"Lucky there isn't much more of this," said Paul. "We can't make any time here."
"And if we don't run into another sand-bog we'll be lucky," added Innis.
"We simply mustn't do that," declared Dick. "You fellows watch out, and so will I. We don't want to be delayed, for they would catch up to us then."
"They'll have hard work to get me to go back with them," spoke Mr. Cameron, grimly.
"Well, we don't want a fight if we can help it," said our hero. "If we can beat them, so much the better," and he glanced back to where the other auto was coming on in pursuit of the big car. Then Dick turned on more power, and watched the road ahead keenly. He wanted no accidents now.
But the auto behind was coming on swiftly. It was a powerful car, and was traveling light, while the Last Word carried a heavy load.
"But they sha'n't catch us!" murmured Dick.
From behind there sounded a report like that of a gun.
"A blow-out!" cried Paul.
"No, they're trying to signal us—with revolvers," said Mr. Cameron, with a chuckle.