“He isn’t exactly queer,” broke in Ruth, coming to the defense of the absent Mr. Howbridge. “But he insists that we must run on a strict budget system, and we have not yet gotten out of this car the maximum of what it is supposed to deliver before it is ready to be turned in. When that time comes we shall have a new car.”
“I wish you’d take this one out and wreck it then, Hal!” said Agnes, a bit vindictively.
“Willingly, my lady, if I could get it out at all,” replied the youth, rubbing one hand where he had skinned his knuckles trying to crank the motor.
“Never mind. Perhaps Luke and Neale will catch the men, and then we shall find out all about the secret,” suggested Nalbro.
“I hope they do get them!” cried Agnes.
“I’m wondering what it was Luke meant when he said he remembered them,” murmured Ruth. “There was something queer in that.”
“Come on—let’s go out in the street and see if we can find out anything,” suggested Agnes, for when Hal had his inspiration about the car they had followed him to the garage, only to lose time.
The street, down which the two strange men had run, followed by Luke and Neale, was apparently deserted. The girls and Hal strained their eyes for a sight of either the pursuers or their quarry, and then from an upper window of the Corner House came a shrill voice asking:
“Are the engines coming?”
“What engines?” asked Ruth, as she caught sight of Tess and Dot leaning from the casement at a dangerous angle. “Get right back in there!” she instantly ordered.