“And don’t forget that we want to hear from you folks here in Crumville if you hear anything,” added Roger. “You can send a message to any of the railroad stations along the line. We’ll stop at each station and ask for messages.”
Dave was at the wheel of the car, with Roger alongside of him. In the back the two had their suit-cases, and also a number of wraps and a hamper filled with lunch, for there was no telling where they could stop along the road for something to eat.
With scarcely an effort, the touring-car rolled away from the Wadsworth mansion, the men left behind waving their hands to the two on board. They waved in return, and a moment later the machine left the grounds, headed for the Crumville railroad station. This was soon passed, and they took the highway leading to the next station on the line; and thus the great search was begun.
The first place they reached was a small way-station, and they soon learned that the particular train Laura and Jessie had taken had not stopped there for a month or more. The station master had, however, heard about the kidnapping, and was anxious to hear more. But Dave and Roger did not waste time on him.
In the course of the next couple of hours, they stopped at six more stations, and made various inquiries. The train had stopped at just one of these places, but the station agent was positive that only two of the local residents had gotten on board, and no one but a drummer from the city had alighted.
The way to the next station was up a long hill, and near the top Dave had to bring the car to a sudden halt. The regular road was being repaired, and a sign was up showing where a detour might be made.
“That side-road doesn’t look very inviting,” was our hero’s comment, as he surveyed it.
“Oh, it must be all right,” answered Roger. “If it were not, they wouldn’t have that sign up.”
They proceeded on their way, and soon found the side road both rough and uncertain. They had some difficulty in getting to the bottom of the hill, and here they had to make a sharp turn to the left in an endeavor to get back to the main highway.
“Look out for the puddles, Dave!” cried the senator’s son, as they splashed into one pool of water.