"You boys keep within sight of us," shouted Mr. Golden, as they dashed across the bridge.
In spite of the bad road, they reached Norridgewock in nineteen minutes. On the way, Mr. Golden told Uncle Ben and the officers that Riggs had said that nearly one hundred thousand dollars in cash and negotiable securities had been taken.
They made no stop at Norridgewock, but at once took the road leading to Oakland. Here the going was much better and in a little less than half an hour after leaving Norridgewock, they were within a mile of the woods road, which led to the big house. The boys were about a quarter of a mile ahead of the car and stopped here to wait for the rest of the party.
"Are we 'most there?" asked Mr. Golden, as the car came up to them and stopped.
"Yes, it's only about a mile from here, and I thought we'd better stop before we got any nearer, and make our plans," explained Bob.
"My idea," said Mr. Switzer, "is to leave the car by the side of the main road and go the rest of the way on foot. You see," he explained, "if we took it too close they would hear it and skip, that is, providing they're there."
All agreed that this was the best plan.
"Now, Bob," asked the chief, "how far from the main road is that house?"
"I should say a little more than a quarter of a mile."
"And how large is the clearing round it?"