"We'll wait just a moment to see that Big doesn't change his mind and come back," suggested the young inventor.
But the echoes of the retreating footsteps of the other echoed fainter and fainter above the sound of the storm and it was evident that he was going on to seek the "boss," whoever that personage might be.
Waiting another few seconds, Tom and Ned heard Small enter the House and a moment later there was a gleam of light within the auto. Tom drew a deep breath. He could not bear to have any hands but those of himself and his friends touch his latest pet machine. But it was now, temporarily at least, captured by an unknown enemy.
"Come on now!" whispered Tom fiercely to his chum, drawing his automatic and stepping out of their hiding place.
"I'm with you!" answered Ned, who had his own weapon in readiness.
CHAPTER XVII
THE CAPTIVE ESCAPES
Instead of proceeding to the front of the House on Wheels, the opening by which the remaining man had entered, Tom Swift turned to the rear, somewhat to the surprise of his chum.
"You can't get in that way," suggested Ned. "The back steps are up."
"I know," whispered Tom. "But they can be let down from the outside if you know the trick. I arranged a duplicate control, for I didn't know when I might run my machine into a tree and have to get in and out the back door."