But this car did not seem to be one of the racers. At least, it had no placard on it. Suddenly Billy exclaimed:
“Isn’t that Mr. Briggs’ car? He’s caught up with us!”
“It’s not numbered,” objected Dan.
“I don’t care! It’s maroon—and a big car——”
Meanwhile the students on the omnibus did nothing toward pulling out. The maroon car reduced speed abruptly. There were three men in it—a small one at the wheel and two others in the tonneau. All were coated and masked with dust goggles.
“What’s the matter with you?” demanded one of the men in the tonneau, standing up.
Billy caught Dan by the hand, and whispered:
“It’s him!”
Dan needed no explanation. He knew what his brother meant at once. This was the leader of the trio of bank robbers—the motor thieves. Billy knew the fellow’s voice.
A chorus of contradictory explanations were shouted by the seminary boys. It was plain that they proposed to hold up this car, too, rather than let the Speedwells by.