But Bob was there first! He had struggled to his senses while Joe did his part to prevent calamity.
“Get back!” Bob commanded, flashing the automatic in the man’s face. “It’s all over now!”
For a moment the fellow could not believe that the tide had turned. He stared first at Bob and then at Joe, muttering to himself. Once he started forward, but, as the gun was pressed in his face, he shrank back, apparently giving himself over to any fate.
“Get goin’,” Joe commanded, advancing a step or two.
The order was obeyed, and they marched out to the alley, where Mr. Holton’s car remained, unmolested.
“Now,” said Bob, handing the key to Joe, “I’ll get in the back seat and guard this man, and you get in front and drive us to the police station.”
No conversation was carried on during the trip, for the boys resolved to take no chances.
“At any minute he might attempt a get-away,” thought Joe, as he increased the speed as much as was consistent with safety.
Through streets and side streets they went, until at last they found themselves near the city’s business district. It was thought best not to travel on the busy thoroughfares for fear of attracting attention.