"Go!" ordered Mr. Lawton sternly.
Then Sercomb's true character came uppermost. Halting in the door he shook his fist at Matt and Dick.
"I'll play even with both of you for this!" he gritted, then whirled and darted after his crestfallen companions.
"Come, Carl," said Matt, hurrying toward the hall door, "we'll go and keep an eye on the car."
"You bed you," exulted Carl, running after Matt. "It vas easy for Verral to be jeerful now, hey? Aber id don'd vas so easy for dose odder chaps. Donnervetter, vat a surbrise!"
When the other touring-car whisked out of the barn, through the grove and into the road, there were four very gloomy passengers aboard. Hardly looking at Matt and Carl, they kicked up the dust toward Santa Fé and Denver.
Tippoo appeared, as soon as the car had vanished.
"Sahib," said he to Matt, "you go to de house. I take care of bot' cars. Naboob sahib say so."
"Napoo sahip cuts a goot deal oof ice mit us, Tibboo," said Carl, "und I guess dot ve go, hey, Matt?"
"Sure, we will," replied Matt. "But be careful of this car, Tippoo. It has had so many close calls lately that I am scared of my life when it's out of my hands."