After thinking the matter over and consulting a map, Larry picked out what he thought would be the road Norton would most naturally take.
“But he may have switched off, he may have doubled on his trail, and have done any of half a dozen things to baffle pursuit,” reasoned Larry, as he skimmed over the road in the powerful car. “So I’ve got to make inquiries as I go along.”
He followed this plan, stopping at road houses and hotels along the way. His task was not the easiest in the world, for the trail was several days old, and autoists were so numerous at this time of the year, that it was difficult for proprietors of hostelries to recall any certain one. But the young reporter was persistent, and by his tact and skill he learned more than an untrained questioner could have done.
But, with all this, he had been traveling for two days before he got his first clew. A man who had charge of autos, whose owners stopped at a certain inn, remembered the powerful car Larry described.
“It was here two days ago,” said the attendant.
“Then I’ve gained one day on him,” thought Larry, “for he had three days’ start of me. I guess his car isn’t as fast as it’s supposed to be, or else he isn’t getting all out of it that he might. I’ll get him yet.”
And so the pursuit was kept up. Larry was up early, and he drove until late, taking only short periods of sleep in the hotels along the road. He made constant inquiries, meeting with many disappointments, but occasionally hearing of the man on whose trail he held himself relentlessly. Hour by hour Larry cut down the distance between them.
“I’m gaining! I’m gaining!” he cried in delight when, early one morning, after a stop at a road-house he learned that Norton was but a few hours ahead.
But the Canadian line was nearing rapidly. But for the fact that Norton had taken a roundabout way he would have reached it much sooner. But evidently he believed that he had baffled pursuit, and was taking his time.
“I’m going to catch him to-day!” declared Larry, as he speeded up his car. “Another night, and it will be too late.”