They stopped when they had reached the highest point in the road, midway between two small mountains.
"Let's go back," said Bruce. "We passed several side roads. The spot we hope to find is probably some distance off the pike."
Returning, they reached a road that went to their left. It was a dirt road and in poor condition. Harry drove the car carefully and slowed down as they neared a bend.
"Listen!" exclaimed Bruce.
From a distance up the road came a cry for help. It was a man's voice, screaming loudly.
Harry pressed the accelerator. The car shot forward. They rounded the curve and turned sharply in the other direction. Directly in their path were two men struggling in the center of the road. One was trying to free himself from the other's grasp. He was shouting, but his cries were weakening. Evidently he was being choked.
Harry jerked the wheel as he applied the brakes. He missed the combatants by a narrow margin, almost ditching the car at the side of the road.
The men were at the left of the car. The one who had been screaming had fallen in the dust, his opponent upon him.
* * *
The attacker was not a large man, but he appeared vigorous. Harry seized him by the shoulders and dragged him away. With a terrible snarl the fellow turned upon him. The attack was terrific. In one second Harry was lying helpless, with the man beating his head against the road.