Before the four left the city limits, they stopped at a police station and secured the services of an officer. Now, with the protection of the law, they felt safe to continue the venture.
A half hour’s ride over a narrow country road brought them to a large house set back in a wide lawn.
“This must be the place,” observed Mr. Holton, bringing the car to a standstill. “I wonder if anyone is at home?”
“Better not leave the machine here,” warned the policeman. “If the guy we’re after should see it, he probably would not show up for us to catch him. Drive it farther toward the house, out of sight of the road.”
“Glad you reminded me,” Mr. Holton said, and drove still farther on.
All stepped out and made their way over the wide lawn. As a precaution against possible danger, the officer kept a ready hand on his revolver.
“You can’t tell who might be there to bump us off,” he said, his eyes on the house. “There could be several more outlaws waiting there.”
They reached the dwelling safely, however, and then knocked on the heavy door.
But either no one was there, or else they refused to admit the strangers, for the door did not open.