“I’ve read about that kidnapping case!” cried the man. “Yes, I saw at least a dozen people leave the cars and walk off in the direction of the town. Some of them said they belonged in the town, and others asked the conductor if they couldn’t go up to the railroad station and get aboard again when the train came along.”
“Did you notice those two young ladies?” questioned Roger eagerly, and gave a description of Laura and Jessie.
“I think I did see them,” answered the man slowly. “I remember seeing the beaded hand-bag one of the young ladies carried, and I remember she wore a hat with a blue pompon.”
“It must have been Jessie and Laura!” exclaimed Dave. “Have you any idea where they went?”
“The whole crowd walked up the railroad tracks in the direction of the town. Whether they went to the station or not, I, of course, don’t know. I hung around here watching them fix that hot box, and then I jumped on my motorcycle and rode off in the opposite direction.”
This was all the man on the motorcycle could tell; and as he was in a hurry to go on they did not detain him further.
“This looks like a clue,” was Roger’s comment, as they re-entered the automobile and moved on their way. “I guess the best thing we can do, Dave, is to make some inquiries around Crandall.”
“Exactly, Roger! I think we are on the trail at last;” and Dave’s face showed his pleasure.
The road ran close to the tracks, and it took them but a few minutes to reach the town. Here they continued their inquiries in and around the station, but without gaining any additional information.
“It is too bad,” said Roger disappointedly. “I thought sure we would learn something more.”