Part 45 (2/2)
”No, if they try that, sail in and do what you can to save them,” said d.i.c.k.
CHAPTER XXIX
THE ARM OF THE LAW
Soon d.i.c.k and Sam were on the way to where they had left the chauffeur and the big touring car. They fairly ran down the woodland trail, stumbling over the rocks and tree roots in the darkness. Once Sam went down, and scratched his hand, but he got up without complaining.
They were almost in sight of the machine when they heard a peculiar sound. d.i.c.k's heart gave a bound.
”Listen!” he cried. ”He's trying to crank up! He must have gotten free of his bonds!”
The oldest Rover boy was right, the chauffeur had worked at the straps and ropes until he had liberated himself. Now he was working at the crank of the touring car, hoping to get away in the machine.
”He won't get started,” muttered Sam, remembering what he and Tom had done to the automobile.
They sneaked up behind the man, and before he could resist had thrown him flat on his back. Then, while d.i.c.k held him down, Sam ran and got the straps and ropes.
”You let me go!” yelled the man. ”Let me go, or it will be the worse for you!” And he tried to get away. But then d.i.c.k put a pistol to his head and he collapsed and offered no more resistance.
As soon as the chauffeur was again secured, the boys bundled him into the enclosed portion of the car and tied him fast to the foot rail and the robe rail. Then the youths lost no time in readjusting the machine so it could be used, and lighting all the front lamps.
”If they hear us they'll think it is the chauffeur going away,” said d.i.c.k.
”Can you run her, d.i.c.k?” asked his brother.
”I think so. It seems to be a good deal like our car at home, only larger.”
It was agreed that Sam should get into the coach part and watch the prisoner while d.i.c.k ran the car. Then d.i.c.k started up the machine, backed out and turned around, and then made his way out of the woods and across the field to the highway. At first he ran cautiously, but as soon as he became accustomed to the car he turned on the speed and spun along at the rate of thirty miles an hour in the direction of Plankville.
”How is she going?” asked Sam, from behind.
”Fine! How is that prisoner?”
”As mad as a hornet,” and there was a chuckle in Sam's tone.
It was not long before they came in sight of Plankville, and d.i.c.k slowed down a little. He ran directly up to the hotel, where several men were on the point of separating for the night.
”I want to get some officers of the law,” he cried. ”Where can I find them?”
”Well, you've got one of 'em right here,” answered one of the men, stepping forward. ”What do you want?”
”Who are you?”
”I am Jackson Fells, and I happen to be sheriff of this county.”
”The sheriff!” burst out d.i.c.k. ”Just the man I'd like to meet. Sheriff, I've got a prisoner for you, and I want you to raise a posse as quickly as you can and round up five or six other persons.”
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