For there, in front of them, was an automobile turned on its side. And it needed but a second glance to make them aware that it was Mr. Campbell’s car. It bore his license plates, and among the baggage spilled from it were the boys’ valises.
In front of them was an automobile turned on its side.
CHAPTER XI
UNCLE TOD’S CAMP
For several seconds Rick and Chot stood there silent—gazing at the astonishing sight which met their eyes. For it was astonishing—to think that they should thus unexpectedly come upon the stolen auto for which so many officers were searching.
Good luck had attended their whim to take a trolley ride and visit the cave. But now all interest in the cave vanished. Their whole attention was centred on the overturned auto, which lay on one side in a tangle of bushes and small trees.
“They tried to make too short a turn and upset,” was Rick’s opinion.
“Yes,” agreed Chot as an examination of the ground, showing where the wheels had skidded in soft sand and mud, bore this idea out.
Then a new thought came to the boys, though Rick was the first to express it.
“Maybe they’re there now,” he said. “Under the car.”