“We went so fast I couldn’t jump!” declared Ben.
“I must congratulate you on the trip,” Sam cut in in a manner intended to be friendly. “I don’t think any motor-car ever passed over that river trail before! You certainly have blazed the way for others!”
“Tell it to the chauffeur!” laughed Mellen. “And now, boys,” he went on, “seeing you have rescued your precious oiled-silk shelter-tents, we may as well be getting back to the city.”
“I want to travel back in the Bertha!” exclaimed Ben.
“And so do I!” Glenn cut in. “No more of that river ride for me!”
“That leaves me to the full command of the motor-car!” laughed Mellen. “I think one of you boys, at least, might ride back with me.”
“Why, if the boys take the machines,” Doran put in, “there’s nothing for us to do but ride back in the motor-car.”
“You’ll walk so far as I’m concerned!” exclaimed Mellen.
“Then I’ll act as first mate of the roadster,” suggested Sam, whereat Mellen looked at the boys inquiringly.
“He’s all right!” Jimmie exclaimed. “We found him here acting as custodian of the camp,” he continued with a grin. “And you can see for yourself how he pinched these two thieves.”