The steady hum of the motor, when Matt started it, filled the boys with delight. There did not seem any doubt but that the machine would perform every duty demanded of it. Matt put on the high speed, and they darted back over the course which they had recently covered.
As they drew near they watched anxiously for some sign of those who still remained at the house. No man showed himself, however, and the car flung past the wrecked gates and bore away northward.
“Miles and Barney are welcome to catch us—if they can,” exulted McGlory, who was riding in front with Matt.
The wind of the motor boys’ flight whistled and sang in their ears, and the engine continued to hum merrily and steadily. There was a good deal of rattling, for the mudguards and footboards were loose, but the motor itself was working as well as the day it had come from the factory.
“Sanders must have gone with Tibbits and Dimmock,” remarked Matt.
“There was quite a party of pirates in that other car,” said McGlory.
“Did you ever see Miles or Barney before we broke out of the house, Joe?”
“I never saw Barney, Matt, but Miles was the fellow who brought Tibbits and me from New York.”
“You must have had quite a set-to with Miles in the hall.”
“Speak to me about that!” laughed McGlory. “Miles was one surprised man, and don’t you forget it, pard. The skirmish was short, and I reckon it was the tray of chuck that did the work for the shuffer. He got the hot coffee full in his face, and when he fell back he dropped his revolver. I hit him once, just to give me time to pick up the gun, and then I made for the front door. If that had been locked——”