"Yes! yes! I saw the man shut the door, too. Oh, Dick, they have carried poor Nellie and Dora off, just as they carried Dora's mother off!"
"They kept to this road?"
"I believe so. I don't know of any cross road this side of Beechwood."
"Then we'll get after them at once!" declared Dick. "Sam, do you want to take Grace back, or come with us?"
"Well—I—er——"
"Go with them, Sam—they may need you!" broke in the girl quickly. "I can go back alone, and I'll send word to the authorities, over the telephone. Hurry! hurry, or it will be too late!"
The boys needed no further urging. Dick and Tom ran for the flying machine, and soon the explosions of the motor filled the crisp autumn air. Then all the boys leaped on board. Dick was at the wheel, and he sent the Dartaway along at a good rate of speed. Sam looked back, to see Grace hurrying in the direction of Hope Seminary.
"I hope she gets back safely," he said anxiously.
"I think she will," answered Tom. "Those rascals are all further along the road—waiting for Nellie and Dora."
"Keep your eyes open," put in Dick. "Don't let anything escape you. We must spot that auto without fail!"