But Harold could not go any faster, and the other car was making good time. He continued, however, to keep it in sight, while Ruth breathlessly urged him on.
The houses were closer together now, and Harold unconsciously slackened his pace.
"Must we go slow?" asked Ruth, disappointed.
"Yes; the law's fifteen. But we'll take a chance on twenty-five!"
"Still, dad will have to slow up, too," remarked Jack, consolingly. "And maybe we'll catch him on the open road again."
"It's almost like following elopers," laughed Harold. "I do love a chase."
"So do I," agreed Ruth. Then, "Oh, see that bridge; do we have to cross that?"
"Yes," replied Jack; "for that will take us into Trenton. And they must be headed that way."
They slowed down before crossing the bridge when suddenly there was a terrific report, like an explosion, which startled them so that they almost jumped out of their skins. Harold applied the brakes quickly, and swung the car sharply towards the side of the road.
"Good night!" he exclaimed; "a blow-out! I was a fool to leave that bum shoe on the rear! And the spare is perfectly new!"