"I merely desired to make a short journey," replied the stranger. "I supposed that a motor car would be available. I understand that the scenery is beautiful in this district, and I intended to ride up toward the mountains."
"We are going that way," said Harry, joining in the discussion. "We would be glad to have you accompany us."
The Englishman studied the two young men.
"I should be delighted to accept your invitation," he said. "But I should not care to inconvenience you. I wish to return to the village; otherwise I should have been a passenger on the motor bus. But I learned that it does not return until late in the evening."
"We are coming back to town shortly," said Harry. "We are living in a cottage several miles from here. We intended to run out there and then return some time before dinner. It would be a pleasure to have you with us."
This argument persuaded the Englishman. He left the store with Vincent and Duncan, but insisted upon riding in the rumble seat so that he could have a better view of the surrounding country. Harry drove slowly along Mountain Pike.
As they neared the foothills, Harry watched the Englishman in the mirror at the front of the car. He could see that the man was interested in something; so he drove very slowly as they neared Ridge Road. As they passed that highway, the man in the rumble seat turned and looked back over his shoulder until they had rounded the next bend.
* * *
Harry kept on until they reached the highest point of Mountain Pike, then he turned the car and drove back to the road that led to the cottage. He invited the Englishman into their house. The guest looked curiously at the radio equipment.
"A sending station?" he said. "Quite interesting."