Part 41 (1/2)

”You are sure about that?” queried d.i.c.k, eagerly.

”Sure, I saw 'em takin' up the plankin' of the bridge. They will have to come back.”

”How far is that bridge from here?”

”About three miles.”

”Is there any other side road?” put in Sam.

”None that would be good enough for an auto. The north road is all sand an' mud.”

”Come on!” cried d.i.c.k to his brothers. ”I think we've cornered them!

Come on!” And he rushed from the barber shop, and Sam and Tom followed, leaving the barber and his customer staring after them in astonishment.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE MOONLIT TRAIL

Once in the street the three Rover boys halted and looked at each other.

The same thought was in the mind of each; should they follow the touring car on foot, or go back for the airs.h.i.+p?

”We'll get the _Dartaway_!” cried d.i.c.k. ”We can follow them so much more quickly that way.”

At top speed they raced for the spot where they had left the biplane.

They found the strange man on guard, smoking his pipe.

”We saw the barber,” said d.i.c.k, ”and now we are going after that touring car and the fellows in it. Much obliged for looking after the biplane,”

and he handed the man a silver half dollar.

”Thank you,” said the man. ”Want to catch 'em, eh?”

”Yes, they are rascals who ought to be in jail,” answered Tom. And then, before the man could ask any more questions, the boys started up the engine and propellers and swept into the air once more.

The late moon had come up, and this light, added to that of the stars, made it possible for them to keep the road well in view. Over the town they swept and then over the church near the bridge. Then they commenced to follow the road leading to Plankville and Bulltown.

It must be confessed that all of the youths were deeply excited, and Tom and Sam looked to their pistols, to make certain that the weapons were ready for use. They felt that the rascals who had abducted Dora and Nellie in such a high-handed fas.h.i.+on would not give in without a struggle.

As they went on, d.i.c.k slowed down the engine, and ran closer and closer to the road.

”There is a sign and a big plank, closing the road!” cried Tom, presently. ”And there is the bridge, just ahead.”

Scarcely had he spoken when d.i.c.k shut off the engine entirely and volplaned to the broad roadway and only a short distance from the bridge. All looked around eagerly. Not a sign of a touring car could be seen.

”Maybe they made a mistake----” commenced Sam, when d.i.c.k, who was examining the ground, uttered a cry.

”Here are the tracks of the rubber tires!” exclaimed the eldest Rover boy. ”See, they pushed the plank aside and steered right for the bridge!”