Part 14 (1/2)

”Here it is,” he cried.

”Good!” said Hal. ”Now we'll lay these fellows where they can't move to give an alarm.”

This, too, was but the work of a moment.

”Lend a hand, McKenzie,” said Hal. ”We'll move Chester into our own car and then move on. It is dangerous to remain here.”

Chester was gently transferred from one car to the other and laid in the bottom.

”You fellows see if you can revive him as we go along,” said Hal. ”We have no time to waste.”

He sprang again to the wheel, and the car moved on.

Daylight overtook the four friends as they sped along the country road. Occasionally other automobiles flashed by, but they were not molested.

Under the administering hands of Stubbs and McKenzie, signs of life soon became apparent in Chester's body. He moaned feebly once or twice, and then opened his eyes. For a moment he did not realize where he was, but with remembrance of the recent attack, he suddenly sat up and aimed a blow at Stubbs, in whose lap the lad's head had rested.

”I say! What's the meaning of this?” cried Stubbs. ”What are you trying to hit me for?”

”Is that you, Stubbs?” asked Chester in a feeble voice.

”You bet it's me, and I'm going to spank you good if you don't keep quiet.”

”How'd you get here?”

”That's a long story,” replied Stubbs, ”and we don't have time to tell it now.”

”How do you feel, old man?” asked McKenzie.

”Great Scott! You here, too?” exclaimed Chester.

”Yes; and Hal is driving this car. You keep quiet now. We're in grave danger and you must get all the rest you can. We may have need of your services before long.”

Chester's head dropped back and his eyes closed. He sat up abruptly again a moment later, however, and demanded sharply:

”Where's the list?”

”Safe,” replied Stubbs quietly.

Chester sank back again with an exclamation of satisfaction.

CHAPTER XI

MCKENZIE IN ACTION

It was broad daylight now and Hat felt the necessity of traveling at a slower speed than he had through the darkness of the night.

Accordingly he reduced the speed of the big car to not more than thirty-five miles an hour.