The Motor Boys Overland

Dear Boys:

HERE we have the second volume of "The Motor Boys Series," a line of books relating to the doings of some bright and up-to-date youths, on wheels, at home and abroad.

In the first volume of the series, called "The Motor Boys," the writer told how Bob, Ned and Jerry won several important races, including that which brought to them a much-wished-for prize, grand touring car.

The car won, there was nothing to do but to take a long trip, and in this present book, "The Motor Boys Overland," are given the particulars of a journey in the automobile to the great West. On the way the boys fall in with an old miner, who has the secret of a lost gold mine of great value. The lads decide to take the miner to the lost mine in their touring car, and the long and perilous journey among the mountains is begun. Enemies also hear of the wonderful lost mine, and then begins a wild race, to see who shall get there first and claim the riches.

This "Motor Boys Series" will be continued by a third volume, to be called "The Motor Boys in Mexico." I earnestly hope the boys will find the stories to their liking. I can assure all it has been a pleasure to pen them, for the writer is something of an automobile enthusiast himself, and some of the experiences on the road have been taken from life.

CLARENCE YOUNG.

March 22, 1906.

THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND.

CHAPTER I.

AN AUTOMOBILE RACE.

THERE was a whizz of rubber-tired wheels, a cloud of dust and the frightened yelping of a dog as a big, red touring automobile shot down the road.

"You nearly ran over him, Chunky!" exclaimed Jerry Hopkins, to the stout youth at his side.

"That's what you did, Bob Baker!" chimed in Ned Slade, leaning over from the rear seat of the auto. "I thought you said you were an expert."

"I didn't come within five feet of the pup," answered Bob Baker, giving the steering wheel a twist to avoid a chicken that scooted across the country road.

"Never mind -- miss as good as a mile -- we certainly are skating along -- never say die -- hit a dog, biff! bang! up in the air -- down again -- bust a tire -- break your leg -- kill the animal -- off again -- whoop!"

"Say, Andy Rush, if you're going to talk as fast as that the first time Chunky speeds the machine, I'm going to get out!" cried Jerry, with a laugh. "There's excitement enough without you making any more."

"All right, fellows, I'll keep quiet," agreed Andy, who was a small, nervous chap, never still for a moment, and so full of energy that he talked, as Jerry sometimes said, "like a house afire."

Bob leaned forward and pulled one of the levers. The auto slowed down, as the low-speed gear came into play, and bowled along under a stretch of shady trees.

"Fifteen miles in thirty minutes," remarked the stout lad, pulling out his watch. "Not so bad for a starter, eh, Ned?"

"The machine certainly can go!" observed Jerry.

"I didn't have the full-speed lever on, either," remarked Bob, who was called "Chunky" by his companions, because of his fleshiness. He turned off the gasolene as the auto came under a large chestnut tree, and the four boys stretched out comfortably on the Leather-upholstered seats.

There was Bob Baker, a lad of fifteen years, son of Andrew Baker, a rich banker; Ned Slade, sixteen years old, the only son of Aaron Slade, a department store proprietor, and Jerry Hopkins, the son of a widow, Mrs. Julia Hopkins.

These three were faithful chums, seldom apart. With them was a mutual friend, Andy Rush. All the boys lived in the village of Cresville, not far from Boston.

The three first named had, the week before the story opens, come into possession of a fine touring car, which they had won as the first prize of a motor-cycle meet, given by the Cresville Athletic Club, as related in the first volume of this series, entitled "The Motor Boys."

In that was told how they had incurred the enmity of Noddy Nixon, a town bully, who had robbed the mill of Amos Judson of one thousand dollars, which crime the Motor Boys were instrumental in fastening on Noddy.

In consequence of the pending disclosure of his guilt, Noddy had fled from town, a short time before the races, in his father's automobile. Bill Berry, a town ne'er-do-well, accompanied him. Not long after Noddy had fled in the terror of his guilt being found out, he sent back a letter threatening vengeance on the three boys, whom he accused as being responsible for the fact that he had to leave home.

But the Motor Boys, as they now called themselves, cared little for this in view of the pleasures they anticipated when they got the automobile. It had come in due time; a fine affair, with all the latest improvements and attachments, and was a car capable of making a trip almost anywhere.

The company from whom the auto was purchased sent an expert out to Cresville with it, to instruct the boys in the running of the machine. They learned readily, and were soon able to make short trips on the country roads surrounding the village. This was the first time they had made an extended trip, and the drawing of lots had given Bob the chance to drive the auto, with the result that he nearly came to grief when the dog unexpectedly ran across the road.

For about half an hour the three chums and Andy rested in the shade. It was a pleasant fall afternoon, and though the sun was warm there was a cool breeze.

"Whose turn to crank her up?" asked Bob, for, of course, it could not be expected of him, in charge of the steering wheel, to start the engine.

"I guess it's mine," came from Ned, with a sort of groan. His arm still ached from the previous turning of the flywheel.

"I'll do it -- lots of fun -- first time I ever had a chance -- let me -- good for my muscle -- whoop!" exclaimed Andy, bustling from the car.

"Oh, it's good for your muscle, all right enough," observed Ned. "Go on, I'll not stop you."

It was harder work than Andy had anticipated, but he managed to give the crank a few turns and spin the heavy flywheel around. Bob switched on the spark, turned the gasolene into the cylinders, and soon there was a throbbing that told the engine had started. Andy jumped to one side and nearly toppled over.

"Did you think I'd run you down?" asked Bob.

"I don't know anything about autos," answered Andy.

"She can't go until I connect the speed-gears," explained Bob, with something of a superior air. "Hop in, Andy!"

Andy climbed back to his rear seat, Bob threw the lever forward to first speed, and the car, moving slowly at first, but with increasing swiftness, started down the road.

"Look out for dogs!" advised Ned.

"We don't want roast chicken for supper, so you needn't bother to kill any," came from Jerry.

"I can steer as good as either of you," exclaimed the stout lad. "You nearly hit a man the other day, Jerry, and I guess you've forgotten, Ned, how you broke down one of Mr. Smith's shade trees. I'm not as bad as that."

Honk! honk! sounded down the road in the rear of the boys.

"Here comes another auto," said Jerry. "Keep over to one side, Bob."

Honk! honk! This time it was Bob who blew his horn to let the oncomers know some one was ahead of them. The noise of the approaching car sounded nearer.

"Better keep well over, Chunky," advised Ned.

"I'm not going to give 'em more than half the road," answered Bob, firmly. "If they want a race they can have it, too."

He threw the third-speed clutch into place, and the boys' car shot ahead so suddenly that Andy was nearly toppled out of his seat. The red auto dashed down the road.

Behind it, at a swift pace, there came a big, green affair, almost twice the size of the Cresville machine. It was going at a great pace, a lone man occupying the steering seat, and no one being in back. As the green car shot past the red one, the solitary rider gave three toots to his horn. Bob answered, and then, before the other boys could stop him he advanced his spark, turned on more gasolene, and was away after the green dragon like a streak of red fire.

"What are you going to do?" yelled Ned.

"See if I can beat him!" exclaimed Bob.

"You're crazy! That's a ninety horse-power car and ours is only forty!"

"I'm going to try," repeated Bob, between his clenched teeth.

It looked like a hopeless undertaking. The green car was a quarter of a mile ahead before Bob could get his machine speeded up. When he did, however, the new auto ran along swiftly and easily.

Bob shut off his power temporarily and then, with a quick yank, pulled the lever to full speed ahead. Then he turned on the spark and gasolene. The red auto seemed to double its already swift motion.

The car swayed from side to side, and the boys, except Bob, who had a firm grip of the wheel, were bounced up into the air, again and again. Bob had on big goggles, and, with head bent low, was watching the road like a hawk ready to pounce on a chicken.

"We're gaining on him!" he muttered, and he tooted the horn. Back a faint, answering blast came.

Indeed, it was evident that the red auto, though a smaller and less powerful machine, was creeping up on its rival. The lone chauffeur glanced back, saw the pursuing car, and turned on full power.

For a few moments he increased his lead. But Bob advanced his spark further, and turned on a trifle more of gasolene. The red auto once more leaped forward.

"We've got him!" cried Bob. "He can't get another inch out of his, and I haven't used the accelerator pedal yet. We'll beat him!"

"If we don't all break our necks!" exclaimed Jerry, holding to his seat.

"Terrible fast -- takes your breath -- shakes the liver-pin out of you -- loosens all your teeth -- great sport -- smash the machine -- never say die -- don't give up the ship -- whoop!" yelled Andy, as he slid down to the bottom of the car, unable any longer to remain upright.

Slowly the red car crept up on the green one. The dust arose in clouds about both machines. The autos swayed from the terrific speed, but Bob held the wheel firm and was ready to shut off power and apply the emergency brake in a second. The man in front again glanced back, and did not seem to relish being passed by mere boys in a smaller car than his. He was making desperate efforts to draw away.

The distance between the machines lessened. Bob was watching his opportunity.

"Now we've got him!" he cried. "Here we go!"

He pushed down the accelerator pedal, used only to give a momentary burst of speed. The red car shot forward and the front wheels almost lapped the rear ones of the machine in the lead.

There was a slight turn to the road, just where Bob had decided to pass his rival. A clump of trees hid the view, excepting for a short distance ahead. Just as the boys' auto was on the point of making the turn and passing the green one, Ned glanced up and gave a shout of terror.

Right in front was a load of hay, overturned in the road, and both cars, at full speed, were dashing straight for it!

CHAPTER II

HO FOR THE WEST!

"Put on the brake!" yelled Ned.

"Shut off the power!" shouted Jerry.

A frightened cry came from the farmer whose load of fodder had overturned in the road. He was unhitching his horses, and jumped to one side as he saw two big autos bearing down on him.

"You're in for a spill, lads!" called the man in the green car. At that instant he applied his emergency brake and shut off the power. His car came to such a sudden stop that he was thrown from his seat, high into the air.

Bob seemed unable, from the very terror of fright, to make a move to stop the auto he was steering, and clung to the wheel like grim death.

"Put on the brake!" yelled Ned again. "We'll be killed!"

The load of hay was not ten feet in advance. Bob gave the wheel a sudden twist. The red car shot to one side, out into a ditch along the road. It skidded on two wheels, the boys were nearly thrown out, and bounced high in the air.

With another quick twist, Bob sent the car straight ahead. Then another turn of the wheel and he was back in the road again!

He had passed the obstruction, going between it and the green auto, and had reached the highway in safety after as daring a bit of steering as ever a boy undertook. Then he shut off the power and applied the brakes hard, the car coming to a stop with a groan and screech as the emergency band gripped the axle.

"Whew! That was a close shave!" came from Jerry, as he drew a long breath.

"A little too near for comfort!" was Ned's opinion.

"Bet your life!" was all Andy could say, his rapid fire of words failing to discharge this time.

"I thought it was the only thing to do," remarked the stout steersman. "I was afraid to stop too suddenly, and I figured we just had room enough to get through. But I wouldn't do it again."

"Speaking of sudden stops, I wonder what has become of the man in the green car?" spoke Jerry. "We must go back and find out."

The four lads leaped from their machine and ran back past the load of hay. The farmer was rapidly walking about in a circle, wringing his hands and crying:

"He's killed! He's killed! I know he is!"

With rather anxious hearts the boys hurried around to the other side of the big pile of dried grass. As they reached the place they saw a man attired in an automobile suit, with big goggles on, wiggle out from the mass of hay. He pulled several wisps from his hair and then saw the boys.

"Did you shoot right through the pile and come out on the other side?" he asked.

"We ran around it," explained Bob. "We beat you," he added, not without pride.

"So I see. It came pretty near being the end of all of us. You're a plucky lad. I don't mind being beaten by you. I thought I had a good car, but yours is better."

"Ours is much lighter; I guess that's why we went ahead," returned Jerry, willing to concede something to a vanquished rival. "But are you hurt?"

The man carefully felt of different parts of his body. Then he took off his goggles and looked over as much as he could see of himself.

"I don't seem to be," he said, finally, with a laugh. "It was like falling into a feather bed to land in that hay-pile the way I did. That's all that saved me. I wonder how my machine stood the emergency brake."

He examined his car carefully, and was apparently satisfied that no injury had been done by the sudden stopping of it.

"Where is he?" asked the farmer, suddenly appearing from behind the hay. "Is he dead?" And then he seemed to realize his error and joined in the laugh that followed.

"No, I'm not dead yet," replied the owner of the green car. "Well," he went on, "I must be going. Are you boys coming along? If you are, no more races."

"We'll have to go back to Cresville," answered Bob. "We promised to return for supper."

The man bade the boys good-by and soon the big, green dragon was throbbing down the road in a cloud of dust. The boys, finding they could not help the farmer in his trouble, got in their machine and, promising to send help from the first farmhouse they passed, they left the owner of the hay and were soon speeding toward Cresville.

"Isn't this glorious!" exclaimed Jerry, as the auto sped along. "I wish we could take a long trip."

"Why can't we?" asked Ned.

"We talked of a tour when we found we had a chance to get a car," put in Chunky. "I for one would like to go out West."

"Ho for the West!" piped up Andy. "Over the plains -- herds of cattle -- cowboys in chase -- rattlesnakes and horned toads -- sandy deserts -- Indians -- bang! Shoot 'em up! Lots of excitement -- take me along -- whoop!"

"Easy!" pleaded Jerry. "One thing at a time, Andy. Haven't we had excitement enough for one day?"

"We ought to make a strike to go on a western trip, though," spoke Ned, in serious tones. "Here we have a car that we could cross the continent in. Let's speak about it at home. It can't do any harm. Maybe the folks will let us go."

"It's worth trying for," said Jerry. "What do you say, Chunky?"

"I'm with you," replied Bob. "It will be the best sport ever. But wouldn't we have to wait until next spring? It's fall, and if we go West it may be very cold, with lots of snow soon."

"We can bear off to the south," said Jerry.

"Sure enough," agreed Chunky.

That night, when the automobile had been safely put away in the barn at Bob's house, three anxious boys broached the subject to their respective parents. So insistent were they that it was not long before a general council was arranged. Mrs. Hopkins and Mr. Slade were induced to call at Mr. Baker's house, where, with the three boys, the whole subject was gone over.

"I'm afraid it's too much of an undertaking, said Mr. Baker.

"That's my idea " agreed Mr. Slade, and Mrs. Hopkins nodded to indicate that that was her view.

The boys set up a chorus of pleadings. The parents had many objections. The distance was too great, the boys did not know enough about automobiles, they would lose their way and break down far from help. In fact, so many negative reasons were given that it looked as if the plan would not go through.

"Will you please wait ten minutes before you make a final decision?" asked Jerry, appealing to the trio of parents.

They agreed, wondering what he was about to do. Jerry got his hat and hurried from Mr. Baker's house. In a little while he returned, all out of breath.

"He'll be here in five minutes," said the boy.

"Who?" asked Mr. Slade.

"Mr. Wakefield." Jerry referred to Horace Wakefield, an instructor at the Athletic Club, who was quite a friend of the boys, and who himself had recently purchased an automobile. He lived near Mr. Baker.

"What's all this I hear about a trip to the West these boys are going to take?" asked Mr. Wakefield, a few minutes later, coming into the parlor where the conference was going on.

"You mean the trip they think they are going to take," corrected Mr. Slade, with a laugh. "I suppose Jerry told you it was all settled."

"To be honest, he wanted me to come over and settle it for him and his chums," replied the instructor. "He said there was some doubt about the feasibility of making the trip."

Mr. Baker explained how matters stood. He and the other parents were willing the boys should have a good time, he said, but did not want them to run into danger.

"Do you think they could make a trip away out west in their car?" asked Mr. Slade.

"From what I know of the boys, and from the build of their car, I have no doubt it could be done with perfect safety, as far as ordinary conditions are concerned," said Mr. Wakefield. "Of course, there will be some few troubles, but none that cannot be overcome with a little work. I think the trip is perfectly possible. In fact, you know, autos have gone clear across the continent."

"Then you think we ought to let the boys go?" asked Mr. Slade.

"I -- think -- you -- ought to," replied the instructor, with purposed deliberateness, smiling at the anxious lads.

"Hurrah!" yelled Bob, forgetting that he was in the house.

"Lucky I thought to go and get him," spoke Jerry to Ned.

"I might add," went on Mr. Wakefield, "that I am going to make a trip as far as Chicago. If you decide to let the boys go, they could accompany me that far, at least. It would be a good experience for them."

"Oh, dad! Please let us go!" pleaded Bob.

"Yes, yes!" chimed in Jerry and Ned.

There was a moment of silence, while the parents were gravely considering the matter. During it the boys could almost hear the beating of their own hearts.

"Well," began Mr. Baker, "I'm willing, if the rest of you are."

"I suppose I may as well say yes," spoke Mr. Slade.

"Then the only thing left for me to do is to agree with the majority," said Mrs. Hopkins, with a laugh.

"Westward ho!" fairly shouted Bob, and he began to do an impromptu jig until his father stopped him.

"We'll take Andy Rush along," said Ned, "and we'll start the first of the week!"

"Hark! What was that?" asked Mr. Baker, suddenly.

Out on the night air sounded an alarm.

"Fire! Fire! Fire!"

CHAPTER III.

THE OLD MILL ON FIRE.

They all rushed to windows and looked out into the night. Off to the north a dull red glare lighted the sky.

"What is it?" asked Mr. Baker.

"I can't see from here," replied Jerry.

"Come on, fellows! Let's go!" exclaimed Ned. He started for the door.

"Take the auto," suggested Bob. "No telling how far off it is."

The next instant the three boys were in the automobile shed, getting the machine ready for a start. The red glow in the sky increased. People began running past on their way to the fire.

There was a clatter and bang, a ringing of bells, and the one engine the town possessed, in all the glory of its brass and nickel plate, rushed past, as fast as the horses could drag it. The hose-cart followed.

"Hurry up or we'll miss the fun!" cried Ned to Bob, who was cranking the auto. Somehow, Chunky could not get the engine started. At last he succeeded and the boys climbed to their seats.

"It's my turn to steer!" cried Jerry, and no one disputed him. He ran the car out of the side path, past the Baker home. On the stoop stood Mr. Slade, Mrs. Hopkins and Mr. Baker, watching the fire.

"Want to come along?" asked Ned.

"Let's go," exclaimed Mr. Slade, and he and Mr. Baker got their hats and were soon in the rear seat with Ned. Mrs. Hopkins, with a laugh, declined the trip. Jerry speeded the car ahead and soon was chugging on toward the fire, which was some distance outside of town.

On the road the automobilists passed scores of men and boys who were running at top speed. In their excitement many were yelling at the top of their voices.

"Where is it?" asked Bob of a group of boys.

"The old windmill!" was the answer.

"The place where we found the box Noddy Nixon stole from Mr. Judson!" cried Jerry, turning to his companions. "Queer, isn't it?"

"Maybe he got his toady, Jack Pender, to set the place afire so nothing would ever come out about it," suggested Bob.

"Hardly," ventured Jerry. "But what's the trouble up ahead?"

In advance could be seen quite a crowd of people in a group about some object. Just then came a long-drawn-out whistle of a steam engine.

"The fire apparatus is stuck!" cried Ned. "The horses can't pull it!"

"I always thought that machine was too heavy for two horses," said Mr. Slade.

The auto soon came up to the scene of the trouble. The fire-engine had sunk deep down in a rut of the road and, pull as they did, the horses could not budge it.

"Lay hold of the wheels, boys!" called the driver of the apparatus. "Everybody give a hand!"

Willingly enough the crowd tried to aid. But the roads were soft and the engine was heavy. It seemed bound to stick fast.

"Hold on!" cried Jerry. "Let us through, will you? I have an idea!"

The crowd parted, the attention of the men and boys being attracted from the stranded engine.

"What are you going to do?" asked Mr. Baker.

"Give 'em a lift," replied Jerry. "I say, have you a rope?" the boy called to the driver of the steamer.

"Yes!" was the reply. "But we need more than a rope to get out of here."

"No, you don't! I'll show you!" shouted Jerry. He had brought the machine to a halt by throwing out the gear, but did not stop the gasolene engine. He quickly fastened the rope to the rear axle of the auto.

"Now tie the other end to the engine and we'll pull you to the fire," the boy said.

The driver saw the feasibility of the scheme at once. He unhitched the straining horses, attached the cable to the pole and gave the word. Jerry threw on the clutch, there was a tightening of the rope and slowly but surely the engine was dragged from the mud hole. Then, once on solid ground, Jerry put on more speed, and, amid the cheers of the crowd, he started off at a swift pace, dragging the engine to the fire.

The hose-cart had gone on ahead and was waiting for the steamer. Power was soon up in the apparatus, and soon two streams were directed toward the mill, which was now a mass of flames.

There was no chance of saving it, such a start had the fire gained, and, in fact, the loss would be small if it burned down, but the fire company could not let slip a chance of going to the blaze. So the crew continued to squirt water, though most of it did little good. However, there was plenty of excitement, which suited the boys.

Those in the auto watched the old mill gradually being consumed. To the boys it brought a recollection of the time they had there made the final discovery of Noddy Nixon's villainy, and had practically forced him to admit his guilt. At last the roof fell in, with a big shower of sparks, and the fire was practically out, though the steamer continued to pump water.

"Let's go home," suggested Mr. Baker. "We've seen enough."

"Oh, stay a while longer!" pleaded his son. "It's a fine moonlight night and it will be fun going home later."

"You boys can stay if you like," said the banker, "but home's the place for me, eh, Mr. Slade?"

The merchant agreed. So Jerry turned the auto toward Cresville and made a quick run, leaving Mr. Baker and Mr. Slade at their respective homes, and then he and the boys came back in the machine to the fire. They found most of the crowd gone, and the engine about to return to quarters.

"Do you want us to trail along and pull you again if you get stuck?" asked Bob of the engineer.

"Well, you might come in handy," was the answer. "We're much obliged to you, boys."

"Glad we were on deck," said Jerry. "However, I guess you will not need us again," and he sent the auto ahead at a good speed. "We'll take a little ride before we go home," he added to his chums.

It was a bright moonlight night, rather warm for the close of September, and the road was a fairly good one, so the boys skimmed along, their thoughts on the western trip they were soon to make. For several miles they kept on. Suddenly Jerry yanked the levers and put on the brakes.

"What's the matter?" asked Bob, as the auto came to a stop.

"There," replied Jerry, pointing ahead.

The boys looked and saw, a little in advance, a tumble-down hut, from the window of which a light gleamed.

"That's queer," observed Jerry.

"What is, to see a light in a hut?" asked Bob.

"No; but in that particular one," replied Jerry. "I came past there day before yesterday and I noticed that the place is almost ready to fall apart. No one can be living in it, and any one who is there at night with a light is there for no good purpose."

"Let's take a look," suggested Bob.

Jerry shut off the power, took out the spark plug and the boys advanced cautiously, leaving the machine on one side of the road.

"Maybe there are tramps in there who won't like being spied on," said Ned.

"Don't make any noise," was Jerry's answer. "Be ready to run when I give the word."

On tiptoes the boys drew near the hut. Suddenly Bob grabbed Jerry by the arm.

"What is it?" asked Jerry.

"Smell that?"

"Acetylene gas! Some one has been here with a gas lamp, and within a few minutes," agreed Jerry, sniffing the peculiar odor.

"Isn't that a motor cycle leaning against the building?" asked Ned.

"Sure enough!" said Jerry. "Go slow, boys."

Walking like cats, they reached the window from which the light streamed. As they glanced inside they saw a sight that startled them.

Lying on a pile of rags in one corner of the bare room, in the glare of a candle, was an old man, with matted and unkempt hair and beard. His face showed pain and suffering. His clothes were old and ragged. But what attracted the attention of the boys was the fact that he wore about his waist a wide leather belt, with several compartments or pockets in it. The pockets were open and in them, as well as scattered on the floor in front of the man, were little piles of yellow, gleaming gold.

"He's a miner!" whispered Bob, hoarsely.

As the boys watched they heard the old man moan:

"Don't rob me! Don't take what little I have left! If I wasn't sick and suffering no one would dare play this trick on Jim Nestor!"

The next instant the boys heard a sound from the farther corner of the room. Out of the semi-darkness came a figure. It stooped over the old miner. There was the sound of a blow, a deep groan -- and then came darkness as the candle was extinguished.

Some one ran rapidly from the hut.

"Help! help!" called the miner, feebly. "Help! He's robbed me!"

CHAPTER IV

A CHASE AFTER A RASCAL

"AFTER him!" cried Jerry. "Catch the miserable thief!"

"You and Bob chase him, whoever he is!" called Ted. "I'll stay with the old miner here in the hut. He may be badly hurt."

"Hurry back to the auto!" shouted Jerry. "We can catch the thief in that."

As he spoke he looked ahead. A dark figure crossed the patch of moonlight in the rear of the hut. Then came a sound of a motor-cycle being started, and soon the chug-chug of the machine on the road told that the thief was escaping that way.

Jerry and Bob ran to the auto. In a trice Jerry had the engine cranked up. Bob jumped in, followed by his companion, and they put off down the road after the fleeing motor-cyclist, whom the moonlight plainly revealed.

"He can't get away from us!" exclaimed Jerry. "We will overhaul him in a jiffy!"

But Jerry reckoned without knowing who he was after. He did not dare put on full speed, while the cyclist rashly had his machine going as fast as the explosions could follow one after the other. Besides, the thief had a good start with his light apparatus.

But Jerry determined to make the capture. He threw in the second speed gear and in a little while had lessened the distance between the auto and the motor-cycle.

"I wonder who it is?" asked Bob.

"Maybe we can tell," answered his chum. Jerry switched on the searchlight in the front of the auto. A dazzling pencil of illumination shot down the road.

In the white glare the figure of the motorist stood out sharply, and the red motor he rode could be plainly seen. At the sight both boys gave a start.

"Jack Pender!" exclaimed Bob.

"As sure as guns!" cried Jerry. "We must catch him!"

He was about to take chances and put on the third gear, when Pender, on his cycle, suddenly turned from the main road, and took a path leading through the fields.

"That ends it!" exclaimed Jerry. "No use trying to follow him. Our auto isn't built for 'cross-country riding."

He slowed up, turned around, and, with a last glance in the direction Noddy Nixon's former toady and friend had taken, sent the car back toward the lonely hut.

Meanwhile, Ned, after his companions had started on the chase, had struck a match and lighted the candle in the cabin. He found the old miner, for such the boys correctly guessed him to be, lying unconscious in a corner. The belt, with the gold-dust was gone, though a few grains of the precious metal were scattered over the floor. Ned found a pail of water in the place. He bathed the old man's head and poured some of the fluid down his throat.

"Where am I? What happened?" asked the old man, opening his eyes. Then he passed his hand over his head. His fingers were stained with blood.

"You're all right," spoke Ned. "I'll take care of you. What's your name and where did you come from?"

"Don't let him rob me!" pleaded the old miner. "I have only a little gold, but I need it. I know where there is more, much more. I'll tell you, only don't hit me again. I'm sick, please don't strike poor Jim Nestor!"

"No one is going to hurt you," said Ned, in soothing tones, but the old man did not seem to comprehend. Ned felt of the miner's head, and found he had a bad cut on the back. He washed it off with some water and bound his handkerchief around it. This seemed to ease the old man, and he sank into a doze.

"Well, of all the queer adventures, this is about the limit," spoke Ned, to himself.

The boy glanced about the hut. There was nothing to throw any light on the strange happenings. The candle flickered in the draught from the open door, and cast weird shadows. The man breathed like a person in distress. Ned was about to bathe the wounded man's head again, when the sound of the automobile returning was heard.

"What luck?" asked Ned, running to the door. "Did you get him?"

Whereupon Jerry told of the fruitless chase after Jack Pender. The three boys entered the hut, and Ned told his chums what he had done to relieve the miner.

"He's got a bad wound on the head," he went on. "I guess Pender must have hit him. Jack probably came this way, saw the old man in here sick, and unable to help himself, and watched his chance to rob him. There must have been considerable gold-dust in that belt."

Jerry stooped down and gathered a little from the floor.

"There is some mystery here," he said. "I think we had better get a doctor for the old miner. After he gets better he may talk. I'd like to get my hands on Pender for a little while."

"So would I," chorused Ned and Bob.

"The question is, shall we take the old man back in the auto with us, or run back to town and bring out a doctor?" went on Jerry.

"I think we'd better go get a doctor and fetch him here," was Ned's opinion. "It might injure the old man to move him."

This was voted the best plan. They made the unconscious miner as comfortable as possible on the bed of rags, placed the pail of water where he could reach it, and prepared to run back to town. Ned volunteered to stay with the miner until they returned, but Jerry advised against it, as the hut was on a lonely road.

It did not take long to reach Cresville. Dr. Morrison was routed out of bed by the boys, and agreed to return with them in the auto, when the case had been explained to him.

"Just wait until I get dressed," he said, "and pack up some instruments and I'll be with you."

While waiting, Jerry examined the auto to see that there was plenty of water and gasolene in the tanks. He found everything all right.

While Dr. Morrison was making ready to relieve the sufferings of the miner in the hut, Jack Pender, on his motor-cycle, was still speeding on, to get as far away as possible from those in pursuit of him. When he turned from the road and cut across lots he thought very likely that the auto would not follow. But he was taking no chances, and, when he emerged into the highway again, about a mile farther on, he still ran his machine at full speed.

"That was a close call!" he exclaimed. "Who would ever have thought that those boys, the same ones who made all the trouble for Noddy, would be after me! I escaped just in time. I hope I didn't kill the old man, though it was a hard blow I struck him!"

Pender slowed down his machine and listened. No sound of pursuit came to him on the quiet night air. He stopped alongside of the road, under a big oak tree.

"Guess I'll light up and see how I made out," he said to himself. He lighted his acetylene lamp and, standing in the glare of it, drew from his pocket the belt he had stolen from the old miner.

"Feels heavy," he muttered. "Ought to be plenty of gold in it. Well, I need the money if I am to join Noddy. I must read his letter again."

He pulled out a sheet of paper and began glancing over it.

"Dated New York," he said. "He says he's having lots of fun and no end of larks with Bill Berry. I don't care much for Bill, myself. He never was any good around town, and he's a desperate man. Hum! let's see!" He turned to the letter again." 'Come and join me, Jack. We'll go West and have a good time. Bring some money.' Well, I've got the money, all right. Now to start West. I'll ride the motor as far as the depot and take a train."

Replacing the letter and the belt of gold in his pockets, Pender remounted his machine and started off down the road, dark shadows from the trees soon hiding him.

It was just about this time that Dr. Morrison had completed his preparations to visit the injured miner. The physician took a seat in the auto beside Bob, Ned and Jerry being in front, the latter steering.

"Now, don't go too fast," cautioned the doctor to Jerry. "You know I'm an old-fashioned man, and not used to making professional visits any faster than my horse, old Dobbins, can take me. I don't want an upset."

Jerry promised to be cautious. The moon had begun to go down, and it was no easy task steering along the shadowy road, but the boy managed it, and soon the deserted hut was reached.

"Now to see what sort of a case I have," spoke the doctor.

"I'll bring one of the oil lamps," said Jerry, unfastening a lantern from the dashboard, after stopping the automobile engine. "You can see to work by it."

The boys and Dr. Morrison entered the hut. Jerry held the lamp up high to illuminate the place.

"Now I'm ready," announced the physician. "Where is the patient?" and he opened his medical case.

In wonderment the boys gazed around the hut. To their astonishment, there was not the slightest sign of the wounded miner. He had disappeared!

CHAPTER V.

THE MYSTERY OF THE MINER.

"HE's gone!" exclaimed Ned.

"Are you sure he was here?" inquired the physician.

Of that the boys had not the slightest doubt, and they speedily convinced the medical man. The lantern was flashed in every corner of the hut, but there was not a sign of the miner.

"It's rather queer," commented Dr. Morrison, when he had listened to the details the boys gave him.

"Do you suppose some one came and carried him off?" asked Bob.

"More likely he was not as badly hurt as you supposed," replied Dr. Morrison. "He may have been only stunned by a blow on the head. When he regained his senses he probably feared another attack, and so he hurried from the hut. Let me take the lamp."

The physician flashed the lantern outside the door of the cabin, holding it close to the ground.

"I thought so," he said. "See, there are a few grains of the gold-dust showing on the door sill, and here are more, farther along the path. The man has gone away, and has left a little golden trail."

The physician attempted to follow it, but the yellow specks soon disappeared and there was no other clew.

"Depend on it, he has run away in fear," said the doctor. "Rather disappointing, too. I believe he could tell a queer story. Who robbed him, I wonder?"

"It was --" began Bob, but a nudge from Jerry stopped him.

"We saw some one run from the hut," explained Jerry. "We gave chase in the automobile, but the fellow cut across lots and we couldn't follow."

"I suppose I may as well go back," announced the doctor. "There is no use staying here. I don't believe the miner will return and solve the mystery for us."

The auto was turned toward Cresville and a quick trip was made, the boys speculating among themselves on what might be revealed if the wounded man could be found.

The physician was left at his home, and then the boys began thinking of their beds, as it was growing late.

"Queer that both Noddy and Jack should turn thieves, isn't it?" remarked Jerry.

"And that we should happen to be mixed up in both cases," put in Ned. "I wonder if we will meet either of them again."

If the boys could have looked into the future they would have seen that they were destined to soon encounter Noddy and Jack, and under the strangest of circumstances.

The auto was put away and three tired boys were soon snoring in their beds. They were up bright and early the next morning and in consultation about the proposed trip to Chicago. They called on Mr. Wakefield to learn his plans.

He said he expected to start for the Windy City by way of New York, on Thursday. It was then Tuesday, and the boys realized that they had little time to spare in which to make their preparations.

The three parents, who had somewhat reluctantly given their consent to the project, were soon almost as enthusiastic as the boys. Stocks of clothing were looked over, money matters were arranged, and the boys Packed their dress-suit cases with what they thought would do them on the trip. They were each given a fairly liberal allowance of funds.

Then the automobile was got ready. It was given a thorough overhauling, and an extra supply of tools, together with a full new set of tires, was provided. Andy Rush was told to prepare to go, it having been decided to take him as far as New York or Chicago, he having relatives in both cities. At last the time came to start. It was a fine, crisp September morning, and the boys were up early enough to see the sun rise. The suit-cases had been strapped to the machine, tires were pumped up, there was plenty of water and gasolene in the tanks, the batteries were renewed, and every bit of machinery had been gone over carefully. Andy Rush, the night previous, had sent his things over to Bob's house, from whence the trip was to be begun. Andy himself arrived right after breakfast.

"Hurrah!" he shouted. "Here we go -- all aboard -- blow the horn -- get out of the way -- turn on the gasolene -- off brakes -- break the records -- mile a minute -- whoop!"

"You'll have all the excitement you want for once, I hope, Andy," said Jerry.

"Betcherlife!" exclaimed Andy, in one breath.

The boys piled into the auto; good-byes were called, over and over again. Then came a toot of a horn as Mr. Wakefield came up the road in his machine, a friend, who intended making the trip, accompanying him.

"All ready, boys?" he called.

"All ready!" replied Jerry, who was going to steer for the first stage.

With a blaring of the automobile trumpets, a waving of hands from those who had gathered to see the start, and a chorus of cries, wishing every one good luck, the little party rode away.

Mr. Wakefield, who knew the road better than did the boys, took the lead. His car was of the same pattern as theirs and both machines were of equal speed. For several miles the two autos puffed along over the pleasant country roads.

No attempt to make time was tried, and at noon the travelers found themselves in Providence, Rhode Island, that being the first stopping place Mr. Wakefield had decided on. The machines were run up in front of a quiet but good hotel, and every one was hungry enough to do full justice to the meal.

"How do you boys like it?" asked Mr. Wakefield at the table. "Do you think you can stand it as far as Chicago?"

They were all sure they could run the machine to San Francisco, if necessary, and Mr. Wakefield and his friend laughed at their enthusiasm.

"We have come about seventy miles without a mishap," said Mr. Wakefield, "but there are many miles ahead of us yet."

After a short rest the journey was again taken up, and throughout the afternoon the autos were speeded along. The way was through a pleasant country, and the boys enjoyed the scenery and fresh air. Several times they stopped at farm-houses to get drinks of cold milk, and once a motherly-looking woman filled the boys' pockets with newly baked doughnuts that were delicious.

"We'll spend the night in Norwich, Conn.," said Mr. Wakefield, when the two autos were ready to start, after a momentary stop at a farmhouse.

"Norwich -- Norwich! I know Norwich!" exclaimed Andy. "I saw it in a book once -- years ago -- I was a little fellow -- man in the moon came down too soon to inquire the way to Norwich -- went by the south -- burnt his mouth -- eating cold bean porridge!"

"You remember your nursery rhymes well," said Mr. Wakefield, with a laugh, in which all joined.

On and on chugged the autos. The afternoon waned to dusk and frequent signboards told that the distance from Norwich was constantly lessening. Mr. Wakefield was about half a mile in advance, on a straight, level road. Suddenly came a sound as of a pistol shot.

"Tire busted!" exclaimed Jerry, shutting off the power. Mr. Wakefield heard the noise and turned back.

"Accident?" he inquired.

Jerry explained that one of their inner tubes had blown out.

"Want any help?" asked the athletic instructor.

"We may as well begin now as any other time to mend our own breaks," spoke Jerry. "You go ahead. We'll catch up to you soon."

"All right," said Mr. Wakefield. He felt that it would be a good thing to accustom the boys to depend on themselves. So, telling them that the road to Norwich was now a straight one, and that the town was about ten miles off, he left them to their own devices.

The boys started in on the not very easy task of taking off the heavy outer shoe and inserting a new inner tube, of which they carried a supply. It finally became so dark that they had to light the lamps to see to work. At length they were finished and the tools were put away.

The new tire was pumped up and the engine started. The boys took their seats, and, at Bob's request, he was allowed to steer.

"Go slow at first," advised Jerry, "until we see how the new tube holds."

Bob started off at first speed. It was now quite dark, but the oil and acetylene lamps gave a good light. All at once Bob, who was peering ahead, shut off the power with a jerk and put the brakes on hard.

"What's the matter?" asked Jerry.

"Something in the road," replied the steersman, pointing to a dark object.

The next instant three figures loomed up in the glare of the auto lamps.

Climb out of that gasolene gig!" exclaimed a rough voice. "We're hard up an' we need help!"

CHAPTER VI.

A HOLD-UP.

"WHO are you?" asked Jerry, boldly.

"Never mind who we are!" exclaimed the same voice. "Just git out of that choo-choo wagon an' hand over what spare change you have."

"Is this a hold-up?" demanded Ned.

"If it isn't it's a good imitation of one," was the answer, accompanied by a laugh. "Come, now! Look lively!"

One of the men came around to the side of the auto and grabbed Bob by the arm. At the same time another of the tramp trio attempted to seize Jerry. Ned was in the rear seat.

"Let go of me!" exclaimed Jerry, striking at the man who had climbed up on the step of the machine. The boy's blow fell on the man's arm.

"Oh, that's your game, is it?" cried the ruffian He drew back his fist as though to fell Jerry.

"Help! help!" yelled Bob. He was being pulled from the car by the tramp who had grabbed him. It looked bad for the Motor Boys.

Ned sprang up from the rear. He had been fumbling in a valise on the floor of the tonneau. He leaned forward over the front seat. In each hand he held some object, bright and shining, and he aimed them full in the faces of the two tramps on either side of the auto.

"Take that!" Ned cried.

There was a sharp, hissing sound, a click, and the air was filled with a pungent odor.

"I'm killed! He's blinded me!" yelled the tramp, who had grabbed Bob.

"Oh! oh! My head is blown off!" yelled the other ruffian.

Both of them toppled from the steps of the auto and rolled over and over in the road, screaming with pain and fright.

"And there's one for you!" shouted Ned, taking aim at the tramp in front of the machine, and once more the hissing sound was heard.

"Wow!" cried the fellow, and, whirling around, he dashed off, full speed, down the road.

"Bully for you! Hit 'em again -- knock 'em out -- smash -- bang -- never say die -- hear 'em yell -- do it again -- siss -- boom -- ah! Whoop!" cried Andy, standing on the seat and waving his cap.

The two tramps who had fallen to the road got up, and, still yelling in pain, followed their companion.

"Start off!" exclaimed Ned to Bob. "I guess they won't bother us again very soon."

"What in the world did you do to them?" asked Jerry.

"Used an ammonia squirt-gun on each one," said Ned.

He showed the boys two affairs that looked like small revolvers, only the ammunition was liquid spirits of ammonia, quite strong, contained in a rubber bulb in the handle. By pressing the bulb a fine stream of ammonia could be shot for quite a distance.

"I saw 'em advertised in a magazine," said Ned. "They were just the things for vicious dogs and men, it said, for they blind a person temporarily and make his face smart like sixty, but no permanent injury is done. I had 'em in my valise and I just happened to think of them when those chaps held us up."

"Lucky you did," commented Jerry. "I thought we were surely going to be robbed."

"I guess they thought they were killed when they felt that ammonia," said Bob. "Ned, you're all right, that's what you are!" he finished, heartily.

"I guess we'd better move along, or Mr. Wakefield may be worried about us," suggested Jerry.

So Bob threw the gear into place and the machine moved away. No further sign of the tramps was seen, and the boys reached Norwich without further incident. They found the hotel Mr. Wakefield had arranged to meet them at, and soon were eating a good supper. The adventure with the tramps was related, and Mr. Wakefield congratulated the boys on their pluck.

An early start was had next morning and good progress was made, so that by noon the travelers were in Waterbury, Conn., where dinner was eaten. Mr. Wakefield said that by swift traveling New York could be reached late that night, but he did not advise it. Instead, the night was spent in Danbury.

By noon the next day more than half the distance between their last stopping place and New York had been covered, and late that afternoon found the two autos speeding down Riverside Drive, leading to the metropolis. Not an accident had occurred since the hold-up by the tramps and the blowing out of the tire on the boys' auto, and each one was congratulating himself that the trip was being made under the best of luck.

The travelers were about opposite Grant's tomb, and were moving along slowly, when suddenly, with a noise like a shot, one of Mr. Wakefield's tires burst. A young woman, driving a spirited horse, was passing his auto at the time, and the animal, taking fright, took the bit in his teeth and bolted.

The young woman screamed in fright, lost her hold on the reins and clung desperately to the seat. There were no vehicles on the drive in that vicinity just then, excepting the two autos and the runaway.

"Quick!" cried Mr. Wakefield to the boys, as he brought his machine to a stop. "Take after her! There may be an accident! I can't go on until I mend this break!"

Ned was steering, and made a turn. Like a flash he threw on the third gear and the auto sprang forward like an unleashed hound. Bob, Andy and Jerry clung to the seats, while Ned steered the machine after the runaway horse.

The animal was now galloping at top speed, but the auto was creeping up on him. It made scarcely a sound, only a purring as the cylinders exploded, one after another.

"What are you going to do?" asked Jerry. "Go close enough so one of us can jump in the carriage?"

"Watch!" was all Ned replied.

Faster and faster went the auto. At length it passed the galloping steed, and the boys could see the young woman clinging in desperation to the seat. Then, as Ned steered the machine ahead of the horse, the boys saw what his plan was.

The animal was now directly behind the auto, coming on like the wind. Ned gave one glance back. Then he quickly threw the gears to first speed. So quickly was it done that the horse nearly rammed his nose into the rear of the tonneau. The animal did not think of dashing to one side and so passing the car. Instead he kept his place behind it.

Then Ned shut off the power and allowed the machine to drift along. The horse, seeing the obstruction continually in front of him, gradually reduced his speed, and finally, when the auto came to a stop, the animal did likewise.

Jerry jumped from his seat and, running back, grasped the bridle. He spoke soothingly to the animal, and soon had him quieted. The young woman, pale and trembling, regained her composure.

"I'm so much obliged to you," she said. "Really, I don't know what possessed Dexter. He never was frightened at autos before. I'm a little ashamed of myself, too. I ought to have kept hold of the reins and I could have managed him."

"Are you sure you will be all right now?" asked Jerry. "If not, one of us will go with you."

"Oh, I can take care of him now," replied the lady. "Dexter will be all right. I thank you boys very much," she added, sweetly, and a moment later drove oft.

The boys turned the auto around and speeded back to where they had left Mr. Wakefield. He had repaired the break in the tire in the meanwhile and was ready to proceed.

In a short time the travelers steered for the hotel, uptown, where Mr. Wakefield had engaged rooms for all. The machines were sent to a garage, and the boys prepared to wash up for supper. It was getting quite dark, and the electric lights in the streets were gleaming. Jerry was looking from the window of the sitting-room of the suite which the boys had on the third floor.

Suddenly he gave a start and cried:

"There he goes!"

"Who?" asked Ned.

"Noddy Nixon!" replied Jerry, dashing from the room.

CHAPTER VII.

A FRUITLESS PURSUIT.

FOR a few seconds the other boys did not know whether Jerry was joking or in earnest. But when he did not return in a little while they knew he must have meant what he said.

"I don't see anything of Noddy," spoke Ned, looking out of the window whence Jerry had spied their enemy.

"It's getting too dark to see anything," said Bob.

"Well, I guess if Jerry said he saw Noddy he meant it," put in Andy. "I hope he catches him and gives him a good thrashing!"

"Well, boys," exclaimed Mr. Wakefield at that instant, entering their room, "are you all ready for supper?"

"We are," answered Ned.

"Where is Jerry?" asked the athletic instructor, looking around.

"He went out for a little while," replied Ned, quickly, not wishing to state Jerry's real errand. "I guess he'll be back in a short time."

"He doesn't know his way around New York; I hope he will not get lost," spoke Mr. Wakefield.

"Trust Jerry to find his way back," said Ned. Then the party went down to supper without waiting for the missing member. Meanwhile, Jerry was in hot pursuit of Noddy.

"I wonder what he is doing in New York?" thought Jerry, as he jumped into an elevator that was just going down, and got out on the ground floor.

The boy ran out into the street and glanced in the direction he had seen Noddy taking. The thoroughfare was not crowded, and, though it was getting quite dark, Jerry caught a glimpse of Noddy's back.

"I'll catch him and ask him what he meant about that note he wrote, threatening to get even with us," he thought, as he hurried on.

Noddy had quite a start, and Jerry had some difficulty in getting close to him. He lost a little time at a street crossing, where there were a number of vehicles, and Noddy got farther ahead. Jerry broke into a run when he saw a passage, and hurried on.

Noddy happened to glance back just as Jerry passed beneath an electric light, and seeing he was pursued, started forward at a rapid rate.

The pursuit was getting hot. They had passed from a busy part of the city and were on a street containing only old buildings. There were less people, too, and Jerry had a good view of Noddy.

Suddenly Noddy turned, shook his fist, and disappeared into a dilapidated tenement house, which he was in front of at the time. With a cry, Jerry bounded forward. As he entered the hallway he bumped into a roughly dressed man, as he could see by the dim light of a lamp suspended at the rear end of the passage.

"Now, then, wot's all this rush about?" demanded the man.

"I beg your pardon," said Jerry, halting.

"Be you the doctor?" asked the man.

"The doctor? No. Why?"

"'Cause he's took bad, an' we've sent fer the doctor. I t'ought you was him."

"Who's sick?" inquired the boy, forgetting for the moment what had brought him to the place.

"He's an old miner. I don't know him, but he come to me, sick an' dead broke, an' I let him sleep in my room. He's off his trolley, I guess, but he says his name is Jim Nestor."

"Jim Nestor!" exclaimed Jerry. He remembered that was the name of the miner in the hut, whom Pender had robbed.

"That's the name he gave."

"Off his trolley?" went on the youth, wondering what form of disease that was.

"Yep. Nutty, you know; bug-house, wheels, crazy, if that suits you better."

"Oh!" replied Jerry, understanding.

"If you ain't the doc. no use of me wastin' my time on you," the man went on. "I'll have to chase out after one."

"I saw the sign of a doctor's office a little way back on this street as I came along," volunteered the boy. "I'll go and stay with the man while you run there."

"Bully for you!" said the man. "Some of the people in this house is afraid of him 'cause he talks in his sleep. You'll find him on the second floor front."

Jerry went up. In a dimly lighted room he saw an old man lying on a bed, covered with ragged quilts. One glance showed Jerry that the man was the miner who had mysteriously disappeared from the hut when they sought to aid him.

Suddenly the sick man opened his eyes. He looked, sharply at Jerry and exclaimed:

"Oh, you've come back, have you? Where is the boy who took my gold?"

"He got away," explained Jerry, realizing that the sick man was in his right senses, for a time at least.

"I remember you," went on the miner. "You and some other boys helped me after I was struck. You left me alone in the cabin. I was afraid the one who took my gold would come back, so I crawled out. The air made me feel better. I walked to the railroad, got on a freight train, and came here. Then I got sick again.

"Gold! gold! gold!" exclaimed the miner, suddenly. "I see it all around. Millions and millions of it! There is gold for all of us! Do not rob me!"

Jerry knew the man was wandering again. Just then the doctor came in and Jerry, after promising to come back, hurried around to the hotel, where he found his friends worried over his absence. He explained about his chase and the finding of the mysterious miner.

"Did you catch Noddy?" asked Andy.

"I forgot all about him when I saw Nestor," replied Jerry. "I guess Noddy got away, all right, probably out of a back door."

"What are you going to do about the miner?" asked Mr. Wakefield, after supper.

"I'd like to befriend him if we could," said Jerry. "He seems like an honest man."

"I'll go around and see him," remarked the athletic instructor. "Perhaps we can arrange to do something for him."

It was quite late that night when Mr. Wakefield returned from his visit to Jim Nestor. He found the boys up waiting for him.

"It's a queer story," said Mr. Wakefield. "Part of it I want you to hear for yourselves from him, part I will tell you. It seems that James Nestor, which is his name, found quite a rich claim out in Arizona. He staked it out and, with some of the gold in his possession, came East to see if he could find a former partner he wanted to share in his good luck.

"He reached Cresville and there he was taken sick. He went to the old hut, where you found him, and there, while he was helpless, some one, whom you boys know to be Jack Pender, came along and robbed him.

"Nestor made his way to New York, after his mysterious disappearance from the hut, and he found poor but faithful friends in the tenement house."

"What part of the story do you want him to tell us himself?" asked Ned.

"About his claim -- his gold mine," said Mr. Wakefield. "I would rather you get that from him direct."

"Is he very sick?" asked Jerry.

"The doctor thinks he will be around in a few days."

"And what do you propose?" asked Bob, who could see that Mr. Wakefield had something on his mind.

"I think if you boys are going to make a western trip you cannot do better than take this miner along with you," answered the gentleman. "I talked to him about it, after the doctor had given him some quieting medicine, and he said he would be glad of a chance to get out West."

"Shall we wait here until he gets well?" asked Jerry.

"My plan would be for you boys to make up his fare to Chicago," said Mr. Wakefield, "and let him join you there, say in a week. You can go by auto and he can go by train."

This plan met with the approval of the three chums. They made up a purse for Jim Nestor and arranged for Mr. Wakefield to take it to the miner. The latter did so, and planned for the miner to come on to Chicago when he was well and strong. "The boys will put up at the Grand Hotel," said Mr. Wakefield, passing over the money, which was to be Nestor's fare to Chicago.

"And I'll meet 'em there an' put 'em up against the greatest proposition they ever heard of," promised the miner.

CHAPTER VIII.

IN THE WINDY CITY.

FIVE days later the automobile travelers were in Chicago. No serious accidents had occurred on the road, and they finished the first part of their trip in good shape. All the boys thought of was whether they would be allowed to proceed farther West.

Andy Rush was obliged to leave them, for he had promised to visit a relative of his mother. He did not relish being separated from his chums.

"Tough!" he exclaimed. "Wish I could go along -- bully fun -- shoot Indians -- lasso the cowboys -- kill the buffalos -- ride a wild bull -- break a bucking mustang -- chase over the prairies -- lots of sport -- whoop!"

"We'd like to have you come," said Jerry, "but your folks said you could go no farther, and we have agreed to leave you here and take Mr. Nestor. So we have to keep our word."

Andy agreed that this was right, but the galvanic youth certainly did hate to part from his friends. The three chums put up at the Grand Hotel, and Mr. Wakefield, after some parting words of advice, left them, as he had some business to transact. He said he did not expect to see them again before he returned to Cresville, and wished them all sorts of good luck.

"What's the first thing to do?" asked Bob, when the boys found themselves alone in their hotel rooms.

"Wire home that we are safe and ask if we can go farther West," suggested Jerry. "But don't say anything about the miner. He may not show up, and they'll laugh at us if they find that we have been fooled."

The wires were soon busy with messages from each of the three boys.

A day of anxious waiting ensued. Then, on the second afternoon the bellboy brought three yellow envelopes to their rooms. With trembling fingers the boys tore the missives open.

"Hurrah! I can go!" cried Jerry.

"So can I!" exclaimed Ned.

"Me, too!" put in Bob.

The boys executed an impromptu war-dance in their delight.

"Ho for the West and the gold mines!" cried Ned, trying to hug Jerry and Chunky at the same time and finding it was too much of a contract.

There came a knock on the door.

"I guess that's some one to tell us to stop our noise," remarked Jerry. "I thought you chaps were cutting up too rough."

"As if he didn't make as much of the row as any of us!" exclaimed Ned.

Bob opened the door. A well-dressed man, with iron-gray moustache and hair, entered.

"Here I be!" he announced, "an' I see you boys are right on deck!"

"I guess you've made a mistake," said Jerry, gently.

"Ain't this the Grand Hotel, where I was to meet the boys that befriended old Jim Nestor?" the man asked.

Then the boys saw it was their friend, the miner. But he had so changed in appearance, with a new suit of clothes, and with his hair and whiskers trimmed, that they did not recognize him. They greeted him heartily.

"I got well quicker than I expected," went on Nestor, "an' I couldn't stand New York any longer. Mr. Wakefield left me a tidy sum. He grub- staked me, so to speak, an' I come West. Got a quick train an' made Chicago 'most as soon as you boys did in your auto wagon."

"We're glad to see you," remarked Jerry.

"No more than I am to see you," put in the miner. "Now let's git right down to business. That's my way. No beatin' around the bush for Jim Nestor.

"I told your friend, Mr. Wakefield, that I'd put you boys up against a good big proposition. Now I'm goin' to do it. Can you go as far as Arizona in that wagon of yours?"

"Farther if need be," replied Ned.

"Good! Now will your folks let you go?"

For answer the boys held out their telegrams.

"Good, again I see it's all right. Now I want you boys to know I ain't so poor as I looked to be when you found me. I'm rich, that's what I am, only I can't git at my money.

"The long and short of it is that I discovered down in the southern part of Arizona a rich gold mine. It assays high. In fact, if you saw the gold I had in the hut, you saw some of the yellow stuff that came from my mine. It's a lost mine."

"A lost mine?" exclaimed Bob, blankly. "Then what good is it?"

"It was lost, but I found it again," explained Nestor. "There's millions in it. It's up in the mountains, about a hundred miles from Tucson. The gold is there, but it's hard to reach.

"Now what I want to know is, can you boys go there, or near there, in your choo-choo cart? If you can, and we are successful, there's a chance for us all to make our fortunes, for I'll give you boys a share apiece for what you did for me when I was in trouble."

"I guess we can go," said Jerry.

"It'll be a hard trip, full of trouble an' some danger," warned the miner.

"We'll risk it," said Ned.

"When can you start?" asked Nestor.

"Let's go right now!" exclaimed Bob, with such earnestness that the other laughed.

"To-morrow or next day will do," said Nestor. "I have a few things to attend to. I'll meet you here, say day after to-morrow."

At the agreed time Nestor was on hand. In the meantime the auto had been thoroughly overhauled, put in shape for a long, hard trip, and extra supplies purchased. It was a bright, sunny day when the start from Chicago was made.

"Let her go!" exclaimed Nestor, as he climbed into the rear seat with Bob.

Jerry, who was steering, threw in the gear clutches and the machine moved off on its long and what was destined to be eventful trip.

"Hold on!" cried Nestor, suddenly.

"What's the matter?" asked Jerry, stopping the car.

"Have you boys got guns?"

"Guns?" repeated Jerry, somewhat in bewilderment.

"Well, revolvers, then," went on the miner.

In answer, Ned rather sheepishly took from his valise three new double- action revolvers of excellent make.

"I thought we might need 'em," he said, "but I was afraid you'd laugh at me and say it was foolish."

"It's all right!" exclaimed Nestor. "I was going to tell you to git some. You see, you don't always need a gun in Arizona, but when you do, as the man in the story said about Texas, you need it mighty bad an' mighty sudden. So it's a prime thing you have 'em. I've got mine," and he showed two big .45 calibre ones.

Well armed, as well as otherwise provided for, the little expedition started off again, the automobile wending in and out through the busy Chicago streets.

"We'll make as straight a course as we can for Tucson," said Nestor. "I know the roads pretty well, 'cause I traveled 'em in a stage years ago, when Chicago was only a village."

The machine was puffing along at a fair rate of speed and had almost reached the outskirts of the city when a policeman, mounted on a motor- cycle, dashed up.

"I'll have to take you in," he announced.

"What for?" asked Ned.

"Riding too fast in the city limits."

"But we were going slow," objected Jerry. "If you know anything about automobiles you can see the lever is only on the first-speed notch, and that only goes ten miles an hour at best."

"Can't help it," replied the officer. "I timed you and you went too fast."

"Dog-gone his hide, let me git my gun out an' I'll show him who he's a- holdin' up!" exclaimed Nestor, in a whisper.

"No, no!" expostulated Ned, who overheard the miner's threat. "This isn't out West. Don't pull any guns!"

"Well," put in Jerry, speaking to the officer, "if you think we were violating the law I suppose we'll have to go back with you. Shall I turn around and accompany you?" he asked, politely.

"That's what you better do. I don't want no fuss, but if you want trouble I'll make it for you."

The other boys wondered at Jerry's easy compliance with what they knew was an unreasonable and unjust command. The steersman started the machine slowly ahead, and, as the road was wide, began to turn in a circle, to head back to Chicago.

But when the auto was half way around, and pointed in the direction of the Windy City, Jerry did not continue on the way the officer expected. Instead, the boy widened his circle, made a complete revolution and then, throwing in the second speed, dashed away down the road, leaving the discomfited motor-policeman to rage over the trick that had been played on him.

"I wasn't going to submit to arrest when I knew we were not guilty," said Jerry.

In a little while Chicago was left behind, and the auto dashed along a pleasant country road and was making good time toward the West.

Suddenly there came a puffing from behind that told of another machine coming. It passed the boys, who had slowed down a bit, and as it went by the occupants of the Cresville machine had a good view of those in the other car.

"Did you see them?" cried Jerry, in amazement.

"Who?" asked Bob, who had not given much heed to the other auto.

"Noddy Nixon was in that machine, and with him were Jack Pender and Bill Berry!"

CHAPTER IX.

A SHOT IN THE DARK.

As Jerry spoke, the other boys looked and saw Noddy turn to stare at them. The bully rose in his seat and shook his fist at the Motor Boys, while the wind bore back some indistinguishable words he shouted.

"Let's take after him!" cried Ned.

"What would be the use?" asked Jerry. "We don't want trouble if we can avoid it. The farther off those fellows are the better we'll be."

The boys explained to Nestor something about the character of Noddy, Berry, and Pender, the miner listening, gravely.

"Well, on the whole," he remarked, "it's better to have an enemy in front of you than at your back. I guess we can make out to beat 'em at whatever game they play. But I'd like to catch the chap as took my gold."

Jerry started his machine up again, but made no effort to catch up with Noddy, who was now far in advance. The Cresville auto bowled along, and at noon a stop was made in a small village, where dinner was eaten.

They traveled along all the afternoon. Toward dusk they struck a lonely stretch of country, and inquiry at a log cabin brought out that the nearest town was ten miles ahead.

"We must push for it," said Nestor; "that is, if we intend to sleep in beds to-night."

Ned was steering, the boys having agreed to take turn and turn about. It became quite dark, and the auto was shooting along at reduced speed, for, even with the gas and oil lamps, the road was dim.

Suddenly a shot rang out in the darkness. It was followed by a louder report as one of the auto tires burst, punctured by a bullet. The car careened to one side and bumped along on the flattened rubber.

"They're shooting at us!" cried Nestor. "Two can play at that game!"

He whipped out his revolver and fired three shots straight ahead, the flashes cutting the darkness.

"They're behind, not ahead!" yelled Jerry, who was in the rear seat with the miner. "It was one of the back tires that burst!"

Ned had shut off power and the auto came to a halt. The boys got out, and Jerry took off one of the oil lamps to see what damage had been done. A new inner tube would be needed, and it would be hard work inserting it in the dark.

"That's some of Noddy's or Pender's work," observed Ned. "They must be following us, and yet they started off ahead."

"There are so many roads around here that they could go off to one side, wait, and then come up behind us," said Nestor. "But what's to be done?"

"We can't go ahead until we fix the tire," said Jerry.

"Don't try to do it in the dark," advised the miner. "Tell you what to do. I'll camp here with the machine, for I'm used to sleeping outdoors nights. It's only about two miles into town now, and you boys can walk it. In the morning you can come back and fix things up."

"What will you do for supper?" asked Jerry.

"Don't you worry about that," replied the miner. "I've got a couple of sandwiches in my pocket. I got 'em at the place we had dinner, 'cause I always like to travel with a little grub about me. They'll do until morning."

So it was arranged. The lights on the auto were put out and Nestor curled up in the tonneau, with some lap-robes over him. The boys started afoot for the town, promising to come back as soon as it was light enough to see to put the new tube in the tire.

"I wonder what Noddy's game is?" asked Ned of his companions. "And how did he and Pender come together?"

"There's no telling what those two may do," said Jerry. "I'm afraid we're in for trouble."

They were to meet it sooner than they expected. About this time, a mile from where the crippled auto was stalled, two figures were sneaking along the road.

"Are you sure you hit the tire, Bill?" asked a voice, which, if the Motor Boys had heard, they would have recognized at once as Noddy Nixon's.

"Course I winged 'em," replied Bill Berry. "It was easy. All I had to do was to jump out from behind the bushes where we were hid and pop at 'em. I could hear the tire bust."

"I wonder if it made 'em lay up for repairs?"

"It sure did. I heard 'em shut off the power. Now we'll hustle back to our car and continue the trip."

"I'll teach those Cresville cubs to come meddling after me," spoke Noddy. "I'll follow 'em close and make all the trouble I can. As you say, we may as well start off again. I hope Pender isn't tired waiting alone for us in the car. How far ahead is it now?"

"Half a mile, I guess."

As the Motor Boys knew, Noddy had made for New York after running away from home with Bill Berry. He wrote to the boys and to Pender from there, and later Pender joined the rascally pair.

Noddy was preparing for a trip with his companions, and was just about to start when Jerry spied him from the hotel window. He escaped through the tenement house and at once got ready to leave New York in a hurry.

It was by the merest chance that he passed the Cresville auto on leaving Chicago, and at once had formed the plan of annoying the three chums.

As Nestor had said, Noddy and his companions had taken a side road, allowed the Cresville auto to get ahead and then, at Berry's suggestion, had ambushed themselves to try and do some damage as the Motor Boys passed. The chief conspirators were now on their way to where they had left their auto.

They reached it, found Pender half asleep, curled up on a seat, and started slowly off in the darkness.

By keeping to the diverging road they were on, they passed around the disabled machine, and came out into the main highway again, ahead of the three boys who were tramping toward the town.

Noddy was steering, and with a reckless disregard of the dangers of the road was going very fast. Suddenly there was a crash and the auto stopped.

"You've gone an' done it now!" exclaimed Bill.

"What if I have?" snapped Noddy. "It's my machine, ain't it?"

"An' it's my neck you're tryin' to break," replied Bill. "What's the trouble, anyhow?"

Noddy got out to look. Something had gone wrong with the sliding gear and he had to crawl under the machine to fix it, while Pender held a light. Bill obstinately refused to lend a hand, as he said it was all Noddy's fault.

"I'm goin' to walk on to the next town," declared Berry. "You can stop an' pick me up on your way through. I'll be at the hotel."

He went off in the darkness, while Noddy and Jack continued to work at the auto. It took more than half an hour to fix the break, but at last the machine was ready to start. Noddy was about to crank it up when he heard the sound of some persons coming along the road, voices mingling with the footsteps.

He looked up, and was much surprised to see, in the glare of the lamps, Jerry, Bob and Ned.

"Oh!" said Noddy, faintly, for he did not know what else to say.

On their part the Motor Boys were as much startled as was Noddy at the unexpected meeting.

"So you're here, are you?" asked Jerry.

"Can't you see without having to be told?" inquired Noddy, with a surly growl. "Now you've seen us, you'd better go on and mind your own business."

"I guess this is a free country, and we have as much right on this road as you have," spoke Ned.

"You haven't any right to follow me all the while!" burst out the former bully of Cresville.

"We wouldn't be following you if you hadn't fired at us and punctured the tire!" cried Bob.

"Who says I fired a shot?" demanded Noddy.

"I do!" exclaimed Ned.

"You don't know what you're talking about!" exclaimed the bully. "If you say another word I'll lick you!"

He was mad clear through, and made a rush at Ned. Jerry sprang forward and met Noddy with a blow straight from the shoulder. The bully went down. He got up quickly, and the two boys went at each other, "hammer and tongs." Jerry kept his head and landed twice, heavily, on Noddy. The latter gave Jerry a bad blow on the right eye, but the latter retaliated by making Noddy's nose bleed.

As Noddy felt the warm blood trickling down his face he became frightened.

"Help! help!" he cried. "Why don't you help me, Jack?"

Pender had discreetly remained in the car. At this he jumped out. Ned was ready, however, and stepped in front of him. Jack aimed a blow at Ned. The latter dodged it and sent a straight left for Pender's head. It caught him on the jaw and he went down heavily.

By this time Noddy had broken away from Jerry and ran toward the auto. Jerry was satisfied with the punishment he had inflicted and did not follow. Noddy quickly cranked up his machine and leaped to the steering seat.

"Come on, Jack!" he cried.

Pender wiggled from the grip in which Ned held him, jumped into the car beside the bully and the next instant the two enemies of the Motor Boys were chugging off down the road.

CHAPTER X.

ENCIRCLED BY COWBOYS.

FOR a few moments the three chums stood staring at the vanishing auto. Then Jerry, with a grunt, felt of his damaged eye.

"I guess I don't owe Noddy anything," he remarked, drily.

"I paid off some old scores to Pender," said Ned, with a grin.

"Wish I'd got a chance at one of them!" observed Bob.

"You're just as well off, Chunky," spoke Jerry.

"We may as well keep on to town, now the excitement is over. It's getting late, and I'm hungry."

In about half an hour they were in the village, where they found a good hotel. They caught no sight of Noddy and his companions.

The next morning the boys made a hasty breakfast and hired a man to drive them out to their stranded auto. They found Nestor just awakening from what he declared had been a refreshing sleep. The punctured tire was soon repaired, and, dismissing the driver of the wagon, the boys and the miner sped to town in the machine. They put up at the hotel, where Nestor made a good breakfast.

As a few supplies were needed for the auto, it was decided to lay over for a day in the town. Jerry attended to the purchases, while Nestor and the other boys took things easy in the room they had hired at the hotel.

"I'm sure glad I met you, boys," said the old miner, stretching out in a comfortable chair. "I'm jest countin' the days 'till we git out to the gold mine."

"Will it take long now?" asked Ned.

"We ought to reach Tucson in about two weeks now. Of course it's going to be a little hard gittin' over the New Mexico mountain range, but I guess the choo-choo wagon will do it. We may have a little trouble findin' the mine, too."

"I thought you said you had it all staked out," observed Chunky.

"So I have," answered Nestor. "But you see it's in a part of the mountains not very well traveled. I've lost my way more than once there. But I reckon I can find the mine. Once I strike the trail leadin' out of Dead Horse Gulch I'm all right. The mine isn't far from there."

If the miner could have looked into the next room he would not have talked so freely concerning the mine. For, in the adjoining apartment was Bill Berry. He listened intently to what Nestor said, and soon was able to tell, from the conversation, who the occupants in the room next to him were.

"A gold mine, eh?" said Bill, softly. "I reckon Noddy and I will get in on that deal. We must profit by this. I wish Noddy would hurry up. We must follow those young cubs."

Bill, in a measure, was stranded at the hotel. He had reached it after leaving Noddy the night previous, and expected his companion to follow, after repairing the auto, and pick him up. But the encounter between Noddy and the Motor Boys made the former change his plans, and he ran the machine through the village without stopping for Berry. Later, however, Noddy came back and got his companion.

For some time Nestor and the boys conversed about the gold mine, the man telling the lads many stories of western life. Jerry had completed his purchases by dusk, the auto tanks were refilled with gasolene and water, and the start was made early the next morning.

A few hours of travel brought the adventurers to the Mississippi River, and crossing it, they found themselves in Missouri. For several days the auto journeyed on, and Kansas was more than half traversed.

One hot afternoon, passing over a road that led across the rolling prairie, Bob, who was steering, looked ahead and noticed quite a cloud of dust.

"Looks like a whirlwind coming," he remarked. Nestor stood up and peered forward.

"So it is, but not the kind you're used to," he said.

"What kind is it?"

"Cowboys, an' they're headed right for us. I expect there'll be some fun presently," and the miner began loading his big revolver.

"Will they -- will they kill us?" asked Bob.

"Well, no; not exactly kill you," spoke the miner, slowly, "but they'll try to scare you to death, and that's about as bad."

The wind now bore to the cars of the boys a thundering sound. It was the rapid hoof beats of the cowboys' ponies as they raced along. As yet nothing of the riders could be seen because of the dust.

Suddenly there came from the center of the cloud a series of terrific yells, punctuated by a score of revolver shots. At the same time forty cowboys were disclosed to the astonished gaze of the Cresville lads. Bob stopped the machine, for it was fairly surrounded by a circle of the rough riders.

"Throw up your hands!" yelled one who seemed to be the leader of the herders. He was astride a black pony, and as he spoke he leveled two big revolvers at the party in the auto.

Tremblingly, the boys obeyed.

"I mean you, too, you old greaser on the back of this new-fangled stage coach!" exclaimed the leader, waving his gun at Nestor. "Put up your hands, an' do it mighty suddint!"

Nestor's reply was a shot from his revolver, and the hat of the leader went spinning in the air.

"Here!" cried the cowboy, angrily, but not returning the fire, "don't you know better than to shoot a gentleman's hat off?"

"Gentlemen?" inquired Nestor, standing up and surveying the bunch of cattlemen, with a smile. "I don't see any."

There was a laugh among the herdsmen at the discomfiture of their leader, and seeing the joke was against him, the man on the black pony joined in the merriment.

"We didn't intend no harm nohow," he said. "We're jest out for a lark, an' we seen your Old Nick wagon comin' along. No offense I hope. We was only joking"

"Don't mention it," said Nestor, who seemed to know how to take the cowboys. "I suppose my friends may now lower their hands," for Jerry, Ned and Bob still held their arms aloft.

"Sure!" cried the leader, quickly. "Come on, boys, three cheers for the tenderfeet!" he exclaimed, turning to his companions.

The cheers were given with a will, some of the more exuberant of the cow- punchers firing their guns in the air.

"Some of us boys would like mighty well to take a little spin in that shebang," spoke the leader to Nestor. "S'pose we could take a few turns?"

"I reckon so," answered the miner, and he spoke a few quick words to Jerry, advising that the wish of the cowboys be complied with, as they might, in their recklessness, make trouble if they were denied.

Jerry took Bob's place at the wheel, the others got out and the leader of the cowboys and two of his companions got into the auto. They were delighted with the way Jerry spun the machine along. By turns nearly all of the cattle rustlers were given a short journey in the car.

Then three, who seemed full of the spirit of mischief, took their seats. No sooner had Jerry started off with them than the cowboy in the seat with him tried to grab the steering wheel.

"Hold on there!" exclaimed the boy.

"That's all right, sonny," said the cowboy. "I reckon I can run this as well as you. Let me have a turn at it. I'll show you what's what!"

Jerry was firm in his refusal to let the man run the machine. He knew the cattle-puncher would speedily come to grief. Nestor observed the little difficulty and appealed to the leader to use his persuasion on the refractory fellow.

But the latter's two companions now joined in his demand, and Jerry was being roughly handled as the men sought to put him from his seat. Suddenly the boy brought the car to a stop. He had a plan in mind.

"Did you ever see an automobile turn a somersault?" he asked the man who had first wanted to steer.

"No, I didn't, sonny," was the answer.

"Would you like to see it?"

"Bet your boots."

"I can't do it with you in, it takes experts to work that trick," went on Jerry. "If you will kindly get out and allow my friends to get back in, I think I can surprise you."

"Whoop!" yelled the cowboys in the auto, as they descended. "Whoop! Now for some fun!"

Jerry drove the car to where Nestor, Bob and Ned were standing. He motioned them to get in, and they obeyed, wondering what he was going to do. The cowboys, gathered in a wide circle about the machine, looked on in anticipation of seeing the auto do a flip flop.

"Hold fast!" cautioned Jerry to his companions in the car. They did so. The next instant the boy put on full power and dashed straight at the encircling ring of cattlemen.

CHAPTER XI.

CAPTURING A HORSE THIEF.

"WHOOP! Watch it turn over!" yelled some of the cowboys.

But Jerry kept straight on. Nearer and nearer he came to the ring. At length, ten feet away, when he feared he would have to put on the emergency brake to avoid a collision, the nervous mustangs in front of the car broke into a frightened run and dashed over the prairie, while Jerry guided the car away from the herdsmen, who were soon left far behind.

"I told them I'd give 'em a surprise, and I did," said Jerry. "I didn't promise to make the auto turn a flip-flop, I only asked them if they ever saw it done. Well, I never did, either. I guess things are about evened up."

The astonished cries of the cattlemen left no doubt but that Jerry's trick to escape from them had been very much of a surprise.

"They didn't intend any harm," said Nestor. "I know the character of cowboys. They're full of fun an' thoughtless. It's jest as well we got away, though. No tellin' what damage they'd have done to the machine."

The auto rolled along for several miles and the occupants were beginning to think of supper, which they planned to eat in a small town about three miles further on.

"What's that?" asked Ned, pointing off to the left of the road. The others looked, and saw strolling over the prairie a peculiar figure.

It was that of a little man, wearing a big, flapping brimmed hat. The old fellow held a big butterfly net in his right hand, and a large, green box in the other. On his back was slung a bag. Every now and then the stranger would raise the net high in the air and bring it down with a swoop.

"That's funny," remarked Jerry.

"Looks to me like he was looney," suggested Nestor.

Jerry brought the machine to a stop. The queer little man came nearer. His eyes were staring in front of him at something he seemed to desire to capture in the net. Whatever it was it continually escaped him.

At length the odd figure was close to the automobile. yet the little man did not notice the car. Suddenly his eyes glanced at one of the big front tires. The boys looked and saw perched on the rubber a small, brown butterfly.

"Softly -- softly!" exclaimed the little man, speaking to himself. "Easy now. I have you, my beauty. Long have you escaped me, but I am on your trail. Ah! Don't move now. Softly! There!"

He banged the net down on the tire, sprang forward and caught the meshes between his fingers. Through his bespectacled eyes he peered eagerly at what he thought he had captured. A disappointed look came on his face.

"Got away again!" he muttered. Then he looked up and saw the party in the auto watching him. He did not seem in the least surprised. At once his eyes fastened on Jerry.

"Don't move! Don't move! I beg of you!" he cried to the boy. "Don't stir as you value your life. I'll lose one thousand dollars if you move the hundredth part of an inch! Easy now. Ah! There you are, my little brown beauty. Don't move, my boy, and I'll catch it in a second!"

Somewhat puzzled at the little man's words, Jerry sat still. His companions saw on his back the little brown butterfly that had escaped from the tire.

Quickly the little man brought his net down on Jerry's shoulders. Once more the meshes were eagerly grasped, and this time it seemed with success, for the little man set up a yell of delight and capered about like a boy who has found a hornets' nest.

"I've got it! I've got it!" he cried. "One of the rarest butterflies that exist. I've been chasing after this one all day. I knew I'd get it. But pardon me, gentlemen. No doubt you are surprised. Allow me to introduce myself. Professor Uriah Snodgrass, A. M., Ph.D., M. D., F. R. G. S., etc."

"Is that all, pardner?" asked Nestor, with a grin.

"I contemplate taking the degree of B. A. this winter, when I have completed my study of the fauna and flora of the prairies," replied the little man.

Jerry introduced himself and his companions, and said they were making a tour across country.

"Just what I am doing myself," said Professor Snodgrass. "I am collecting specimens of rare plants, stones, bugs, butterflies, in fact, anything that can add to knowledge and science. I have been out all day --"

He stopped talking and made a sudden grab at the sleeve of Nestor's coat.

"What's the matter?" exclaimed the miner. Rattlesnake?"

"Pardon me!" replied the professor. "There was a very scarce specimen of what is commonly called the potato bug on you, and I wanted it."

"I'd rather you'd have it than me," observed Nestor.

"Thank you," replied Professor Snodgrass, as he placed the bug, together with the butterfly, in his green box. "What was I saying?"

"That you had been out all day," repeated Jerry.

"Oh, yes! I left town early this morning, and my labors have been richly repaid. See, I have my box and bag nearly full."

He showed the box. Through the glass top the boys could see that it was full of toads, grasshoppers, small snakes, lizards, bugs, butterflies and bees. The bag was loaded with stones, grass, pieces of wood, plants and flowers.

"It has been a grand day," went on the professor, enthusiastically, "and I haven't had a bit of dinner."

"None of that for mine," put in Nestor. "I wouldn't go without my meals for all the bugs and stones in the world."

"Ah, but you are not a naturalist," observed the professor, wiping his bald head.

"Did you walk all the way?" asked Ned.

"No; I had a horse. And, bless my soul, I've forgotten what I did with the beast. I got off him early this morning to chase after that brown butterfly and I left the horse standing somewhere on the prairie."

"He evidently was too fond of your company to leave you, however," said Jerry.

"Why so, young man?" and the professor gazed up through his spectacles.

"Because that is evidently him coming along back there," and Jerry pointed to a horse slowly approaching.

"Ah, yes! There he is. I'm glad I didn't lose him, for I suppose the man from whom I hired him would have been angry."

"I guess yes," spoke Nestor, in a whisper.

"If you are going into town we'll ride along with you," said Ned. "That is, if your horse isn't afraid of automobiles."

"I don't think he is afraid of anything," replied the professor. "I captured a fine specimen of grasshopper on his left ear this morning, and he never shied when I put the net over his head."

The little man, seeing that his bag and box were safely strapped to his back, and folding up his net, mounted the horse that had approached where he was standing and started off alongside of the auto, which Jerry ran slowly.

The boys learned that the professor was stopping in the same town where they planned to spend the night.

"We'll be there very soon now, observed the little man, "and I'll be glad of it, for I'm hungry."

Suddenly, from behind, there came a wild chorus of yells and shouts, revolver shots mingling with the noise.

"It's the cowboys coming back!" cried Ned.

"Nonsense; they are miles behind us," observed Nestor.

"Well, they're some kind of cowboys, anyhow," cried Jerry. "And they're after us."

Bang! bang! went the guns. "Whoop!" yelled the cattlemen who were riding like mad. "Stop the horse thief!" they shouted.

Nearer and nearer came the cattlemen, a bunch similar to those who had wanted to run the auto.

"They seem to be after us," observed Bob.

"We haven't stolen any horses," said Ned.

"What's all the noise about?" asked Professor Snodgrass, suddenly becoming aware that there was some commotion. He was riding close to the auto.

There came a hissing, whistling sound in the air. A long, thin line shot forward. A loop settled around the professor's neck. The next instant he was jerked, none too gently, from the back of his horse and fell to the ground. He had been lassoed from behind by one of the cowboys.

Jerry shut off the power and the auto stopped. In a few seconds it was surrounded by a crowd of angry men. Several of them drew their revolvers, while two or three busied themselves in securely binding the poor professor.

"What's all this for?" asked Nestor, getting ready to draw his gun.

"I don't know as it's any of your business, unless you're in on the game," spoke a dark-complexioned cowboy, who seemed to be the leader.

"What game?" asked the miner.

"Stealing horses," was the reply.

"Who's stolen any nags around here?" demanded Nestor.

"That bald-headed galoot!" exclaimed the cowboy. "We want him for taking that pony he was riding. It belongs to One-Eyed Pete."

"He never stole that!" exclaimed Jerry.

"He didn't, eh? Well, he can tell that to Judge Lynch. There's only one thing happens to horse thieves in this country.

"Swing him up!" yelled the cowboys, yanking Professor Snodgrass to his feet.

CHAPTER XII.

THE AUTO ON FIRE.

"CAN'T we save him?" cried Jerry to Nestor. "He never took that horse. It's all a mistake."

"It's no use to reason with those brutes," said the miner. "They evidently believe they're right. It's too bad, but we'd only git into trouble if we interfered."

"Bring him along, boys!" cried the leader. "There's a tree that will do to swing him from, and I've got the rope!"

The boys were almost horror-stricken at the scene they were about to witness. It was bad enough to see any one hanged, but to witness the death of the little bug-hunting man they all believed innocent was too much.

The cowboys, with the poor professor in their midst, rode across the prairie to where a single tree grew. They had quieted down, now that their man-hunt was over. Jerry started the auto and steered it across the rolling land toward the scene of the prospective Lynching.

"What are you going to do?" asked Nestor.

Jerry sent the machine ahead with a rush. Straight at the professor he steered it. Then, when very close to the bug hunter he gave the wheel a twist.

Nestor, who was in the rear seat, on the Side nearest Mr. Snodgrass, leaned over. As he swept past the professor the miner grabbed him up, box, basket, net and all, and lifted him into the auto.

"Full speed ahead!" yelled Nestor, and Jerry threw on all the power he had.

The little, bald-headed man was yanked from under the tree, and, as the noose was about his neck the rope came along with him, pulled from the surprised and unresisting hands of the cowboys.

They gave a great shout of astonishment. and several leaped on their horses to give pursuit. Others drew their revolvers and fired at the fast- vanishing auto, but the machine was soon out of reach of the bullets.

"That's what I call pullin' off a pretty neat trick," observed Nestor. "They'd have hung you in another minute, professor."

"I'm sure I'm much obliged to you, observed the little man, calmly. "I hope my specimens are not injured, for I have some very valuable ones."

"Well, he is the limit!" said Nestor, half to himself "He gits pulled out of the very jaws of death an' all he cares about is his bugs an' butterflies!"

Soon they were nearly at the town where they were to stop overnight. The professor, who seemed a little dazed from what he had gone through, was gazing at the rope that had been taken from his neck and tossed to the floor of the tonneau. All at once he stood up and shot a glance at a horse that was grazing beside the road. "Hold on!" he cried.

"What's the matter -- want to take another nag?" asked Nestor.

"No; but that is the horse I hired. I recognize him by the extra butterfly net I fastened to the saddle. I was afraid I might lose one. The other horse wasn't mine."

"Wasn't yours?" fairly shouted the miner.

"Then whose was it?"

"It must have belonged to the cowboys," was the answer. "You see, I forgot all about my horse until I met you. Then I took the first animal I saw. I supposed, of course, it was mine."

"Then you really were a horse thief after all," said Ned, laughing, "though you didn't know it."

"And the cowboys were right, as far as they knew," observed Jerry. "They saw you on one of their horses and naturally thought you stole it. However, it all came out right, and I guess I did the best thing when I rescued you, for they might have hanged you before the mistake was found out."

The auto created no little surprise as it puffed through the western town, though a sign, "Gasolene for Sale," exhibited in front of the drug store, indicated that machines sometimes paid a visit. The hotel where Professor Snodgrass was stopping was soon reached, and every one washed up and had supper.

The next morning, after a few minor repairs had been made to the auto, and the gasolene tank replenished, the travelers prepared to start away again. The professor was up to see them off.

"I wish I was going with you," he said, with a pleasant smile, after they had told him something of the trip they had in view.

"Why can't you?" inquired Jerry. "We are going into somewhat new territory, and you may be able to collect some fine specimens. We can easily make room for you."

"I might go along with you on a horse," ventured the little man.

"That's too risky," observed Nestor. "Take the boys' offer and come along without a horse."

"I believe I will; I have nothing to keep me here," said the bug collector, and so it was arranged.

A good stock of provisions was laid in, the auto being piled with all it could hold and still leave room for the five passengers. Nestor said they would probably have to camp out a few nights, as on leaving Kansas and skirting down into New Mexico, settlements were few and far between. So some rubber and woolen blankets were added to the outfit.

So far the weather had been fine, but this morning there was a haze in the sky that denoted a storm. It did not worry any one, however, and made the professor smile.

"There'll be so many more grasshoppers and bugs for me after the shower," he observed.

An hour passed, and the auto was bowling along at a good pace on a level stretch of road. Soon Nestor, who was sitting in front with Bob, who was steering, jumped up.

"What's the matter?" inquired Jerry. "One of the professor's grasshoppers bite you?"

"The seat seems to be gittin' too hot for comfort," said the miner.

From beneath the auto there came a muffled explosion, followed by a big cloud of smoke. Then flames shot out, and the whole under side of the car was enveloped.

"We're on fire!" yelled Bob, preparing to jump.

"Sit still!" exclaimed Jerry. "Don't let go the wheel whatever you do!"

"Turn off the gasolene!" cried Ned. "The tank is leaking and the gasolene is burning!"

There was great excitement. The only person who kept his head was Professor Snodgrass. He did not seem to know the auto was on fire, but was calmly examining a small bug crawling on the cushion near him.

"What shall we do?" wailed Bob. "The auto will be destroyed!"

"We're in a bad fix!" muttered the miner.

Bob reached over to shut off the power, and was making ready to jump.

"Sit still!" exclaimed Jerry.

"And be killed?" objected Bob.

The smoke became more dense and the flames spouted up higher around the car.

"Quick! There's a small creek! Steer for it!" yelled Jerry, pointing ahead.

Bob saw the water and realized Jerry's plan. He quickly turned the auto toward the water. There was a sort of ford turning off from the main road, which latter led over a small bridge.

Into the creek dashed the burning machine. There was a hiss as the water reached the flames, and clouds of steam arose.

Then, amid a swish of spray, the machine shot out on the opposite bank, only the machinery, as far up as the under side of the floor of the car, having been submerged. The fire was put out as good as if a whole city department had been called to battle with the flames.

CHAPTER XIII.

AT DEAD MAN'S GULCH

BOB brought the auto to a stop under a big sycamore tree. The engine was still smoking, and there was considerable heat. Jerry jumped out and examined the car.

"Not much damage done," he said, after a long inspection. "I guess we can fix it up."

"Can we go on?" asked Ned, anxiously.

"It will take a good hour to mend things," replied Jerry.

"That will give me a chance to gather some bugs," observed the professor. "Pardon me," he exclaimed to Nestor. "There is a beautiful specimen of a katydid on your leg," and, with a deft gesture, the bug collector captured the insect and transferred it to his box.

"I hope you didn't want it yourself," said the naturalist, looking rather anxiously at the miner, who seemed surprised.

"Oh, land, no!" was the reply. "Help yourself whenever you see any of the crawlin' things on me. It's a favor, more than anything else. I hate bugs an' things."

While the professor wandered about with his net, Jerry proceeded to repair the leak to the gasolene tank. Bob and Ned decided they were hungry, and got out some lunch, of which, a little later, all were glad to partake.

"There," announced Jerry, "I guess we can go on again."

"There's a good place to camp about twenty miles farther on," said Nestor.

"What place is it?" asked Ned.

"Dead Man's Gulch," was the grim reply.

"Doesn't sound very pleasant," observed Bob.

"It's a better locality than it sounds, Chunky," went on Nestor. "There's a little town there, if you want to sleep in beds."

The boys decided to push for the Gulch, not that sleeping in beds was an inducement, for they rather liked the idea of resting in the open. But the gathering clouds indicated rain, and that would make camping out rather damp.

Without further mishap the machine was sent along. Ned was at the wheel and he turned on plenty of gasolene so that the car fairly skimmed over the roads. As they passed a stone post on the highway, Nestor called out:

"Good by, Kansas!"

"What's that for?" asked Ned.

"Because that's the boundary mark between Kansas and Indian Territory," replied the miner. "We are now on the old Indian ground, pretty soon we'll be in Texas, and then we'll land in New Mexico."

"We're getting to be travelers for fair!" remarked Bob.

The gathering clouds became blacker and a strong wind sprang up. There was every prospect of a severe storm, and Ned sent the machine ahead still faster. As it came to the top of a little hill, Nestor exclaimed:

"There's Dead Man's Gulch!"

Looking down into the valley, the boys saw a small settlement.

"Hold the machine back," cautioned the miner. "It may get away from you on the grade."

Ned shut off the power and coasted down. In half an hour they reached the level and started up the road, which led into the main street, and, in fact, the only thoroughfare in the town. Just as they reached the solitary hotel in the settlement the rain came down in torrents.

The auto was run under a shed and the occupants entered the hostelry, to the no small surprise of the inmates of the place, who had not heard the car come up.

"Howdy, strangers?" called the clerk, a big man, with an immense black moustache.

"Howdy?" responded Nestor, who seemed much at his ease, though the boys were rather startled to find themselves in what was evidently rough company.

"Where ye from?" asked the clerk.

"East," replied Nestor.

"Where ye goin'?"

"West."

"Ain't much on the talk, be ye, stranger?" sneered the clerk.

"I am when it suits me."

"Aw! he's one of them stuck up automobilists!" put in a tall, thin, dark- complexioned man, who was sitting in one chair, with his feet in another.

"An' who might you be?" asked Nestor, turning to him.

"Pud Stoneham, at your service," and the dark man bowed with elaborate grace, a sneering smile spreading over his face.

"Well, you'd better be mindin' your own business!" snapped Nestor, turning away.

"What's that!" exclaimed Stoneham, who was a gambler, hanging around the hotel on the lookout for victims. "I don't allow any man to insult me!" and he reached his hand to his hip-pocket, with a quick gesture.

Before he could draw his gun, which was his intention, Nestor had him covered with a weapon.

"No shooting gentlemen!" called the clerk. "Against the rules. Put up your gun, stranger."

"Not unless he agrees to put up his," stipulated Nestor.

"I'll make him," said the clerk. And, with a scowl, Stoneham promised to be peaceable. In a little while he sneaked out.

Nestor and the boys registered and were assigned rooms for the night. The hotel was not a very stylish one, but they were glad even for the rough accommodations when they heard the torrent of rain outside.

While they were washing up for supper, Ned suddenly called out:

"Hark!"

"What is it? The place on fire?" asked Jerry.

"I thought I heard an automobile horn," replied Ned.

"Maybe some boys are monkeying with our machine," came from Bob.

"No, it isn't that, Chunky," went on Ned, looking from a window.

"What then?"

"It's another automobile coming up the road. My, how the mud and water splashes! And, say! Good land! Who do you suppose is in the car?"

"The President?" answered Jerry, sozzling his face in the water.

"It's Noddy Nixon, Jack Pender and Bill Berry!"

"No!"

"Yes, it is!"

The others crowded to the windows to look. Sure enough, there were the three enemies of the Motor Boys. They ran their machine up under the shed where stood the red auto, and then Ned lost sight of them.

"Well, it's a free country," observed Nestor. "It looks as if they were following you, but there's no law to prevent it. I guess they won't stay here long, though, after that chap that robbed me knows I'm stopping at this hotel. Wait until I get my hands on him."

"Perhaps it would be better not to let him know who you are," suggested Jerry. "They may be up to some trick, and we can work to better advantage against them by keeping quiet."

"Right you are," admitted the miner, after thinking the matter over. "He wouldn't know me if he saw me, since I got shaved. We'll just lay low an' watch."

The Motor Boys, with Nestor and Professor Snodgrass, were the first ones down to the dining-room to supper. In a little while Noddy, Jack and Bill entered. The three latter started in surprise at beholding the Cresville boys, and for a moment seemed undecided what to do. Then, at a whispered word from Berry, they filed to the other side of the room and took their seats at a table.

"I wonder if they really followed us," Jerry said.

"Must have," was Nestor's opinion. "But I reckon they didn't expect to find you here."

"But what can their object be?"

"I don't think they exactly know themselves," replied the miner. "I guess they hope to annoy you, or they may expect to get a line on what our plans are. But we'll try to fool 'em."

Before the meal was over, Pud Stoneham came in and took a seat at Noddy's table. In a little while the gambler seemed to be on good terms with Bill Berry and his companions.

It was still raining hard when the three boys, with the professor and Nestor, went up to bed. The naturalist and the boys had two rooms, while Nestor was by himself. Noddy and his chums disappeared after the meal, Pud Stoneham accompanying them.

It must have been about midnight when Nestor was awakened by hearing voices in the room next to his. At first he paid no attention to them, for he was sleepy. But he sat up suddenly when he heard some one say:

"They're on the trail of a rich gold mine. I know, for I heard the old man talking about it."

"Are you sure, Bill?" asked a second voice, which Nestor recognized as Noddy's.

"Sure as I am that my name is Berry," was the reply.

"Then, count me in on the game," said a third man, whom the miner had no difficulty in knowing was Pud Stoneham, "I've got money. We'll go in this together and win out. I owe that miner something for insulting me, an' I'll pay him back, too!"

CHAPTER XIV.

NODDY STEALS A MARCH.

NESTER sat up in bed, listening with all his might. But though he could hear a murmur of voices in the next room, and though he was certain Noddy and his companions were plotting against him and his friends, the miner could hear nothing more definite.

"Forewarned is forearmed," he said, softly. "We'll see who'll win out, Pud Stoneham!"

Nestor was up early the next morning. The weather had cleared and it was a beautiful day. The boys came down to breakfast with heavy eyes, for they had slept soundly. Professor Snodgrass, too, had arisen early, and was already searching for rare bugs.

"I want to get a red tree-toad," he explained, as he strolled up at the sound of the breakfast gong, "but I am afraid they are not to be had."

Suddenly he grabbed Ned's arm as the boy was walking toward the automobile shed.

"One moment, I beg of you!" exclaimed the professor. "Steady now! Ah I have the beauty. He was right on the back of your neck!" And he reached over and took from Ned's coat a small insect.

"It's an extremely choice specimen of a sand flea," said the professor, proudly, popping the little animal into a glass case. "I hope I did not discommode you in removing it from you."

"Not at all," laughed Ned, and the others smiled at the simple earnestness of the bug collector.

"I want to have a talk with you boys after breakfast," spoke Nestor.

His grave manner somewhat alarmed them, and they started to ask questions, but he would say nothing until after the meal. Then he told about what he had heard.

"What worries me," said the miner, "is that I saw about the hotel a fellow that tried to follow me an' my pardner one day, and locate the lost mine. This chap's name is Tom Dalsett, and I saw him talking to Stoneham, the gambler, just before we came in to breakfast. Some mischief is in the wind when two such fellows whisper together."

"Do you suppose they will try to get to the mine ahead of us?" asked Jerry.

"I haven't a doubt of it," replied the miner. "We've got to look sharp from now on."

"Had we better start right away?" inquired Ned.

"It will do no harm to wait until the roads dry up a bit," was Nestor's opinion. "In the meanwhile, see to the machine. Look over every part. They may have damaged it during the night. See to your guns, too. We're going to have trouble from now on, or my name isn't Jim Nestor."

His words rather alarmed the boys, but they were not going to back out now, and rather relished, than otherwise, a conflict with their old enemy, Noddy Nixon.

Jerry went to the shed where the automobile had been left for the night. As he opened the door he uttered a cry of surprise.

"What's the matter, have they taken our machine?" asked Ned.

"No, they haven't done that, but they've skipped in their own," said Jerry. "I wonder if they have done any mischief to ours?"

"That gang has stolen a march on us, all right," spoke Nestor. "They've gone on ahead. Well, they may get to the mine first, but we'll give them the hardest kind of a fight for the possession of it. I'm not going to lose a fortune if I can help it."

Jerry soon ascertained that the red machine was not damaged. Nestor made inquiries and learned that the other party had left before daybreak, Pud Stoneham accompanying them.

"What became of that chap with one eye and a scar on his left cheek?" asked Nestor of the hotel clerk, the description fitting Dalsett.

"Oh, he went off with the others in the gasolene gig this morning," was the reply.

It was plain now that Noddy and his gang were going to make a bold strike to discover the lost mine ahead of Nestor and his friends. How the Cresville bully had trailed the Motor Boys as far as he had was somewhat of a mystery, though it was afterward learned that he had been closer behind them after they left Chicago than they supposed. The meeting at the hotel was an accident, though.

A stiff breeze sprang up, and soon dried the muddy roads. An early dinner was eaten and once more the party started forward, this time in pursuit of Noddy.

"It's too bad to have to leave without getting that red tree-toad," said Professor Snodgrass.

"We'll take you to a place where you can get horned toads," said Nestor.

"Oh, that will be fine!" exclaimed the naturalist, with a boy's enthusiasm.

The roads were none of the best, and the auto could not be speeded with safety. Nestor explained that the best plan would be to steer straight south for a while, after reaching New Mexico, and skirt around the edge of the mountain range, rather than attempt to make their way across the Rockies.

"It will take a little longer," he said, "but sometimes the longest way 'round is the shortest way home. We'll aim for Messilla, which is not far from El Paso, and it's somewhat civilized there, so we can get supplies if we need 'em."

The boys voted this plan a good one. By noon the auto had crossed the narrow stretch of land which is part of Indian Territory, lying between Texas and Colorado. Then they were in the big State of Texas, and, when night came on, they found themselves on a vast plain.

"It's a case of camp out to-night," said the miner. "Now we'll see what sort of stuff you boys are made of."

But if Nestor expected to find the Motor Boys tenderfeet, he was mistaken. They had camped out too many times before not to know what to do.

The auto was run under the brow of a little hill, and Jerry took charge of things. Bob gathered wood for a fire and Ned went on a hunt for water. He found a little stream that answered admirably. Jerry got out the coffee- pot and frying-pan, and soon had supper cooking.

There was fried canned chicken, with crisp slices of bacon, some thick biscuits, a jar of pickles and steaming hot coffee ready in a few minutes. Bob got out the tin dishes, and, seating themselves on the ground, the adventurers made a hearty meal.

"Well, I must give you boys credit for knowin' a wrinkle or two," spoke Nestor. "I couldn't have done any better myself."

"It's a good thing I bought some of those canned goods," said Jerry. "I thought that would be better than depending on what we could hunt."

Supper over, and the things put away, the boys got out their blankets in readiness for the night. Nestor lighted his pipe and was puffing away, while in the fast-gathering dusk Professor Snodgrass went searching for rare specimens. He was successful in capturing two odd grass snakes, and seemed quite delighted. Then, as night settled down, each one rolled himself up in his blanket and fell asleep.

Ned awoke first the next morning, and soon had the fire going and coffee made. The aromatic smell of the beverage greeted the others as they roused themselves, and soon a simple but satisfying breakfast was served. Then the journey was continued.

It was a fine day, and the adventurers breathed in great whiffs of the pure air as their car dashed along. They passed through one or two small settlements, but inquiries failed to develop any traces of Noddy and his companions.

"They may be going straight over the mountains," said Nestor. "Well, even if they do I think we'll beat them in the race for the mine. Mountain climbing is mighty onsartin' in one of these machines."

But, had they only known it, Noddy and his gang were not aiming for the mountains, and were but a little way in advance of our friends. However, the Motor Boys soon learned, to their cost, where their enemy was.

It was well along in the afternoon, and dinner had been eaten at a rude shack of a hotel in a small village, that the auto was skimming along, due south. Off to the right were the foothills of the mighty Rocky Mountains, while to the left was a vast rolling plain. Jerry was steering, with Bob on the seat beside him, while in the rear were the others, Professor Snodgrass busily engaged in sorting over some of his specimens.

All at once a low, rumbling sound was heard.

"Is that thunder?" asked Ned.

"Can't be," replied Nestor. "There's not a cloud in the sky." Then he stood up and glanced behind him.

"Great Scott!" he yelled. "Put on all the speed you've got!"

"What's the matter?" asked Jerry.

"Matter?" shouted the miner. "There's a herd of stampeded cattle coming straight for us. If they're not turned aside they'll go over us like a locomotive over a fly! Quick! Turn over toward the hills! Maybe we can escape them!" |

In terror, the boys looked behind them. Coming on with a mad rush, with a thunder of thousands of hoofs, and deep-mouthed bellows, were the steers, galloping like the wind!

CHAPTER XV.

IN THE NICK OF TIME.

JERRY headed the machine toward the foothills. Once among them the adventurers might escape. The auto was going almost at full speed, swaying from side to side on the rough road. Nestor, who was keeping watch of the herd, cried out:

"I'm afraid it's no use. They have turned and are right after us!"

The steers had changed their course to follow the red auto, which they probably took for an enemy. The thunder of their hoofs came nearer.

Fast as the auto was going, its speed was not enough to take it out of reach of the infuriated animals, for the rough prairie was retarding it, but it was just the kind of country the cattle loved.

Even Nestor, familiar as he was with danger, seemed much alarmed at the plight. The boys' hearts were well-nigh terror-stricken, but as for Professor Snodgrass, he did not appear at all frightened. He still kept on sorting his specimens.

The auto topped a little hill, having to slow up a bit at the grade. Down it went on the other side, but still the steers came on. A long level stretch of country appeared.

"We ought to be able to get away from them here!" cried Jerry, turning on more gasolene and increasing the current from the batteries. The auto seemed to jump forward.

"Look out! Stop!" yelled Nestor, seizing Jerry by the arm.

"We can't! We'll be killed if we do!" shouted the boy, thinking the miner had lost his head through fear.

"And we'll be dashed to death if we keep on! We're running straight for a precipice three hundred feet high! Shut down the machine or we'll go over the cliff!"

With a yank at the levers, Jerry turned off the power and put on the brakes. And it was only just in time, for, not one hundred feet ahead, the prairie came to an abrupt end, terminating in a sheer bluff, over which the auto and those in it would have been dashed had not the miner's practiced eye told him what to expect. He recognized the conformation of the land and knew what was coming.

The adventurers were now between two dangers. They could not go on because of the precipice, and their escape to the rear was cut off by the maddened steers that now were but a quarter of a mile away, thundering on fiercely. To turn to the left or right was impossible, as the line of cattle was a curving one, like a pair of horns, and to go to either side meant to run straight into the midst of the beasts.

"Let's get out of the machine and shoot as many as we can!" cried Ned, drawing his revolver. "Maybe we can scare them away!"

"Don't think of it!" exclaimed Nestor. "Cattle are used to seeing men only on horseback or in wagons. Once on the ground we'd be trampled under foot in an instant. Our only hope is to stay in the machine. It will protect us somewhat when they rush over us."

"Shall we shoot?" asked Jerry.

"Our only chance is to turn them to one side, and shooting at them may do it," replied the miner. "Get ready and we'll all fire at once."

Each one drew his revolver, even Professor Snodgrass taking an extra one Nestor had. The cattle were now about eight hundred feet away. "Fire!" cried Nestor.

The five revolvers spurted slivers of flame, smoke and bullets. In rapid succession every chamber was emptied, but the rush of the steers was not checked. In fact, none of the cattle seemed to have been killed, or, if any were, they fell down and were trampled under the hoofs of the others.

"I guess we're done for!" groaned Nestor. "Crouch down on the bottom of the car!"

The galloping animals were almost at the auto. Suddenly there sounded a fusillade of shots, mingled with wild yells. Jerry peered up over the edge of his seat. He saw a man on a horse, riding straight across in front of the line of cattle. In one hand the stranger held a big revolver, which he fired right into the faces of the steers. In the other he held his coat, which he was waving like a flag.

At the same time he was yelling like a man gone mad. The reins of his horse lay loose on the animal's neck, but the beast knew what was expected of him.

It seemed that the stranger would be knocked down and trampled under thousands of sharp hoofs. But he did not seem afraid, riding closer and closer to the line of steers. He emptied one revolver and drew another, never ceasing to yell or wave his coat.

Suddenly, with wild bellows, the leaders of the cattle turned. They were frightened at the strange figure before them. For a few seconds there was great confusion amid the mass of steers. Those behind the line of leaders tried to go straight ahead, but the latter, once having made up their minds that they would turn to the left did so.

Then, like sheep following the bell-wether of the flock, the beasts took after their leaders. They rushed to one side, thundering past within twenty feet of the auto, while the stranger, pulling up his horse, still continued to wave his coat and shout.

"He's saved our lives!" exclaimed Nestor. "He's stampeded the cattle away from us in the nick of time!"

On and on galloped the steers until the last one disappeared over the rolling hills of the prairie. Then the man on the horse rode over to the auto.

"Howdy!" he called.

"Howdy!" replied Nestor.

"Got ye in kind of a tight place, didn't they?" went on the horseman.

"We would have been killed only for you," spoke Jerry and his voice told how thankful he was.

"Oh, shoo! That wa'n't nothin'," replied the stranger. "I seen ye comin' up in that there shebang of yours an' then I seen the cows chasin' ye. I was a leetle afraid ye'd go over the cliff, but ye stopped in time. Then I see it was up to me to stop them critters, an' I done it."

"Lucky for us you did," put in Nestor.

"I happened to be out huntin'," went on the horseman, "or I wouldn't have seen ye. I know cattle an' their ways an' I knowed there was only one way to head 'em off, an' that was to skeer 'em."

"I'm Jim Nestor," said the miner, and he told the names of his companions.

"Glad to meet ye," said the horseman, dismounting and shaking hands with each one. "I'm Hank Broswick."

Nestor told the hunter something of the trip they were making, and Broswick in turn related how he was a freelance hunter, roving over the prairies and among the mountains as suited his whims.

"Had yer suppers?" Bros