CHAPTER XIV.
A GAME OF TAG STARTED.
Carl walked over to where Kit lay under the shelter-tent and, seizing him by one leg, drew him forth into the sunlight.
“It’s all right, Kit!” he exclaimed. “We’ve decided that you did a mighty good thing in locating Phillips. We know where he is now, and so it will be all the easier to catch him.”
Kit rubbed his eyes sheepishly.
“I thought I’d given the whole snap away,” he said.
“You couldn’t have done a better job,” Carl insisted. “You see it’s this way,” he continued. “Phillips and Mendoza are still unaware that they have been followed to this locality. At least, we judge so because this alleged ranger asked you concerning a third machine.”
“I begin to understand,” said Kit brightening.
“This third machine,” continued Carl, “is evidently operated by the man who tried to destroy the Louise and the Bertha near St. Louis. He came on from New York, the way we have it figured out, to warn the two murderers of the steps which were being taken for their capture.”
“And we beat him to it!” cried Kit exultantly.