But the boy’s thoughts were disturbed suddenly by Mr. Polk, who remarked:
“It looks to me as though these fellows were aiming for Port Luther, or even Cadenz. Unless they turn back toward Riverdale and Compton they will be obliged to strike some of the coast towns.”
“Quite right, Polk,” admitted Mr. Armitage.
“Then, here is Landers Station just ahead. There is a train coming down now. I’ll take that train and go on. The railroad is more direct than the highways and I may be able to head those fellows off at Port Luther.”
“And we stick to the trail in the car, Polk!” agreed the gentleman. “What do you say, Briggs?”
“It suits me. Henri, shall I take your place for a while?” Mr. Briggs asked his chauffeur.
“The young man here will change with me, Monsieur,” returned the kindly Frenchman, who had seen how eagerly interested Dan was in the management of the automobile.
And when they halted at the railroad station to allow the deputy sheriff to take the train, the chauffeur did indeed change places with Dan Speedwell. Once at the wheel the youth proved that Henri had not been mistaken in him. For a lad of sixteen Dan handled the car with great dexterity.
The maroon car was out of sight of the station before the train bearing the deputy was on its way again; but the automobilists were obliged to halt frequently to inquire for the motor car of which they were in pursuit. And there were more autos than one ahead of them now. Sometimes they lost the trail of the maroon car completely; but when they reached the lively little town of Larned they learned that the fugitives had halted at the local garage for gasoline, and that they had left, still following the road toward the coast, but at a moderate pace.
“Half an hour behind them—or thereabout,” exclaimed Mr. Armitage, with satisfaction. “We should be able to pick that up.”