For a moment he stood still. Then he started forward to stop the car.
But those in charge did not see him and the cable-car went bounding on its way with Oliver after it.
Mr. Whyland and Gus started to run also, but soon gave up the chase.
“I am getting too old for that sort of thing,” gasped the former, as he leaned against a building, all out of breath.
“And I get winded too easily,” groaned the stout youth. “Oliver must catch the fellow alone.”
“I hope he will succeed. We may not get another such chance.” And then they both started on a walk in the direction in which the car had gone.
Meanwhile the car kept moving at a rapid rate, with the boy nearly a block behind it. Sometimes Oliver would get nearer, but then he would lose time at some crossing and the distance would be increased.
Finally, at the end of eight or ten blocks, he managed to come up to the car, and as it stopped, he sprang on board.
He gave a hasty look around. Colonel Mendix had disappeared.