They tried to carry out this plan, but, even as they were doing so some one came into sight. There was just light enough to see that the man was Professor Landmore of the science class, and at the sight of him the four lads, abandoning the machine, made a headlong dive for the bushes.
“Who’s there?” demanded the professor, suddenly halting.
No answer, of course; only the sound of hurried flight.
“I demand to know if you are Westfield lads!” went on the instructor vigorously.
“Think he recognized us?” asked Bill, as they paused for breath, for they were now well hidden.
“I don’t think so,” answered Cap, peering through the bushes.
“He’s gone to look at the two wheels,” reported Bill, who was also making an observation.
“Then we’re safe,” decided Cap. “He’ll make a book of notes about it, and calculate how much more weight it could lift if it had bigger wheels, and a lever twice as long. Come on, we’ll get back to our little beds,” and he started away as stealthily as possible.
“But won’t he see the machine, and know how the stone was moved?” asked Pete.
“What of it? We can’t help it, and even a member of the Senior class in differential calculus and strength of material will know that meteor couldn’t move of itself. As long as Prof. didn’t see us I don’t care. Come on.”