk came on, and still the mysterious automobile kept behind the two Scout touring cars. At times the vehicle was lost to view, but when the Explorers thought they had seen the last of it, they glimpsed it once more far down the highway.
“Maybe Captain Carter is trailing us,” speculated Jack. “That driver stays just far enough back so we can’t see who is in the car.”
“I can’t figure out why Carter’s so keen on going along on our expedition,” Ken responded, slapping a mosquito which had made a three-point landing on his arm. “Not because of any tender feeling for Burton Monahan!”
“Maybe he’s learned the location of the old Inca city, Ken.”
“I’ve thought that for quite a while. Gold would lure him from his ship, all right. If he tags along, we’re in for real trouble!”
“No use borrowing it ahead of time,” Jack shrugged, peering once more at the darkening road behind them. “I can’t even see the car now. No headlights either.”
Five minutes later, the lead automobile in which Mr. Livingston rode, pulled up to change a tire. Taking advantage of the delay, the Scouts opened up some of their rations and prepared a quick but tasty supper along the highway. Nearly an hour elapsed before the two cars again were ready to proceed.
During this time, no other automobile passed.