Both pursuers and pursued were hampered by the rather steep up-grade. But it was not long before they reached the summit, and then began an even more hair-raising exhibition of speed than before. The red auto appeared to rush through the air, the fences and trees on either side whizzed by in a blur, while the road unrolled like a white ribbon as they burned up space.
“Gracious, we’re going!” gasped Tom.
“So is that chap ahead,” rejoined Jack with grim humor; “let her out some more, Jupe.”
“Golly to goodness, Marse Jack, ah daren’t,” panted Jupe, the words coming out of his lips between gasps. “De littlest bit mo’ ob dis an’ we am all busted to smithereens, fo’ sho’.”
“Well, do the best you can then.”
“We’s doin’ dat right now,” Jupe assured his young employer.
For a few minutes more the chase continued in stern silence. Fortunately, no vehicles or pedestrians were encountered, as the road was a more or less lonely one.
Suddenly Tom gave a yell of triumph.
“Hurray! He’s slackening speed, Jack.”
“Sure enough he is. Something’s the matter with his machine. Hit it up, Jupe.”