The road wound through a rather isolated section, with only an occasional farmhouse looming up from behind the trees. It was indeed a poor place to be stranded.
The sun was well down to the horizon when the youths finally reached the through highway. Although they had done their best, they had found it difficult to avoid the many large mud puddles that often reached nearly across the road.
“Now to get down to business,” said Bob, gazing far down the highway. “We’ll surely find a car before long that will pick us up.”
“Here comes one now,” observed Joe. “It’ll be here before long. Come on, let’s get out farther.”
The boys waited for the automobile to come nearer. Then they signaled the driver. But the latter appeared to pay no attention to the young men. A moment later the car whizzed on up the road.
Bob and Joe looked at each other. Their faces clearly showed that they expected the worst.
“Could hardly blame him, though,” remarked Bob. “So many innocent-faced crooks walk the highways that it’s unsafe to pick up anyone.”
“But you know the old proverb,” grinned the other youth. “‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’ According to that, we—— Look! Here comes another car. Maybe we’ll have better luck this time.”
Again the chums signaled, and were delighted to see that the car was coming to a stop. At a motion from the driver, who was the only occupant, they climbed inside.
“How far ye goin’?” the stranger asked. He was a short, fat man who looked capable of great mirth.