“I remember now, I did write to Nestor, telling him we were about to start back, and would probably cross the river at this place,” spoke the professor. “I had forgotten all about it.”
“Well, here’s your letter,” said the postmaster. “Now allow me to welcome you to our city, which I do in the name of the Mayor—which individual you see in me—and the Common Council, which consists of Pete Blaston, only he ain’t here, in consequent of bein’ locked up for disturbin’ th’ peace an’ quiet of the community by shootin’ a Greaser.”
“Glad to meet you, I am sure,” replied the scientist politely, as he received the letter from the dual official.
“What is the news from Nestor?” asked Jerry anxiously. “Is the mine all right?”
“I’ll tell you right away,” replied Mr. Snodgrass, as, by the light of the gas lantern on the auto he read the letter.
As he glanced rapidly over the pages his face took on an anxious look.
“Is there anything wrong?” asked Ned.
“There is indeed,” replied the professor gravely. “The letter was written over a week ago, and, among other things Nestor says there is likely to be trouble over the mine.”
“What kind? Is Noddy Nixon trying to get it away from us again?” asked Jerry.
“No,” replied Mr. Snodgrass. “It appears our title is not as good as it might be. There is one of the former owners of the land where the mine is located who did not sign the deed. He was missing when the transfer was made, but Nestor did not know this, so there is a cloud on our title.”
“But I thought we claimed the land from the government, and were the original owners,” put in Ned.
“It seems that a company of men owned the mine before we did, but they sold out to Nestor and some of his friends. They all signed the deed but this one man, and now some one has learned of this, and seeks to take the mine, on the theory that they have as good a claim to the holding as we have.”
“I should say that was trouble,” sighed Bob. “To think of losing what we worked so hard to get!”
“Well, there’s no use crossing a bridge until you come to it,” Professor Snodgrass went on. “Nestor and his friends are in possession yet, and that, you know, is nine of the ten points of the law.”
“Then if we can’t do anything right away I move we have something to eat,” suggested Bob.
“It’s a good suggestion,” agreed the scientist.
They had drawn a little to one side from the crowd of townspeople while talking about the letter from Nestor, but, having decided there was nothing to be done at present, they moved toward the hotel.
“I reckon I’ve got some more mail for your outfit, Professor Hayseed—er I beg yer pardon—Snodgrass,” said the postmaster-mayor. “There’s letters fer chaps named Baker, Slade and Hopkins. Nestor sent ’em along with that other,” and the dual official handed over three envelopes.
“They’re from home!” cried the boys in a chorus. And in the glare of oil lamps on the porch of the hotel they read the communications.
The missives contained nothing but good news, to the effect that all the loved ones were well. Each one inquired anxiously how much longer the travelers expected to stay away, and urged them to come home as soon as they could.
“Now for that supper!” exclaimed Bob, as he put his letter away.
If the meal was a rough one, prepared as it was by the Chinese cook, it was good, and the travelers enjoyed it thoroughly. As they rose from the table a cowboy entered the dining room and drawled out:
“I say strangers, be you th’ owners of that there rip-snortin’ specimen of th’ lower regions that runs on four wheels tied ’round with big sassages?”
“Do you mean the automobile?” asked Jerry.
“I reckon I do, if that’s what ye call it.”
“Yes, it’s our machine,” replied Jerry.
“Then if ye have any great love for th’ workin’ of it in the future, an’ any regard or consideration for it’s feelin’ ye ought t’ see to it.”
“Why so?”
“Nothin’,” drawled the cowboy as he carefully pared his nails with a big bowie knife; “nothin’ only Bronco Pete is amusin’ his self by tryin’ t’ see how near he can come to stickin’ his scalpin’ steel inter th’ tires!”
“Great Scott! We must stop that!” exclaimed Jerry, running from the hotel toward where the auto had been left in the street. The other boys and the professor followed.
They found the machine surrounded by quite a crowd that seemed to be much amused at something which was taking place in its midst. Making their way to the inner circle of spectators the boys beheld an odd sight.
A big cowboy, who, from appearances had indulged too freely in something stronger than water, was unsteadily trying to stick his big knife into the rubber tires.
“Here! You mustn’t do that,” cried Jerry, sharply, laying his hand on the man’s shoulder.
“Look out for him! He’s dangerous!” warned some of the bystanders.
“I can’t help it if he is,” replied Jerry. “We can’t let him ruin the tires.”
“This is the time I do it!” cried Bronco Pete, as he made a lunge for the front wheel. Jerry sprang forward and the crowd held its breath, for it seemed as if the boy was right in the path of the knife.
But Jerry knew what he was about. With a quick motion he kicked the cowboy lightly on the wrist, the blow knocking the knife from his hand, and sending it some distance away.
“Look out now, sonny!” called a man to Jerry. “No one ever hit Pete an’ lived after it.”
It seemed that Jerry was in a dangerous position. Pete, enraged at being foiled of his purpose, uttered a beast-like roar, and reached back to where his revolver rested at his hip in a belt. Jerry never moved an inch, but looked the man straight in the eye.
“Here! None of that Pete!” called a voice suddenly, and a big man pushed his way through the crowd, and grabbed the cowboy’s arm before he had time to draw his gun. “If you don’t want to get into trouble move on!”
“All right, Marshall; all right,” replied Pete, the desire of shooting seeming to die out as he looked at the newcomer. “I were only havin’ a little fun with th’ tenderfoot.”
“You didn’t appear to scare him much,” remarked the town marshall, who had seen the whole thing. “You had your nerve with you all right, son,” he added, to Jerry.
“That’s what he had,” commented Pete. “There ain’t many men would have done what he did, an’ I admire him for it. Put it there, stranger,” and Pete, all the anger gone from him, extended a big hand, which Jerry grasped heartily.
“Three cheers for the ‘tenderfoot,’” called some one, and they were given with a will for Jerry, as Pete, under the guidance of the marshall, moved unsteadily away.
“I wouldn’t have been in your boots one spell there, for a good bit,” observed the postmaster as he came up. “Pete’s about as bad as they come.”
“I didn’t stop to think of the danger, or maybe I wouldn’t have done as I did,” said Jerry. “All I thought of was that he would spoil the tire, and it would take a long while to fix it.”
“Yes, and we don’t want to delay any longer than we can help,” spoke Ned in a low voice. “I’m anxious to get back to the mine and see what we can do to perfect our title.”
For several days they made good progress, for the roads were in fair condition. The machine was kept headed as nearly as possible toward Arizona, though they often had to go some distance out of their way to get rid of bad places, or find a ford or bridge to cross a stream.
“We’ll soon be out of Texas,” remarked Bob one afternoon, when they had passed through a small ranch town where they had dinner.
“And I think we’re going to get a wetting before we leave the big state,” put in Ned.
“I think you’re right,” agreed the professor, as he turned and looked at a bank of ugly dark clouds in the southwest. “A thunder shower is coming up, if I’m any judge. There doesn’t seem to be any shelter, either.”
As far as they could see there was nothing but a vast stretch of wild country, though, far to the north, there was a dark patch which looked as if it was a forest.
“It’s coming just at the wrong time,” remarked Jerry, who was steering. “I was in hopes the storm would hold off a bit. Well, we shan’t melt if it does rain.”
And that it was soon going to pour in the proverbial buckets full was evident. The wind began to blow a half gale, and the clouds, from which angry streaks of jagged lightning leaped, scurried forward. At the same time low mutterings of thunder were heard.
“We’re in for it,” cried Bob.
The next instant the storm broke, and the whole landscape was blotted out in a veil of mist and rain which came down in sheets of water. Now and then the darkness would be illuminated by a vivid flash of fire from the sky artillery, and the thunder seemed to shake the earth.
Jerry could barely see where to steer, so fiercely did the rain beat down. Fortunately they had time to put on their raincoats before the deluge hit them.
The provisions and other things in the auto had, likewise, been covered up with canvas, so little damage would result from the downpour.
“Look out!” yelled Ned suddenly to Jerry. “There’s something ahead of us!”
Jerry partially shut off the power, and, as the machine slowed down, he and the others peered forward to see what the object was.
“It’s some sort of an animal!” cried Bob, who had sharp eyes. “It’s running along on four legs, right in front of the car!”
“It’s a bear, that’s what it is!” shouted Ned. “A big black bear!”
“Let me get it for a specimen!” exclaimed the professor, in his enthusiasm, not considering the size of the animal, nor the difficulties in the way of capturing it. “Let me get out! It’s worth forty dollars if it’s worth a cent!”
At the sound of the excited voices, which the animal must have heard above the roar of the storm, the bear turned suddenly and faced the occupants of the car. So quickly was it done that Jerry had barely time to jam on the brakes in order to avoid a collision.
“Why didn’t you run him down, and we could have some bear steaks for supper?” asked Bob.
“Because I don’t think it’s just healthy to run into a three hundred and fifty pound bear with a big auto,” replied Jerry. “We might kill the bear, but we’d be sure to damage the car.”
The beast did not appear to be frightened at the sight of his natural enemies. Raising on its haunches the animal slowly ambled toward the stalled machine, growling in a menacing manner.
“I believe he’s going to attack us!” exclaimed the professor. “Let me get out my rifle!”
But this was easier said than done. The weapons and ammunition were all under the canvas, and it would require several minutes to get at them.
In the meanwhile the bear, showing every indication of rage was trying to climb up on the engine hood, despite the throbbing of the engine, which was going, though the gears were not thrown in.
“Start the car and run over him!” exclaimed Bob.
“Back up and get out of his way!” was Ned’s advice to Jerry.
“I’ve got to do something,” muttered the steersman.
Matters were getting critical. The storm was increasing in violence, with the wind lashing the rain into the faces of the travelers. The growls of the angry beast mingled with the rumble and rattle of thunder, and the machine was shaking under the efforts Bruin made to climb over the hood and into the front seat.
“Hold on tight! I’m going to start!” yelled Jerry suddenly.
He threw in the intermediate gear and opened wide the gasolene throttle. The car sprang forward like a thing alive. But the bear had too good a hold with his long sharp claws sticking in the ventilator holes of the hood, to be shaken off.
“I should think he’d burn on the water radiator,” said Ned.
“His fur’s too thick I guess,” was Bob’s reply.
On went the auto, the boys and the professor clinging to it for dear life, while Bruin hung on, half crazed with fear and anger.
“How you going to get rid of him?” shouted Ned above the roar of the storm.
“I’ll show you,” replied Jerry grimly.
Some distance ahead the steersman had seen a sharp curve in the road. It was dimly discernible through the mist of water.
“Hold tight everybody!” shouted Jerry a second or two before the turn was reached.
Then, suddenly swinging around it, at as sharp an angle as he dared to make and not overturn the car, Jerry sent the auto skidding. The next instant, unable to stand the impetus of the turn, the bear lost its hold on the hood, and was flung, like a stone from a catapult, far off to the left, rolling over and over on the muddy ground.
“There, I guess it will be quite a while before he tries to eat up another live automobile,” remarked Jerry as he slowed up a bit.
Off in the distance they heard a sort of reproachful whine, as if Bruin objected to such treatment. Then the rain came down harder than ever, and all sight of the bear was lost.
“Let’s get out of this!” exclaimed Ned, as he felt a small stream of water trickling down his back. “Can’t we strike for those woods we saw a while ago?”
“I’m headed for them,” spoke Jerry. “I just want to get my bearings. Guess we’d better light up, as it will soon be dusk.”
After some difficulty in getting matches to burn in the wind and rain, the big search lights and the oil lanterns were lighted, and then, with four shafts of light cutting the misty darkness ahead of them the travelers proceeded.
The roads seemed to be getting worse, but there was nothing to do except to keep on. Every now and then the machine would lurch into some hollow with force enough to almost break the springs.
“Hello!” cried Jerry suddenly. “Here are two roads. Which shall we take?”
“The right seems to go a little more directly north,” said the professor, peering forward. “Suppose we take that?”
“Especially as it seems to be the better road,” added Jerry.
He turned the machine into it, and, to the surprise of all they felt the thoroughfare become hard and firm as the auto tires rolled over it. It was almost as smooth as asphalt, and the travelers were congratulating themselves on having made a wise choice.
All at once the rain, which had been coming down in torrents, seemed to let up.
“I believe it’s clearing up,” said Bob.
“No, it’s because we’ve run into a dense forest, and the trees above keep the rain off,” spoke the professor.
The others looked about them and saw that this was so. On every side the glare of the lamps showed big trunks and leafy branches, while ahead more trees could be observed.
“Why it’s just like a tunnel in the woods,” said Bob. “See, the trees seem to meet in an arch overhead.”
“And what a fine road it is,” put in Ned.
“An altogether strange sort of road,” agreed Jerry. “Suppose we stop and look about before we go any further? I don’t like the looks of it.”
Accordingly the machine was brought to a halt, and the travelers alighted. They found it just as Bob had said, almost exactly like an immense tunnel in the forest. Beneath their feet the road was of the finest Macadam construction.
“And to think of finding this in the midst of Texas,” observed Jerry.
“Some one built this road, and cut the trees to make this tunnel,” remarked the professor. “I wonder what sort of a place we have stumbled into.”
“At all events it doesn’t rain anything to speak of in here,” said Bob, “and it’s a good place to stay until the storm is over.”
Jerry, in the meanwhile had walked on ahead some distance. In a few minutes he came hurrying back. His manner showed that he had seen something.
“What is it?” asked the professor.
“Don’t make any noise, but follow me,” replied the lad.
In silence, and wondering what was about to happen, Bob, Ned and the scientist trailed after Jerry. He led them several hundred feet ahead of the automobile, and away from the glare of the lamps, the tunnel curving somewhat.
“See!” whispered Jerry, hoarsely.
“Well, I never!”
“That’s queer!”
There, about three hundred feet to the left of the main road and on a sort of side path, the travelers saw a small hut, brilliantly lighted up. Through an open window, a room could be seen, and several figures moving about in it.
“I wonder who they can be, to hide off in the woods this way,” whispered Bob.
The next instant there floated out from the hut a cry of anguish. It was the voice of a boy, seemingly in great pain or fear, and the travelers heard the words:
“Oh don’t! Please don’t! You are killing me! I don’t know! I can’t tell you, for I would if I could! Oh! Oh! Please don’t burn me again!”
“It’s a gang torturing some one!” almost shouted Ned. “Let’s go to the rescue!”
He would have sprung forward had not Jerry laid a detaining hand on his arm.
“Wait, Ned,” counseled Jerry. “Some one there evidently needs our help, but we must go with caution. First we must get our guns. We may need them!”
Once more the appealing cry burst out.
“Quick!” whispered Jerry. “Professor, you and Bob go back for the rifles, and bring the bulls-eye lantern that has the dark slide to it. Ned and I will stay here and watch!”
Mr. Snodgrass and Bob lost no time. In less than five minutes they had rejoined Ned and Jerry.
“Has anything happened?” asked Bob.
“Nothing since,” whispered Jerry. “Now we will go forward. Every one have his gun ready. I will carry the lantern.”
Almost as silently as shadows the four figures stole forward, Jerry showing a cautious gleam now and then to guide them on their way. They found there was a fairly good path leading up to the hut.
They had covered half the distance when once more the cries of anguish burst out. This time they were followed by angry shouts, seemingly from several men, and voices in dispute could be heard.
“One of us had better creep forward and see what is going on inside the cabin,” whispered Jerry. “We must know what sort of enemies we have to meet.”
“I’ll go,” volunteered Bob.
“Better let me,” suggested the professor. “I have had some experience in stalking animals, and I can probably advance more quietly than you can.”
They all saw the reasonableness of this and the scientist started off. Like a cat he made an advance until he was so close to the hut that he could peer into the uncurtained window. What he saw made him start back in terror.
In the room were half a dozen roughly dressed men, all armed, and with brutal faces. The room was filled with smoke from cigars and pipes, and cards were scattered over a rough table in the middle of the apartment.
But what attracted the attention of the professor and made his heart beat fast in anger, was the sight of a small, pale boy, bound with ropes up against a big stone fireplace, on the hearth of which logs were burning.
In front of the lad stood one of the largest and strongest of the tough gang, and in his hand he held a redhot poker, which, as the scientist watched, he brought close to the bare legs of the terror-stricken lad.
Then came again those heart-rending cries:
“Oh don’t! Please don’t! I would tell you where he is if I knew! Please don’t burn me again!”
The professor’s blood boiled.
“We’ll soon put a stop to this horrible work!” he exclaimed to himself as he glided back to where the boys were and quickly made them acquainted with what he had seen.
“Come on!” cried Jerry. “We must rescue that boy!”
As softly as they could, the travelers advanced toward the hut. They found the door and, while the others with rifles in readiness stood in a semi-circle about it, Jerry made ready to knock and demand admittance.
“If they don’t open the door we must burst it in,” said the boy. “The professor and I will look to that, while you and Ned, Bob, must stand ready to rush in right after us with your guns ready. But don’t shoot unless your life is in danger, and then fire not to kill, but to wound.”
There was a minute of hesitation, for they all realized that it was taking a desperate chance to tackle such a rough gang in the midst of woods, far from civilization. But the sound of the poor boy’s cries nerved them on as, once more, the pitiful appeal for mercy rang out.
Jerry sprang forward and gave several vigorous blows on the door with the butt of his gun. All at once silence took the place of the confusion inside the hut.
“Who’s there? What do you want?” asked a gruff voice.
“Open the door! We want that boy!” cried Jerry.
Confused murmurs from within told that the gang had been taken by surprise.
“I don’t know who you are, but whoever you are you had better move on, if you don’t want a bullet through you,” called the man who had first answered the knock. “This is none of your affair.”
“Open the door or we’ll burst it in!” cried Jerry, knowing the best way to be successful in the fight was to act quickly and take the men by surprise.
There was a laugh from within the hut. It was answered by a rending, crashing splintering sound as Jerry and the professor, using the stocks of their guns, began a vigorous attack on the portal. The door was strong enough, but the hinges were not, and, in less than half a minute the barrier had given way and, with a bound the travelers found themselves tumbling into the hut.
Instantly confusion reigned. The men shouted hoarsely, and several tried to reach their guns, which were stacked in one corner.
“Hands up!” commanded Jerry sharply, leveling his gun at the man who seemed to be the leader.
“Why, they’re nothing but boys! Knock ’em out of the way!” cried one of the gang. At the same time another began creeping up behind Jerry, his intention being to grab the lad from the back and disarm him.
But Bob saw the movement, and, leveling his rifle at the fellow, told him to halt.
“I guess you’ve got the drop on us,” growled the man whom Jerry was covering with the gun. “What’s the game anyhow? Are you stage robbers?”
“We want you to stop torturing that boy,” cried Jerry.
“Why, that’s my kid, and I was only givin’ him a taste of the rod because he wouldn’t mind me; ‘spare the rod and spoil the child,’ is a good saying, you know.”
“Not from you!” snapped the professor. “Is this man your father?” the scientist asked the bound boy.
“Speak up now! Ain’t I your daddy?” put in the leader, scowling at the boy.
“Tell the truth! Don’t let him scare you!” said the professor reassuredly. “We are in charge here now. Is he your father?”
“No—no—sir,” stammered the poor little lad, and then he burst into tears.
“I thought so!” commented the scientist. “Now you scoundrels clear out of here before we cause your arrest!”
“You’re talkin’ mighty high,” sneered the leader, “but look out! This matter is none of your affair, and that boy belongs to us!”
“Take me away! Oh, please take me away! They’ll kill me!” sobbed the lad.
There was such a fiery look in the professor’s eye as he leveled his gun at the gang of men that they started back, evidently fearing to be fired upon.
“Come on!” called one. “We’ll get some of the Mexicans and then we’ll see who’s runnin’ things around here!”
With that the gang sneaked out of the door, leaving the boys and the professor master of the situation. Their first act was to unbind the lad, who was almost fainting from pain and fear.
“Are there any more of them?” asked Jerry.
“Yes,” said the boy faintly. “There are a lot of half-breed Mexicans in the gang. They are in a hut about a mile farther up the road, where they keep a lot of horses on a ranch.”
“Then perhaps we’d better get out of here while we have a chance,” said the professor. “We can’t fight a score or more. Let’s take the boy and hurry away.”
“Come on then,” said Jerry. “We’ll get back to the auto. I only hope these men don’t discover it and damage the car.”
But when an attempt to start was made it was found that the boy, who said, in response to an inquiry from Ned, that his name was Tommy Bell, was unable to walk. The ropes bound about his legs had caused the blood to stagnate in the veins.
“Here!” exclaimed Jerry. “Bob, you and Ned go ahead with the lantern, and the professor and I will carry Tommy. Step lively now!”
Moving in that order the procession started, and in a few minutes the travelers were back at the machine, which did not seem to have been disturbed. There was no sight or sound of the gang.
Tommy was made as comfortable as possible, and then there was a brief consultation.
“Which way had we better go?” asked Jerry.
“I think it would be best to turn around,” said Bob. “We’ll run up against the gang if we go ahead.”
“The best road is straight ahead through this woods,” spoke Tommy. “If you take the other your machine will get stuck.”
“Then we’ll take this one, and trust to luck not to have any trouble with the gang,” decided Jerry, as he cranked up the car.
Just as they started the moon came out from the clouds, for the rain had ceased, and, though not many of the silver beams shone through the thick foliage, it was much lighter than it had been. Jerry threw in the gear and the next instant the car glided forward and shot along the tunnel of trees, leaving the hut where Tommy Bell had been a prisoner.
“Is the Mexican camp near this main road?” asked the professor of Tommy.
“About three hundred feet in,” answered the boy, who was feeling much better.
“How many men are at it?”
“About one hundred, I guess, from what I heard them say.”
“Then I guess we’d better go past it on the fly,” muttered Jerry, as he speeded up the machine until it was skimming along at a fast rate. In a little while there was a gleam of light through the trees ahead.
“There’s the camp!” exclaimed Tommy.
A minute later the travelers were made well aware of it, for, as they whizzed past in the auto, they heard shouts of anger, mingling with the sounds of rushing feet, while an occasional pistol shot rang out, the flash of fire cutting the darkness.
“They saw us,” spoke Bob. “Lucky it was pretty dark, or they might have damaged the auto.”
“To say nothing of ourselves,” added Ned.
As the auto sped along, Professor Snodgrass asked Tommy Bell how he had come to the hut in the forest.
“Those men took me there,” replied the boy.
“And what did they try to make you do?” asked Jerry.
“They wanted me to tell them where my father was,” went on Tommy. “I could not because I did not know, and they burned me, because they did not believe I was telling the truth.”
“What did they want of your father?” inquired Mr. Snodgrass.
“They want him to sign some papers connected with some property,” went on Tommy. “I don’t know much about it, except that father used to work with those men developing a mine. It didn’t pay, and they left it, after selling it to some other men. I lived with my father, and my mother was alive then.”
The boy stopped, and, at the mention of his mother’s name began to cry softly.
“Poor little lad,” muttered the professor, putting his arm, with a sort of caressing motion about Tommy. “Don’t cry, lad,” the scientist went on, in what seemed a sort of husky voice, for he was very fond of children; “don’t worry, we’ll look out for you; won’t we, boys?”
“You bet!” exclaimed Jerry, Ned and Bob in one voice.
The auto was slowed down now, as there seemed to be no danger of pursuit.
“After mother died,” Tommy resumed, “and the mine did not pay, father started prospecting with Nat Richards and the others in that crowd. But they were bad men, and soon got the better of my dad, taking away what little money he had left.
“This ruined my father, and he grew discouraged, for he was old, and in poor health. He wandered away and I haven’t seen him for nearly a year. I traveled about, doing what little work I could get to do, until I struck Texas. One day, about a week ago, I passed a ranch, the same one we just came by. I asked for work, and got it. Then I found the same men owned it that had ruined my father.
“As soon as Nat Richards saw me he demanded to know where dad was. I couldn’t tell, and then he promised me one hundred dollars if I would tell. He said they needed my father’s signature to a paper.
“I don’t know as I would have told them where dad was if I did know. When I kept on refusing to give them the information, Nat Richards grew ugly. He had me taken off to the hut where you found me, and said he’d starve me to death if I didn’t tell.
“I almost did die from hunger,” Tommy went on with a catch in his voice. “Then they tried torture. They burned me on the legs with a hot poker. That’s what they were doing when you came in,” and, overcome again by the thought of all he had suffered Tommy cried bitterly.
The boys and the professor did all they could to comfort the friendless lad, and, soon Tommy’s grief wore off.
“We’ll take you along with us,” said Jerry heartily, “and we’ll try to help you find your father. Where did you see him last?”
“He was in Arizona,” answered Tommy.
“That’s just where we’re headed for,” exclaimed Bob. “We’ll take you there all right.”
Jerry leaned forward to throw in the higher speed gear when there was a sudden ripping, breaking sound, and the auto began to slow up.
“What’s the matter?” asked Ned.
“Stripped the gear, I’m afraid,” replied the steersman. “This is a nice pickle to be in.”
“Won’t it run on the low or intermediate gear?” asked Bob.
Jerry tried them, and found they were all right.
“I guess we’d better stop here for the night,” he said. “We may need the high gear any minute, and perhaps I can fix it in the morning. I have a spare wheel.”
“Then let’s camp and have supper,” said Bob eagerly. “I haven’t eaten in a week by the way I feel.”
“Same here! I agree with you for once, Chunky,” spoke Jerry. “It has been a long time since dinner, but with the excitement of the storm, the bear, and rescuing Tommy I didn’t notice it before.”
In a little while the camping outfit was taken from the automobile, and a fire started in the sheet-iron stove, with the charcoal that was carried to be used in emergencies, such as being unable to find dry wood after a rain.
Ned ground the coffee, while Bob went in search of water, using the lantern to aid him in the somewhat dim forest, though the moon helped some. He found a spring close at hand, and soon a fragrant beverage was steaming under the trees. Then some bacon was placed in the frying pan, and the hard tack was taken from the tin and other things prepared.
“Fall to!” commanded Ned, who was acting as cook, and fall to they all did, with a will.
“Do you often camp out and eat in the woods like this?” asked Tommy. “I think it’s jolly fun,” and the lad, who was about twelve years old, laughed for the first time since his rescue. He, too, was eating with an appetite that showed he needed the food.
Jerry briefly related some of their travel adventures, at which Tommy opened his eyes to their widest extent.
“Cracky! But you have had stunning times!” he exclaimed.
The meal having been finished, they began to think of getting some sleep. Blankets were brought out, and rolling themselves up in them the boys and the professor were soon in the land of nod.
It was nearly dawn when Jerry was suddenly awakened by the far off baying of a dog. At first he could not imagine what the sound was, and sat up to listen more intently. Then a long, mournful howl was borne to him on the wind.
“That’s strange,” he muttered. “There are very few dogs about here. I wonder what it is.”
At the same time Tommy Bell roused up, and he, too, heard the sound.
“It’s the gang after us!” he exclaimed. “They have a lot of hounds on the ranch! Hurry up! Let’s get out of this!”
“Hark!” exclaimed Jerry, raising his hand.
Then the boys heard, faint and far off, the sound of galloping horses.
“They’re coming!” cried Jerry.
His cry awakened the others, who sat up bewildered and heavy from sound sleep.
“Lively’s the word!” called Jerry. “They’re after us!”
No further explanation was needed, for all knew what Jerry meant. There was a hasty piling of blankets into the auto; the stove was packed up, and, while the travelers jumped into the car, Jerry went in front to crank it up. The cheerful chug-chug told that the machinery was in good working order, and then, the boy, leaping into the steersman’s seat, threw in the low gear for the start.
As he did so Ned glanced back and saw, coming around the bend of the forest road a score of horsemen and a pack of dogs.
“Speed her up, Jerry!” called Bob.
“I will!” was the exclamation, as Jerry leaned forward to throw in the high gear. A mournful screeching of the engine was the only response.
“I forgot! The high gear is broken!” the steersman cried. “We can only use the intermediate, and that is not very fast!”
“It’s the best we can do, though!” said Bob. “We may get away from them!”
On the intermediate cogs the auto made good speed, and, for a while, distanced the gang, the members of which, with shouts of rage, put their horses to their best effort.
The sun began to peep up from beneath the eastern hills, throwing a rosy light over the earth. The woods began to thin out, and the sides of the “tunnel,” which had been dense, became more open, so that glimpses of the country could be seen now and then.
The chase was now on in earnest. For some time, however, the auto kept well in advance of the horsemen, for Jerry used all the power possible on the differential gear. If the high speed one had been in working order there would have been no question of the outcome, but, for once, luck was against the boys.
Nearer and nearer came the gang on horseback. They got so close that their shouts to halt could be plainly heard. But Jerry was not going to give up. He gritted his teeth and gripped the wheel with a firmer grasp.
“We seem to be slacking up,” observed Ned.
“That’s what we are,” spoke Jerry. “The auto is going back on us.”
The car did seem to be dragging, and there was no excuse for it in the condition of the road, which was a fine level one.
“The car needs repairing,” said Jerry, “and the way I have to run it isn’t the best thing in the world for it.”
“Do you think they’ll catch up to us?” asked Bob.
“I’m afraid so,” muttered Jerry. “We are going the limit now.”
The thunder of the horses sounded nearer and the shouts of the pursuing gang came more plainly on the morning breeze. The auto coughed and wheezed, seeming like a man who has run far and is about to collapse. The explosions became less frequent, and finally one of the cylinders ceased to work altogether, leaving only three in commission.
“Now we’re in for it!” muttered Jerry, as, by a hasty glance back he saw the men spurring their horses on.
“You’d better give up!” one of the gang shouted.
“Not yet, you scoundrels!” cried Jerry, as he advanced the sparkling lever to the final notch. This seemed to be the last straw to the auto engine, for with a dismal snort it stopped short.
“This settles it,” muttered Ned grimly. “We are done for.”
Fortunately, however, they were on a slight slope now, and the car, with the impetus it had gathered, began to glide down the hill under its own momentum.
But the horsemen were not one thousand feet in the rear and were drawing nearer. There seemed to be no help at hand and there was every indication that the boys would fall into the hands of their desperate enemies.
“How much farther can we go?” asked Tommy suddenly.
“To the foot of the hill,” replied Jerry. “Why do you ask?”
“That’s far enough!” exclaimed Tommy. “I guess we can escape them.”
“How?”
“Steer straight for that dead pine tree,” replied the young lad, “and when you get almost to it, make a wide turn to the right.”
“What good will that do?”
“There’s a big cave right at the foot of the hill,” replied Tommy. “I know for I passed it as I was tramping toward the ranch. It is large enough to take in the auto, and maybe we can hold it against the gang.”
“Hurrah!” shouted Jerry, as he shifted the wheel to conform with Tommy’s directions. “We’ll beat ’em yet!”
Straight toward the dead pine Jerry aimed, and, as he came to the bottom of the slope, he saw an opening in the bush-lined side of the hill, that told him the cave was at hand. Into it, by a skillful turn, he steered the auto, and the machine, running in about one hundred feet from the opening came to a stop, just as the horsemen came dashing up, much surprised by the sudden disappearance of those they were pursuing.
“We’re safe!” whispered Ned.
“Not yet,” said Jerry. “We must arm ourselves,” and he began to get out the rifles from the bottom of the car, and hand them around to his companions.
Outside the cavern, which was a natural one in the rocky side of the hill, there came confused shouts.
“Where did they go?” they heard a voice ask.
“Must have gone over some ledge and been killed,” was the reply.
“Then that settles it,” said the first one. “That’s just our bad luck!”
Then came a curious cry, and, by it, the boys knew their hiding place was discovered.
“Here are the tracks of the wheels!” the travelers heard some one shout. “They turned off somewhere about here.”
“Then they’re in that cave,” was the rejoinder.
“Dismount!” came a sharp order.
The boys could hear the men getting off their horses, and the animals being led away.
“Get your carbines ready!” was the next command.
“It’s time for us to act!” whispered Jerry. “We must each one take a gun, and stand at the mouth of the cave. We’ll warn them not to enter. If they persist we will have to fire, but we must try not to hurt any one mortally. Aim at their legs!”
In the half darkness of the cavern the boys and the professor each took a rifle and crept to the mouth of the opening. No sooner had they reached it than they heard the tramp of feet, and shadows told them the bad men were advancing.
“Halt!” cried Jerry, who had naturally assumed command.
“Who are you?” asked the leader of the gang.
“Never mind who we are,” replied Jerry. “We are in possession of this cave, and we warn you not to come in!”
“Big words for a kid!” sneered the leader.
“You’ll find we can back them up,” spoke Jerry. Then, in lower tones, he bade his comrades stand in readiness.
There was a consultation in whispers among the members of the gang, and then, seeming to feel that they had nothing to fear, they made a rush.
“Fire!” cried Jerry.
Remembering his instructions, the boys and the professor aimed low. To the reports of the rifles there succeeded howls of pain. Several of the gang shot back, but, as it was dark in the cave they could not see to aim, and they did no damage.
“Give them another volley!” yelled Jerry.
Again the rifles spoke, and this time, to the chorus of howls there was added a command from the leader to retreat, and the men rushed from the cave, which was filled with smoke.
“Are—are any of them killed?” asked Tommy.
“I don’t believe so,” replied Jerry. “We fired too low to do much damage. I only wanted to let them know we were ready for them.”
Waiting several minutes to see if there would be any further attack, Jerry cautiously advanced to the mouth of the cavern. In the semi-light he saw several blood stains, but the absence of any bodies told him the battle had not resulted fatally, for which he was thankful. Though the men were desperate characters, who, perhaps, would not stop at murder, the boy did not want the responsibility of killing any of them.
“They seem to have retreated,” Jerry reported when he joined the others. “But I don’t suppose they have gone for good. This probably will only make them more anxious to get Tommy away from us, for it is him they are after.”
“Do you think they want me?” asked the younger lad.
“I am pretty sure, after what you have told us about the mine, that they would give a good deal to get you,” replied Jerry. “Perhaps your signature may be as good as that of your father’s in case—in case—” and Jerry stopped suddenly.
“You mean in case dad is dead?” asked Tommy quietly.
“Yes,” answered Jerry.
“I don’t believe my father is dead,” spoke the boy bravely. “Somehow I feel that he is alive, and that I will find him. But if the gang is after me, it is not right for you all to be in danger on my account. Give me up to them, I’m not afraid—that is, I’ll try not to be. Let me go out and surrender, and perhaps they’ll go away.”
“I’d like to see myself!” exclaimed Jerry. “You don’t stir out of this cave, Tommy Bell, until we go! I’m not afraid of that gang. We’ve been in tighter places than this and gotten out; haven’t we, fellows?”
“You bet!” echoed Bob and Ned.
“Then give me a gun and let me help fight,” begged Tommy.
“Can you shoot?” asked Jerry.
“My father taught me,” was all Tommy said, and Jerry gave him a rifle, at which Tommy’s eyes sparkled.
A cautious glance from the mouth of the cave showed that the gang had withdrawn some distance away. But that they had no notion of giving up the fight was evidenced by the fact that they were constructing a camp so as to command the entrance to the cavern.
“I guess they’re going to try and starve us out,” remarked the professor. “Lucky we have plenty of provisions and ammunition on hand for a siege.”
“Well, I guess we’re just as well off here as anywhere,” observed Jerry. “We’d have to lay up a few days at any rate, to fix the machine, and it might as well be in a good roomy cave, where the rain can’t wet us.”
The boys waited an hour before laying aside their arms. Then, as the gang showed no signs of renewing the attack, they proceeded to make themselves more comfortable.
“Might as well get ready to camp out,” said Ned. “I’ll set up the stove, and we’ll have breakfast, though it is a little late.”
So while he set up the sheet iron apparatus, Jerry instructed Bob to stand guard at the mouth of the cavern, and to give instant notice of any activity on the part of the enemy.
“But what will we do about eating breakfast?” asked Bob in a sorrowful voice.
“Don’t worry about that, ‘Chunky,’” said Jerry. “I’ll relieve you, or some one will, in time to get a meal. In the meantime keep a good watch.”
Then Jerry went back to help Ned, and, at the same time, make ready to repair the machine.
“I say, Jerry,” called Ned, “we’re in a sort of a pickle.”
“How’s that?”
“Why, I started to make coffee and I got along all right until I came to the water.”
“Well?”
“No, it’s not at all well. In fact we ought to have a well here.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean there’s no water in the cave!”
“Great Scott! Is that so?” exclaimed Jerry. “I never thought of such a thing. Are you sure there’s not a spring away in the rear?”
“The professor and I made a good search,” replied the temporary cook. “The cave comes to an end about three hundred feet back, and there’s not a sign of water.”
For a few seconds Jerry was silent. Then he gave an exclamation.
“I have it!” he cried. “We can use the emergency water supply on the auto. It is not very fresh, but it will do for coffee.”
“The very thing!” ejaculated Ned.
It was fortunate that the auto carried an extra tank of water, as well as one of gasolene. They had often found it useful in getting a supply of the fluid for the radiator in places far from a supply, and the reserve tank had been built with that purpose in view. It held about ten gallons. Drawing on this Ned had a supply for his coffee which was soon boiling merrily on the stove, while some canned chicken and bacon were put on to fry.
“I say, is anybody going to relieve me?” called Bob from his post on guard.
He smelled the breakfast in preparation, and it added to his hunger.
“I’ll go,” volunteered the professor. “I’m in no hurry to eat, and perhaps I may pick up a specimen or two. This cave ought to be a good place for them.”
Accordingly he took Bob’s place, and soon the four boys were eating ravenously, and with as good appetites as if a band of bad men was not outside, ready to attack them at the first opportunity.
“Now to fix the machine,” said Jerry as he rose from the ground that served as a table. “Light all the lamps, Ned, and then you and Bob come and help me. Tommy and the professor can take turns standing guard.”
It was no easy matter to take the automobile engine apart, and substitute a new gear for the broken one. It was also found necessary to insert new spark plugs, which had become covered with a coating of carbon; and the cylinders also needed cleaning, while the pistons had to be adjusted.
The afternoon was spent in working at the auto, and by night such good progress had been made that Jerry said by the next evening it would be in shape to start.
“That is if the gang let’s us,” spoke Ned.
“We’ll make a dash for it,” replied Jerry. “We needn’t fear them with the car in good order, for we can leave them behind in less than half an hour. We’ll try to escape to-morrow about midnight.”
“In the meanwhile let’s eat,” suggested Bob, and his cry brought forth the usual chaffing about “Chunky’s” appetite.
Ned started to get supper. He went to the tank of the auto to draw some water for the tea, when he gave a cry of surprise.
“What’s the trouble?” called Jerry.
“The water’s gone!” exclaimed Ned. “That’s a leak in the tank!”
They all rushed to the car. There, on the ground under the reserve tank was a muddy spot, showing where the precious fluid had dripped away. A quick examination showed there was a small hole in the reservoir.
“Now we are up against it,” murmured Bob.
“Not quite yet,” said Jerry.
“How can we get water without being shot?” asked Ned.
“There is quite a bit left in the pipe coils of the radiator,” answered Jerry. “It will be pretty poor stuff to drink I guess, but it’s better than nothing.”
There was considerable of the fluid in the big brass radiator on the front of the car, and, though it was stale, and had been heated many times, as it circulated about the cylinders, still, it was better than none. Made into tea, which was served as a change from coffee, it did not taste so very bad.
But the situation was grave. With only water enough on hand to last about half a day, the plight of the travelers was a critical one.
“We’ll have to have water for the car, as well as ourselves,” spoke Ned. “We can’t run the machine without water.”
“That’s so,” admitted Jerry dubiously. “Something will have to be done.”
After the evening meal Jerry resumed his labors on the car, working at double speed, in which he was assisted by Ned and Bob. The professor and Tommy took turns watching at the cavern’s mouth.
But there seemed to be no need of this, as the men showed no inclination to make a second attack. They appeared to know that the boys were caught in a trap; a trap that contained no water. So they evidently felt sure of success sooner or later, and that without the danger of being wounded.
Jerry and his comrades worked to such advantage that shortly after midnight the auto was in shape to be used, and with the new high gear wheel in place. The car was given a good oiling, and was repacked in readiness for a quick start.
“Now if we only had water,” sighed Jerry, “we could slip out, and, I believe get away.”
But he knew it was useless to proceed without at least a full radiator. The extra tank, which had been repaired, could be filled later. The radiator coils were empty however. What had not been used for cooking had been made up into weak tea, as it was not considered healthful to drink the water as it came from the pipes.
“We’ve got to do something,” said Jerry decidedly. “If we stay here much longer we’ll die of thirst. If we could only make a dash and get some water we could manage. Two pails full would do.”
“Let me go after them,” exclaimed Tommy. “I’m not afraid. I can run fast. Maybe I can get out there by the brook, get the water and come back before any of them see me.”
“No you couldn’t,” spoke Jerry, pointing to where one of the men, as sentry, could be seen, from the mouth of the cave, walking up and down near the camp fire. “If any one goes I will, and I think I’d better start.”
Bob and Ned both offered to make the dangerous attempt, and the professor insisted that he be allowed to try, as he knew how to move over ground very silently. But Jerry was firm in his determination.
“I’m going to make the try about two o’clock,” he said. “They’ll be sounder asleep then.”
As he was very tired he stretched out in some blankets until it would be time to make the try. He fell asleep soon, and the others moved away, talking in whispers lest they disturb him.
Almost exactly at the appointed hour Jerry awakened. He sat up, and, slipping a pair of Indian moccasins over his shoes, to enable him to move as silently as possible, he cautiously approached the mouth of the cavern, carrying two water pails with him.
The moon had gone down and it was quite dark, which was favorable to Jerry’s plans. As he got to the entrance of the cavern the boy looked toward the gang’s camp. There seemed to be no sign of life, and Jerry thought perhaps the sentry had fallen asleep.
As silent as a cat the lad made his way toward the stream, which he could hear gurgling and splashing over the stones. His throat was dry, for the last of the cold tea had been drunk, and his exertions had made him very thirsty. As he heard the sound of the brook he felt a fierce desire for water, so strong was it that he felt he would brave anything to get it.
Foot by foot he advanced, crouching down as low as he could. He was beginning to feel that he would be successful, and not be detected. He could see the sparkle of the water about three hundred feet away, and his parched mouth and throat seemed to be as dry as leather. He could hardly swallow.
On and on he went. Now he was about two hundred feet away and he was getting ready to make a dash for the brook.
Suddenly he heard a clicking sound, and knew it was a rifle being cocked. Next there rang out on the night air the command:
“Halt or I’ll fire!”
Poor Jerry was detected! He came to a stop, sick at heart at the failure of his plan.
For a moment there was no other sound. The boy could not see who had discovered him, though he instinctively felt the eyes of the man on him. Suddenly there was a shaking in the tree somewhat to Jerry’s left, and about one hundred feet away. Then came a rustle of the leaves on the ground and the boy made out the figure of a man, dimly, standing with rifle aimed straight at him.
“Throw up your hands!” was the next order, and, letting the pails fall to the ground, Jerry obeyed.
Then, all at once, there burst out on the air a most terrifying sound. It was a blood-curdling yell, a screech as if from some one in mortal agony. Jerry felt the cold chills go down his back.
The next instant there was a crashing sound, and, from the tree under which the man stood who had aimed at the boy a dark body shot downward.
The screech of the cougar, for such it was, mingled with the terrific yells of the sentry. Jerry dimly saw a confused tangle of man and beast. He heard the man shout for help. He heard his rifle go off, and then came sounds that told that the camp had been aroused.
The attack of the cougar had come just in time. Jerry, taking advantage of the diversion, grabbed up his pails, and running to the brook filled them with water. Then, as fast as he could go, he ran toward the cave.