"What's the idea?" Ned wanted to know. "Are you going after this fellow?"
"Indeed I'm not! But we're going to pull out of here as soon as we can. I think it isn't a very healthy place. First, though, we've got to make sure everything is all right, that the engine hasn't been damaged, and look to make certain we haven't any more stowaways on board. Some one may be hiding here."
It did not take long to ascertain that Gorro had been alone in his short occupancy of the House on Wheels. None other of the gang was in the place. A test which Tom and Ned then applied to the motor showed that it was in good working order. The men had run the House a short distance, but, unless morning should disclose some damage to the outside of the vehicle, it seemed to be as it was when the two young men left it to examine the deserted mansion.
As they hurried to and fro, making ready for a continuation of the trip, Tom and Ned talked over what had occurred and speculated on what it all could mean.
"It sure is mysterious," declared Ned. "They seem to have been waiting there for you, Tom."
"Yet that couldn't be, for until I decided to come to Chesterport to see Mary, not even you knew I contemplated such a trip. As a matter of fact, I did not contemplate it until then."
"That's right."
"And we didn't mention Dismal Mountain to anybody that I know of."
"We told Mary we were coming here."
"Yes. But she isn't the kind of girl to broadcast such news. She never talks of my plans."