He had alighted from the driver's seat with Tom to stretch his legs, and as the two were climbing back into the compartment they saw a sporty runabout flash past them. Two men, one young, were in it and they seemed much interested in the House on Wheels at the side of the road. One of them leaned out and looked back.
At the sight of his face Ned exclaimed:
"Did you notice him, Tom?"
"No. Who was he?"
"That rat-faced chap who got into your shop and tried to put this motor out of business."
"No!"
"I'm sure of it! Come on, let's chase after 'em!" proposed Ned eagerly. But Tom Swift shook his head.
"We haven't a chance," said the young inventor. "They've got a much faster machine than mine and a good start. The House wasn't designed to race runabouts, though it can hold its own in a fast freight race. Let him go, whoever he is."
The trip back to the Swift plant was without incident, except that when Tom and Ned left the concrete highway and got into the heavier traffic they were somewhat delayed by the crowding around and near approach of other motorists who showed much curiosity regarding the strange, big machine.
"How was it, Tom?" asked his father, as they turned in through the big gates of the plant.