“I’ve been trying to think of that ever since we got through the gates, and headed this way, but I can’t seem to remember, pard.”
“It’s poor policy, Joe, to run the engine to a standstill. Everything may depend on the car before we get out of these woods.”
The motor was rapidly going from bad to worse. Matt stopped suddenly, threw on the reverse, and backed the car into the bushes.
“What’s that for?” asked the cowboy.
“I’m hoping Miles and Barney will pass us, and give us a little time to do some more tinkering,” replied Matt.
“Even if that rig does pass us, we can’t follow it.”
“We can go the other way, Joe. I think the nearest town is in that direction, anyhow.”
“Do you mean to pass that house again?”
“Why not? I don’t think there are enough men left at the place to interfere with us.”
Matt got down and began pulling up the bent bushes in front of the car. While he was at work, the galloping horse could be heard, and he drew back hastily, and knelt down to see what happened.