Add 47417 from ibiblio

10 files changed, 16191 insertions, 17003 deletions

diff --git a/47417/47417-0.txt b/47417-0.txt
index d6ff7e0..71b0f1c 100644
--- a/47417/47417-0.txt
+++ b/47417-0.txt
@@ -1,7173 +1,6780 @@
-Project Gutenberg's The Motor Boys After a Fortune, by Clarence Young

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-Title: The Motor Boys After a Fortune

-       or, The Hut on Snake Island

-

-Author: Clarence Young

-

-Release Date: November 22, 2014 [EBook #47417]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed

-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: JERRY SENT THE CHASER DIRECTLY AT THE COMET.]

-

-

-

-

-                            THE MOTOR BOYS

-                            AFTER A FORTUNE

-

-                                  Or

-

-                        The Hut on Snake Island

-

-                                  BY

-                            CLARENCE YOUNG

-

-                               Author of

-         “The Racer Boys Series” and “The Jack Ranger Series.”

-

-

-                              ILLUSTRATED

-

-

-                               NEW YORK

-                        CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY

-

-

-

-

-BOOKS BY CLARENCE YOUNG

-

-

-=THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES=

-

-12mo. Illustrated.

-

-Price per volume, 60 cents, postpaid.

-

-  THE MOTOR BOYS

-  THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND

-  THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO

-  THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS

-  THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT

-  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC

-  THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS

-  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC

-  THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS

-  THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES

-  THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN

-  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING

-  THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE

-

-

-=THE JACK RANGER SERIES=

-

-12mo. Finely Illustrated.

-

-Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid.

-

-  JACK RANGER’S SCHOOLDAYS

-  JACK RANGER’S WESTERN TRIP

-  JACK RANGER’S SCHOOL VICTORIES

-  JACK RANGER’S OCEAN CRUISE

-  JACK RANGER’S GUN CLUB

-  JACK RANGER’S TREASURE BOX

-

-

-  Copyright, 1912, by

-  CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY

-

-

-THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE

-

-

-

-

-CONTENTS

-

-

- CHAPTER                                     PAGE

-      I. TO THE RESCUE                          1

-     II. THE SAVING OF NODDY                   11

-    III. NODDY BEGINS PLOTTING                 22

-     IV. PLANNING A FORTUNE HUNT               33

-      V. NODDY’S PLOT DEVELOPS                 40

-     VI. OFF FOR PITTSBURG                     51

-    VII. IN DANGER                             58

-   VIII. DOWN THE ALLEGHANY                    69

-     IX. OFF IN THE AUTO                       77

-      X. HELD UP                               85

-     XI. NODDY IN ADVANCE                      92

-    XII. DISAPPOINTMENT                       104

-   XIII. THE PROFESSOR’S LUNCH                115

-    XIV. THE WRECK OF THE LIMITED             121

-     XV. THE EXPRESS AHEAD                    129

-    XVI. THE AIRSHIP GONE                     138

-   XVII. AN UNEXPECTED OFFER                  144

-  XVIII. ON THE TRAIL                         152

-    XIX. A DESPERATE RACE                     159

-     XX. A GAME IN THE AIR                    168

-    XXI. OFF FOR THE CANYON                   174

-   XXII. OVER THE GREAT CHASM                 182

-  XXIII. THE BOAT IN THE RAPIDS               189

-   XXIV. STRANGE GHOSTS                       196

-    XXV. A NEST OF SERPENTS                   205

-   XXVI. LIVE WIRES                           212

-  XXVII. THE TRANSPORTING OF NODDY            217

- XXVIII. THE RISING FLOOD                     224

-   XXIX. IN THE CAVE                          230

-    XXX. THE RADIUM TREASURE--CONCLUSION      238

-

-

-

-

-PREFACE

-

-

-DEAR BOYS:--

-

-I wonder if any of you are superstitious, or if you believe in “signs”?

-I, myself, do not, but as this happens to be the thirteenth book in the

-Motor Boys series, I just thought I’d mention it, more as a joke than

-anything else.

-

-You know some persons think thirteen is unlucky. I do not, and I am

-sure you do not, either. So I venture to hope that I have been lucky

-enough to write for you, in this thirteenth volume, a book you will

-like better than any of the preceding ones that I have been happy to

-pen.

-

-Certainly, Jerry, Ned and Bob, when they went after the radium treasure,

-on Snake Island, in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, had a chance to

-believe in “signs” if they were so inclined. But when they saw the

-strange “ghosts” they were not a bit frightened, and, later on, they

-discovered the cause of them.

-

-This story, though a complete tale in itself, is linked with the others

-in the series. It tells how the Motor Boys, hearing through Professor

-Snodgrass, of a place where radium was supposed to be located, set off

-to find it. They had many adventures, and were in not a little danger.

-Then, too, they had to proceed against Noddy Nixon, who had unlawfully

-taken their motorship.

-

-I venture to hope that you will like this story, and that you will

-care for more about the boys, whom I have come to regard as very good

-friends of mine. I should dislike, very much indeed, saying good-bye to

-them.

-

-So, wishing you all the pleasure possible in the reading of this story,

-I remain,

-

-Yours cordially,

-

-CLARENCE YOUNG.

-

-

-

-

-THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER I

-

-TO THE RESCUE

-

-

-“But, Professor, do you really think it’s true?” asked Ned Slade,

-looking at the elderly gentleman, whose bald head glistened in the

-sunlight, as he sat leafing the pages of a scientific book.

-

-“Is what true, Ned?” inquired Jerry Hopkins, who had crossed the room

-to look out of a window.

-

-“What Professor Snodgrass was telling just now, about a fortune in

-radium being on a lonely little island in the Colorado River, somewhere

-in the Grand Canyon.”

-

-“Radium!” gasped Bob Baker, turning slowly in a big chair.

-

-“Yes, radium,” answered Ned, at whose house the other motor boy chums

-had called to meet their old friend, the professor, who was paying a

-short visit to Mr. Slade. “Radium, Bob. Do you get the idea, or are you

-still trying to figure out how long it will be until lunch time?”

-

-“Aw, quit it,” begged the fat lad. “I guess I can think of something

-besides grub, once in a while. But I wasn’t listening very closely.

-What is it about radium? That’s the stuff they use to set diamonds in,

-instead of gold; isn’t it?”

-

-“Say, what’s the matter with you, Bob?” cried Jerry, a tall, and

-well-built lad, as he wheeled around from the window. “Set diamonds in

-radium? You’re thinking of platinum, I guess.”

-

-“Oh, that’s right!” admitted Bob.

-

-“Radium!” broke in Ned. “I guess they’d be more likely to set radium in

-a diamond, if they could; eh, Professor?”

-

-“Well,” admitted the little scientist with a smile, “it’s valuable

-enough to be set in diamonds, but I’m afraid it would be too dangerous

-to carry around that way. It can’t be exposed carelessly, you know.”

-

-“Dangerous?” asked Bob. “How’s that?”

-

-“Radium, that wonderful metal, as it is sometimes called, and about

-which so much has been written, yet about which even the greatest

-scientists admit that they know very little, can cause very severe

-burns if brought near a person, and not protected in some way.

-

-“The rays, or emanations from it, pass through almost all substances,

-you know, and not only does it cause burns, but also forms of mental

-diseases. It is a dangerous, as well as very valuable, metal.”

-

-“But what’s this Ned said about some being on an island in the Grand

-Canyon of the Colorado?” persisted Bob. “That sounds interesting. Maybe

-there’s a chance for us to take a trip, and get some. Let’s hear more

-about it, Professor, please.”

-

-“Well, I don’t know that I can say much,” came from the scientist. “I

-just happened to see a mention of radium in this book I was looking at,

-and I just told Ned that there was said to be a valuable deposit of it

-on this island--Snake Island, I believe it is called--though I don’t

-know why. Probably from some Indian name.”

-

-“And I asked him if he believed it was true,” added Ned.

-

-“As to that I can’t say,” resumed Uriah Snodgrass. “All I know is that

-some years ago a scientific expedition from Hartwell College set out

-to learn if the rumor about the radium was true. They had the story,

-I understand, from some prospectors who were searching for gold. The

-prospectors landed on this island, because their boat was wrecked, and

-one of them picked up a piece of stone, whether it was hornblende or

-pitchblende I can’t recall, but you know radium is often found in those

-substances.

-

-“At any rate, one of the prospectors kept this piece of mineral,

-and when he and his friends left the island he took it with him, not

-knowing what it was. Later he gave it to a scientist, as a curiosity,

-and the latter at once recognized what it was, and learned where it

-came from.

-

-“It was sent to Hartwell College, with which the scientist was

-connected, and aroused a great deal of interest. An expedition was at

-once fitted up, and about a year ago started for Snake Island.”

-

-“Did they get there?” asked Bob eagerly. “And did they get any gold?”

-

-“They did not, I regret to say,” replied the professor rather solemnly.

-“As for gold, they would scarcely have picked it up, had there been

-any, if there was radium to be had, for there is no comparison in the

-values of the two. With radium at ten thousand dollars, or so, an

-ounce, you can easily figure what a little bit would be worth.

-

-“At any rate, the expedition never even got to Snake Island. They

-started down the Colorado in a boat, but it was wrecked, and the party

-barely escaped alive. This so discouraged them that they returned, and

-as far as I know, no one since has set foot on the place where the

-radium is supposed to be. Yes, it was a sad piece of business.”

-

-“Why sad?” asked Jerry Hopkins. “Because science missed the chance to

-get the radium?”

-

-“Well, yes, in a way, but one of the searching party was lost.”

-

-“Drowned?” asked Ned.

-

-“As to that no one ever knew. He fell into the water when the boat

-was wrecked, and none of his friends ever saw him again. They had a

-watch kept on the river below, but the body was never seen. The man

-disappeared completely. He was quite a friend of mine, too, in a way,

-for we corresponded, and exchanged scientific books, though I only saw

-him a few times. Hartley Bentwell was his name, and he was one of the

-best authorities on radium that I ever heard of. I often wonder what

-became of him. He gave his life up in the interests of science.”

-

-“And do you really believe there is radium there?” asked Ned, after a

-pause.

-

-“Yes, I think I do,” answered the professor quietly. “I had the

-good fortune to see the piece of mineral, containing some, that

-the prospector picked up years ago. There was no doubt but that it

-contained radium, for all the manifestations were present. And if there

-was one bit of radium on that island, there must be more.”

-

-“Unless it’s all evaporated by this time,” put in Bob.

-

-“Radium doesn’t evaporate,” said the professor with a smile. “The

-smallest piece you can imagine, will give off what you might call

-‘rays’ or ‘sparks’ for thousands of years, and, at the end of that

-time, the most delicate scales would show no loss of weight. It’s the

-same way with pure musk. A grain of it has been known to scent, say

-a box, or chest of drawers, for fifty years, and, at the end of that

-time, the whole grain of musk was still there.”

-

-“That’s strange,” murmured Jerry.

-

-“Oh, that’s not nearly all the strange facts about radium,” went on Mr.

-Snodgrass. “I could talk to you for hours about it and not half finish.”

-

-“Tell us more about Snake Island,” suggested Ned.

-

-“That’s all I know,” and the professor closed the book that had started

-the conversation. “I only heard what I have told you. It was because

-I was interested in Mr. Bentwell, and felt his loss so much that the

-tale impressed me. I often thought I would like to have a try for

-that radium myself, not because of the fortune, but because of the

-scientific value of the metal, or mineral, whichever you choose to call

-it. But I never seemed to get the time, and I had so many other things

-to do, gathering----”

-

-The professor suddenly stopped talking, and made a dive for a certain

-spot on the carpet. He came down on his hands and knees, holding his

-palms together.

-

-“I got it!” he cried triumphantly. “Ned, please get my smallest insect

-case. It’s in my right hand coat pocket,” and the scientist remained on

-his knees, a look of joy on his face.

-

-“Did you fall?” asked Bob innocently.

-

-“No, indeed, I jumped,” replied the professor. “As I was speaking I

-happened to see a new variety of pink-winged moth fluttering on the

-carpet, and as this moth----”

-

-“Moths in my carpet!” cried Mrs. Slade, entering the room at that

-moment. “Oh, Professor! Let me kill it at once! Where is it?”

-

-“I have it safe,” answered Mr. Snodgrass with a smile. “As for killing

-it, I’ll do that, but it must be carefully done, so as not to crush it.

-Have you the box, Ned?”

-

-“Yes, here it is,” and the lad drew out a small, glass-topped case from

-the professor’s pocket.

-

-“Well, as long as you have the moth, I suppose it can’t eat holes in my

-new carpet,” said Mrs. Slade. “I must put some cedar oil around, and

-kill the horrid things.”

-

-“Oh, I beg of you, if you see any more to save them for me!” implored

-the professor. “There you are, my little pink beauty!” he exclaimed, as

-he put the moth in the case where it soon died, for the box contained

-cyanide of potassium, the fumes from which are almost instantly fatal

-to insect life. “That is worth many dollars to my college collection,”

-went on the scientist. “I would not have missed that for the world.

-This has been a lucky day for me. Let me see, what was I talking

-about?” and he looked at the boys through his powerful spectacles,

-while he absent-mindedly brushed the dust from his trousers.

-

-“It was radium, and you said you’d like to go to Snake Island,”

-suggested Ned.

-

-“Oh, yes, and I had told you about how my friend lost his life seeking

-the place. Indeed I would like to go, but I am afraid it is out of the

-question. However, I suppose some one will get the fortune some day,”

-and the professor carefully put the insect box in his pocket, looking

-the while, carefully over the carpet for more specimens.

-

-“Well, that surely was a queer yarn,” remarked Bob. “I say, Ned, what

-do you say if we have something to eat on it. I’m hungry, and----”

-

-“You don’t care who knows it!” finished Jerry with a laugh.

-

-“That’s all right,” put in Ned good-naturedly, for the chums were

-almost like brothers, and made themselves perfectly at home in each

-other’s houses. “I guess it must be almost lunch time. I’ll go see if

-it isn’t ready. I reckon we can all eat some, even Professor Snodgrass,

-if he can spare the time from his specimens.”

-

-“Oh, yes,” laughed the scientist. “I am ready----”

-

-At that moment there came an interruption in the shape of a small boy,

-very excited, and out of breath, who dashed up on the porch, on which

-opened the library windows of the room where the three chums and the

-professor had been talking.

-

-“Whoop!” yelled the small lad.

-

-“Andy Rush!” cried Ned.

-

-“Wow!” yelled Andy, getting his second wind. “Come on,

-fellows--’sawful--dam’s busted--river’s got loose--houses being washed

-away--people in the water--dogs--chickens--boats--fearful--terrible

-excitement--come on--don’t lose a minute--the whole place may go--big

-flood--whoop--come on--don’t wait--wow!”

-

-For a moment the three chums gazed at the excited small lad. Then Jerry

-asked, sternly:

-

-“Andy, is this true, or are you joking?”

-

-“True? Of course it’s true! Come on--rescue--big damage--dam’s

-busted--save lives!”

-

-“Fellows, I guess we’d better go!” cried Jerry, and, followed by his

-chums, and the professor, he rushed from the room, Andy coming after,

-and giving vent to excited whoops at every other breath.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER II

-

-THE SAVING OF NODDY

-

-

-“How did it happen, Andy?” asked Jerry, as he ran along.

-

-“Yes, tell us more about it,” urged Bob.

-

-“Is it the big reservoir dam that’s broken?” asked Ned. “If it

-is, there’ll be a lot of damage, and yet I don’t hear any great

-excitement,” and he paused a moment to listen if he could catch the

-roar of rushing waters. But there came no unusual sound from the

-direction of the river which bordered the town of Cresville, where the

-boys lived.

-

-“I don’t know--didn’t see it!” panted Andy. “Old Pete Bumps told

-me--said it was the dam--terrible--everything washed away--come

-on--wow!”

-

-“Oh, if it was old Pete Bumps, our hired man, who told you, it can’t

-be so bad,” returned Bob Baker. “Pete always makes a big fuss over

-everything. Let’s take it easy, fellows.”

-

-“You can’t tell,” interposed Jerry. “Something must have happened. I

-see a lot of fellows running toward the river,” and he nodded toward

-a side street, through which could be had a glimpse of a thoroughfare

-parallel to the one on which our friends were, both extending to the

-stream. “Come on,” finished the tall lad. “We’ll see what it is,” and

-he increased his pace, his companions doing likewise.

-

-While I have just a few moments before the boys reach the river, and in

-which time they are doing nothing but running, and wondering what has

-happened, I will take the opportunity to tell you something about the

-chums, and the various books, previous to this one, in which they have

-figured.

-

-The first volume of the series entitled, “The Motor Boys,” told how

-the chums got together, and entered a bicycle race. Later on they got

-motor-cycles, and then an automobile in which they had many adventures.

-They took a long trip overland, got possession of a gold mine, and

-later went to Mexico, where they were in great danger. But they managed

-to escape, and, on a long trip across the plains they rescued the

-hermit of Lost Lake.

-

-After these adventures, our heroes decided that motor boating would

-suit them, and they succeeded in getting a fine craft. In the volume

-named, “The Motor Boys Afloat,” is told how the lads cruised in the

-_Dartaway_, and succeeded in finding the robbers who had broken into

-Mr. Slade’s department store.

-

-The lads liked motor boating so well that they took a cruise on the

-Atlantic, during which they solved the mystery of the lighthouse, and,

-later on, they went to the strange waters of the Florida Everglades.

-

-Naturally, after their adventures on the Atlantic, they turned their

-attention to the other ocean, the Pacific, and there they succeeded in

-locating a lost derelict.

-

-By this time the science of navigating the air was becoming better

-known, and aeroplanes and dirigible balloons were being perfected.

-It could not be expected that such lads as the motor boys could be

-kept from this field of activity, and with the assistance of an old

-balloonist of experience, Rupert Glassford, Bob, Ned and Jerry built a

-motorship. In the book called “The Motor Boys in the Clouds,” I told

-how they made a great trip for fame and fortune, and, some time later

-they went over the Rocky Mountains, and solved the mystery of the air.

-

-Thrilling indeed were the adventures that happened next, for when

-they made their voyage over the ocean they succeeded in rescuing

-from mid-air a certain Mr. Jackson, who was trying out a new kind of

-balloon. He and his crew were rendered unconscious by escaping gas,

-but they were brought around all right after hard work.

-

-In the next book, “The Motor Boys on the Wing,” I told how the three

-chums sought and found the bank robbers, and recovered the stolen

-money. They had been home from this trip some little time, when the

-incident narrated in the first chapter of the present volume took place.

-

-I might add that the three chums lived in the town of Cresville, not

-far from Boston. Their names you are already familiar with. Bob Baker,

-the fat lad, was the son of Mr. Andrew Baker, a well-known banker. Ned

-Slade’s father was Aaron Slade, a wealthy department store owner, while

-Jerry Hopkins was the son of a rich widow, Mrs. Julia Hopkins. The

-three lads were about the same age, full of fun, grit and the love of

-adventure.

-

-Many times, though, their fun was spoiled by a mean, bullying lad of

-the town, Noddy Nixon by name, and his crony, Bill Berry. But the motor

-boys generally managed to get the best of Noddy in the end. In this

-they were sometimes aided by Andy Rush, the excitable little chap, who

-had given the alarm about the bursting dam. Andy was always excited,

-and sometimes by the slightest cause.

-

-Professor Uriah Snodgrass was a well-known scientist. He often went

-with the boys on their trips, and he was continually on the lookout for

-rare bugs, or other specimens. He was employed by a well-known college,

-to get various articles for its museum, and often the professor would

-do odd things for the sake of getting a choice insect or reptile.

-He was a great friend of the boys, and often visited them at their

-houses. He had spent some time with Mr. Slade, who was one of the

-trustees of the college to which the professor was attached, and Mr.

-Snodgrass was about to return to his duties when, in a talk with Ned,

-the conversation turned to radium, as I have mentioned. But now all

-thoughts of that, and of Snake Island, were forgotten in the alarm

-raised by Andy.

-

-“What do you think can have happened, anyhow?” asked Ned, as he raced

-along beside Jerry.

-

-“I give it up; but it’s something, anyhow,” was the tall lad’s answer,

-“and that, in spite of the fact that you’ve usually got to discount

-what Andy says. Look at the crowd!”

-

-As Jerry spoke he and the others reached the end of the street, and

-came in sight of the river. They could see that something out of the

-ordinary was taking place, but the stream did not seem to be unusually

-high, though it had risen somewhat on account of heavy spring rains.

-

-“The big dam hasn’t burst, or we’d hear the roar of waters,” declared

-Ned.

-

-“Yes, and we’d see ’em, too,” added Bob.

-

-“Well, something busted, because Pete Bumps told me!” insisted Andy.

-“Maybe the bottom dropped out of the river--water may be all running

-away--ground sunk in--we’ll all fall through--whoop!”

-

-“Andy!” cried Jerry. “Stop, or you’ll burst! Cool down; can’t you?”

-

-“I can’t seem to,” answered the small lad. “Hey!” he cried, “there goes

-one house, anyhow,” and he pointed to a structure floating down the

-stream.

-

-“That’s so!” agreed Bob. “It’s a boathouse, too. I wonder what’s up?”

-

-They saw a moment later. Just above where the street on which they were

-running came out on the river front, was a small stream that joined the

-main one. This little stream had been dammed up, to provide a flow of

-water for an old-fashioned iron mill that used a turbine wheel. Part of

-this mill-dam had given way because of the heavy rains, and the waters

-that were held back had suddenly been released, to flow into the river

-proper.

-

-There was quite a crowd collected on the both banks of the river, and

-employees from the mill were endeavoring to repair the break in the

-dam, by putting timbers in it, and filling in the gap with stones, sod

-and earth.

-

-“Say, this isn’t such an awful flood!” cried Jerry as he took in the

-scene. “I thought you said the whole town was being washed away, Andy?”

-

-“And you said houses were being carried down,” added Ned.

-

-“Well, there’s one house washed away, anyhow,” declared the small,

-excitable chap, as if to justify himself.

-

-“That’s so!” cried Bob, “and it’s Noddy Nixon’s boathouse. It’s been

-washed away, and it’s going right down the river.”

-

-“It didn’t take much to wash it away,” said Jerry. “It was built too

-far out in the water, anyhow, and the piles it stood on weren’t much

-bigger than clothes poles. I always thought it would wash away if the

-water got high, and now it has.”

-

-Noddy Nixon had recently built a new boathouse on a piece of land near

-the river. It was just below the mill dam, and, naturally, when the

-rush of waters came, the structure was carried away, for it was not

-securely built. It was now floating down the stream, careening from

-side to side in the rushing waters.

-

-“Somebody ought to save that boathouse!” cried Andy.

-

-“Let Noddy do it then,” answered Jerry. “It isn’t worth an awful lot,

-and it will be worth less when this flood gets through with it.”

-

-“Look!” suddenly exclaimed Ned. “Some one is in the boathouse!”

-

-He pointed toward it, and, at the same time a cry arose from the crowds

-on either bank.

-

-“Some one’s in the house!” was the shout. “He’ll be drowned!”

-

-“It’s a man!” yelled Andy.

-

-“It’s Noddy himself!” cried Bob.

-

-The figure on the narrow platform in front of the floating boathouse

-could now be plainly seen. It was that of Noddy, as Bob had said, and

-the bully who had been endeavoring, by means of a long pole, to push

-his house toward shore, now threw up his hands, and cried for help.

-

-“It’s time he did that before,” commented Ned. “The current’s got him

-now, and he’ll never get that house to land.”

-

-“Where was he all this while?” asked Bob. “I didn’t notice him at

-first.”

-

-“Guess he must have been on the other side, out of sight,” spoke Jerry.

-

-Noddy was now frantically rushing up and down, calling at the top of

-his voice:

-

-“Help! Help!”

-

-“Say!” suddenly cried Ned. “The rapids! He’ll be down in them soon, and

-they’re dangerous with the water as high as it is now! That house will

-be knocked to pieces!”

-

-“That’s so!” agreed Jerry. “Noddy ought to swim ashore while he has the

-chance. Otherwise he may be hurt! I forgot about the rapids.”

-

-The “rapids” were really not very dangerous at low water, but when

-the river rose, and dashed over the jagged rocks, about a mile below

-town, they formed eddies and whirlpools that were exceedingly risky to

-navigate. In fact no boats dare risk them with the stream at flood.

-

-It was toward these rapids that Noddy’s boathouse, torn away by the

-waters, was rapidly drifting. The crowd soon realized this and began

-shouting advice.

-

-“Swim ashore!”

-

-“Get a boat and save him!”

-

-“Jump off!”

-

-“Throw him a rope!”

-

-These were some of the expressions called to Noddy, but he paid no heed

-to them, continuing to race up and down on the platform, waving his

-hands, and yelling for help.

-

-“Say, something ought to be done to help him,” remarked Ned in a low

-voice.

-

-“Yes,” agreed Jerry. “It’s Noddy Nixon, and he’s been pretty mean to

-us, but I suppose----”

-

-“Our motor boat!” interrupted Bob, pointing to a fine boathouse a

-little distance up the stream. It was where the boys kept their craft,

-and was above the point where the swollen mill stream joined the river,

-and so, consequently, was in no danger.

-

-“I guess it’s up to us to save him,” said Jerry slowly. “Nobody else

-seems to have sense enough to do it. There aren’t any other motor boats

-near by.”

-

-“Where’s Noddy’s, I wonder?” asked Mr. Snodgrass, for he knew that the

-bully owned a power craft.

-

-“He had a collision with the dock the other day, and sprung a leak,”

-explained Andy Rush, who had cooled down somewhat. “His boat is laid up

-for repairs.”

-

-“Like our auto,” put in Ned, for the machine of our heroes was across

-the river, in a distant town, being overhauled.

-

-“Well, if we’re going to save Noddy Nixon, we’d better be getting a

-move on!” cried Jerry. “Come on, fellows!”

-

-He raced toward their boathouse, followed by his two chums, the

-professor and Andy Rush. It was the work of but a few minutes to

-unchain the motor boat, run it out into the stream, start the engine

-and steer down after the floating boathouse with the frantic figure

-racing about on the platform.

-

-“Hurrah!” yelled the crowd, when they saw our heroes start out. “The

-motor boys to the rescue! Noddy’ll be saved now, all right!”

-

-“Help! Help!” yelled the bully, as his boathouse careened dangerously,

-almost throwing him into the water.

-

-“The flood’s getting higher,” said Ned in a low voice, as he looked

-over the side of the boat. They were opposite the dam now, and in the

-grip of the rushing waters.

-

-“Yes, there goes another slice of the dam!” cried Bob, as they saw a

-large portion of it slip into the water. The men on top, who had been

-endeavoring to stop the gap, had to race for shore.

-

-“Say, we’re going to have our work cut out for us saving Noddy!” cried

-Jerry as he held the wheel in a firmer grasp.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER III

-

-NODDY BEGINS PLOTTING

-

-

-“Ned, give me a little richer mixture!” cried Jerry, as the motor boat

-shot down the current, pitching and rolling in the waves caused by the

-influx of the mill stream. “I need all the power I can get. Cut down

-the air a bit, and turn on a little more gasolene!”

-

-Ned bent over the carburetor, and adjusted it, while Jerry watched his

-own steering to see that he did not run the boat into the many floating

-logs and boards that had been carried into the river by the flood.

-

-“Need any help?” sung out Bob.

-

-“Not up here, but I wish you’d sit on the other side, Chunky,” replied

-the steersman, giving Bob the nickname that had been applied to him

-because of his stoutness. “That will trim the boat better, and she’ll

-ride easier. Professor, would you mind moving up nearer the stern. I

-want to get the bow as high as I can.”

-

-“Just a moment!” exclaimed the scientist. “I thought I saw a new kind

-of water spider. Yes, there it is! Hold the boat back a moment, Jerry.”

-

-“Can’t do it!” cried the tall lad. “This current is fierce!”

-

-The professor suddenly made a lunge over the side with outstretched

-hands, and the boat careened dangerously.

-

-“Look out!” cried Jerry.

-

-“I’ve got him!” answered the professor. “Oh, it’s a fine specimen!

-I never had one so good. Where’s my spider-box?” and with one hand

-tightly clasped, holding the water insect, the scientist, with the

-other, began searching in his pockets for the box to contain his prize.

-

-“I’ll get it for you,” volunteered Bob.

-

-“It’s in my left hand coat pocket,” said the professor.

-

-The insect was soon in captivity and then, as the boat shot ahead under

-increased power, due to the change in the gasolene mixture, all on

-board gazed at the floating boathouse, and the unfortunate owner of it,

-who was still rushing about, unable to do anything to help himself.

-

-“Look!” cried Andy. “It’s going to flop over!”

-

-It did seem as if the structure would turn turtle, but a swirl in the

-current righted it, and once more it floated on a level keel, so to

-speak.

-

-“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his hands at the boys in the motor

-boat.

-

-“We’re coming!” shouted Ned. “Keep cool!”

-

-“Wow! Steady! We’ll save you--don’t jump--it’s all right--not as bad as

-it might be--hold fast!” excitedly cried Andy Rush.

-

-“Keep still!” ordered Jerry. “You’ll have him jumping overboard next,

-Andy.”

-

-“All right,” agreed the little lad, sitting down on the cushions, and

-holding to the rail to keep his nerves in control.

-

-The motor boat was now well down the flooded river, and aided by the

-current and her engine, was rapidly approaching the floating boathouse.

-The latter structure was whirling about, careening from side to side,

-now on one edge of the stream, and now on the other.

-

-“It’ll soon be in the rapids,” spoke Ned in a low voice.

-

-“We’ll get there before that,” said Jerry confidently.

-

-“How you going to get him off?” asked Bob. “Run along side and have him

-jump, or make fast?”

-

-“I’m certainly not going to make fast to that house,” replied Jerry.

-“It would pull us over the rocks, I’m afraid. I guess Noddy will have

-to jump, and swim for it. Then we can pick him up. Ned, stand ready

-with that life preserver, and see that it’s fast to the rope.”

-

-“Aye, aye, sir!” answered Ned, seaman fashion.

-

-He made ready the cork ring, with its accompanying line, and took his

-place in the bow, ready to cast it when Jerry should give the word for

-Noddy to jump. The lad on the boathouse platform was standing, and

-looking at the approaching motor craft, waving his hands frantically,

-and occasionally calling for help.

-

-“Why doesn’t he keep still?” spoke Jerry. “We’re coming as fast as we

-can.”

-

-“Better not go much nearer,” advised Ned. “I can hear the roar of the

-rapids. They’re just around that turn.”

-

-“I’m going to tell him to jump now,” said Jerry. “He’s a pretty good

-swimmer, and he can keep afloat until we can pick him up. Get ready

-with that ring, Ned.”

-

-“All ready!”

-

-Jerry stood up, and, bracing one knee against the wheel, to aid his

-hands in holding it steady, he shouted:

-

-“Jump, Noddy! Jump! We’ll pick you up! Jump!”

-

-“I--I’m afraid to,” whimpered the bully.

-

-“You’ve got to!” yelled the tall steersman determinedly.

-

-“I--I----” Noddy looked as though he were going to slump down on his

-knees, but a sudden swirl of the current saved him the necessity of

-jumping, for he was thrown off the slanting platform into the water.

-

-“There he goes!” cried Bob.

-

-“The ring! The ring! Throw him the ring!” shouted Jerry.

-

-As Noddy went under the swirling waters, Ned leaped out on the bow deck

-of the boat, with the ring in his hand, watching for the reappearance

-of the bully.

-

-“There he is!” cried Andy Rush.

-

-With sure aim Ned sent the life preserver toward Noddy. It fell true,

-almost over his head, and, a moment later, he had grasped it with a

-desperation born of despair.

-

-[Illustration: WITH SURE AIM, NED SENT THE LIFE PRESERVER TOWARD NODDY.]

-

-“Pull him in!” ordered Jerry, and Ned and Bob began hauling on the

-line. A few seconds later, half unconscious, pale, and with closed

-eyes, Noddy was pulled on board.

-

-“He’s dead!” cried Andy.

-

-“Nonsense!” exclaimed Jerry, as he began to turn the boat toward shore.

-“He wasn’t in the water more than three minutes. He’s fainted, I guess.”

-

-“Better get him to shore as soon as possible,” suggested Professor

-Snodgrass. “He may have been injured.”

-

-“I’m heading for that dock over there,” remarked Jerry, pointing to

-one on the Cresville side of the river. “We can lay him out there, and

-give first aid to the injured, and, if he’s swallowed any water, we can

-drain it out of him. Keep his head low and his feet high, fellows,” he

-said to Bob and Ned, who were holding Noddy. The rescued lad had not

-opened his eyes.

-

-It was a hard fight against the powerful current of the flooded river

-to gain the dock, but Jerry made it, for the engine of our heroes’

-craft was a fine one.

-

-“Get him out now!” cried the tall lad, as he made the boat fast on the

-lower side of the dock, where the swirl of the river would not affect

-it. “Use artificial respiration.”

-

-The motor boys knew how to do this, and in a little while they saw

-that Noddy was breathing more strongly. It developed later that he had

-been hit on the head by a piece of driftwood, rendering him partly

-unconscious, so that he swallowed more water than he would ordinarily

-have done.

-

-“I guess he’s coming around all right now,” said Ned, as he noticed a

-fluttering of Noddy’s eyelids.

-

-“Here comes Dr. Preston!” added Bob, as he saw a young man, accompanied

-by a small throng of persons, racing toward the dock. “He’ll know what

-to do.”

-

-Dr. Preston, who had been summoned by some one of the crowd who had

-witnessed the rescue, was soon working over Noddy.

-

-“He’s out of danger now, though he’s not fully conscious yet,” said the

-doctor, after a few minutes. “It’s a wonder he had strength enough to

-hold on to the ring as you pulled him in.”

-

-“Well, when Noddy gets hold of a thing, he hates to let go,” remarked

-Ned. “Say, fellows,” he added to his two chums, “a lot has happened

-since we started to talk about that radium deposit on Snake Island, in

-the Colorado canyon; hasn’t there?” he asked. “It seems like a week,

-but it hasn’t been half an hour.”

-

-“That’s right,” agreed Bob. “I want to hear more about that radium.

-Let’s go back home, and the Professor can tell us. Noddy’s all right

-now. If we could go to Snake Island and get some radium----”

-

-“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed Jerry, nudging his chum.

-

-“What’s the matter?” demanded the stout youth.

-

-“No use talking about that, where every one can hear you,” went on

-Jerry in a low voice. “Besides, Noddy is coming to, now. His eyes are

-open.”

-

-The rescued lad was much better now, and was sitting up, held by the

-doctor, who was administering a stimulant.

-

-“That’s so, I guess I had better keep quiet,” admitted Bob in a low

-voice.

-

-Quite a crowd had collected on the dock, and one man, who had a

-carriage, offered to take Noddy home. This was decided on, and soon,

-in the care of the physician, the bully was taken away. He had not

-recovered sufficiently to thank his rescuers, but the motor boys felt

-that the less they had to do with Noddy the better for them. They had

-done their duty, and were content to let it go at that.

-

-“Think we can go up against the current?” asked Ned of Jerry.

-

-“I’m not going to try it. The river will soon go down, for the water

-in the mill pond will all be out by night. We’ll just leave our boat

-tied up here. No use taking any chances on hitting a floating log, and

-stoving a hole in the _Dartaway_. We’ll come down and get her to-night.”

-

-The motor boys made their way out of the crowd, from the members of

-which came murmurs of praise at the plucky act of our heroes. Noddy’s

-boathouse disappeared around the bend of the stream, and, a little

-later, was pounded to pieces in the rapids.

-

-The three chums, with the professor and Andy Rush, made their way back

-to Ned’s house, talking on the way of what had happened.

-

-“Well, it’s all over,” remarked Ned, as they came opposite the broken

-dam. “See, the pond is almost emptied. They can mend the break now.

-That was an exciting time while it lasted.”

-

-“That’s right,” agreed the others.

-

-“Let’s get that lunch we were starting on when Andy interrupted us,”

-suggested Bob.

-

-“Chunky, you’re hopeless!” cried Jerry. “You’d eat if the world was

-coming to an end, I believe.”

-

-“I would if I had time,” admitted the fat lad. “But there’s no use

-letting the lunch spoil; is there, Ned?” and he appealed to his other

-chum.

-

-“No, I guess not,” agreed the merchant’s son. “Come on, Andy, have a

-bite with us, but don’t you get excited or you may choke on a piece of

-custard pie.”

-

-“And while we’re eating maybe Professor Snodgrass will tell us more

-about the radium on Snake Island,” suggested Bob.

-

-“I think I’ve told you all that I know,” replied the scientist, “but

-you may ask me any questions you like,” and, shortly afterward, while

-still at the table, the little man was fairly bombarded with inquiries

-about radium, its general properties, and in particular about the kind

-that was to be found on Snake Island.

-

-Meanwhile, Noddy was taken home, and nursed. He was weak and ill,

-but this did not prevent him, as he lay in bed, from doing some hard

-thinking.

-

-“Radium; that was what those motor boys were talking of,” he murmured

-to himself, as he felt of the bandage on his head. “Radium on some

-place in a canyon. Canyon--canyon--Grand Canyon. I wonder where

-that is? Radium; I know that stuff. It’s worth millions--but that

-canyon--Oh, I know--the Grand Canyon of the Colorado! That’s it. Snake

-Island! That must be a place in the river. I wonder if I could find it?”

-

-Noddy dozed off for a moment. Suddenly he sat up in bed.

-

-“I’m going to do it!” he exclaimed. “There’s no reason why they should

-have it! I’ll get ahead of them! I’ve got as good a right to it as they

-have!”

-

-He was in deep thought for a minute.

-

-“That college professor knows about it,” he resumed. “And if he knows,

-other scientists know too. Radium is used in colleges for experiments.

-I’ll do it! I’ll get Bill Berry, and we’ll find some other college

-professor, and start after that radium ourselves. I’ll get ahead of

-the motor boys for once in my life! Radium! It may be worth millions!”

-and Noddy’s eyes gleamed as he unfolded to himself the plot he was

-hatching against our heroes.

-

-“I’ll start as soon as I can,” he went on. “It isn’t very far to that

-Colorado canyon. That’s what I’ll do. Me and Bill will get that radium.

-I guess I can find Snake Island as well as Jerry, Ned or Bob. They

-didn’t think I heard them, but I did. I just kept my eyes shut. Oh,

-I’ll fool ’em!”

-

-And, mean bully that he was, forgetting that the motor boys had saved

-his life, Noddy Nixon began making plans for going to Snake Island

-after the deposit of radium, which was worth such a fortune.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER IV

-

-PLANNING A FORTUNE HUNT

-

-

-“Well, I feel better now,” remarked Bob with a sigh of satisfaction, as

-he pushed back his chair from the table.

-

-“You look better, too,” spoke Jerry, with a laugh. “You haven’t that

-worn and hungry appearance you had a while ago, and I guess the rest of

-us can have a little peace now.”

-

-“Peace? What do you mean?” demanded the stout youth indignantly.

-

-“I mean that you won’t continually be talking about something to eat.”

-

-“I guess you were hungry, too,” went on Bob. “I notice that your plate

-is empty.”

-

-“Here, you two quit scrapping,” advised Ned good-naturedly. “I guess we

-were all hungry. It was the excitement over rescuing Noddy that caused

-it.”

-

-“That’s right!” chimed in Andy Rush. “Whoop! That was exciting

-all right. Let’s go back and see if they’ve got the busted dam

-mended--maybe there’s a lot of men drowned--maybe we can see where

-Noddy’s boathouse went to pieces in the rapids--wow--some excitement

-all right--I’m going--come on, fellows!”

-

-“No, we’ve got business on hand,” answered Ned, a bit soberly. “But

-don’t let us keep you, Andy.”

-

-“All right, I’m going--I like excitement--maybe they’ll let me help

-mend the dam,” and taking Ned’s words as a sort of gentle hint, the

-excitable little lad arose from the table and was soon hurrying down

-the street.

-

-“I guess they’ll keep him away from the dam if they know what’s good

-for it,” remarked Jerry, as he watched Andy hurrying away. “He might

-talk so much that he’d put another hole in it. But what business did

-you mean, Ned?” and he looked across at his chum.

-

-“The radium business, of course,” returned Ned promptly. “You fellows

-don’t mean to say you’re going to let a chance like this slip!”

-

-“What!” cried Bob, “do you intend to go after it, Ned?”

-

-“Well, I’m willing, if you and Jerry are, and if the professor would

-like to go along----”

-

-“Go where?” asked Uriah Snodgrass, looking up from a scientific book he

-had started to read as soon as the meal was over. “Where do you want me

-to go?”

-

-“After the radium on Snake Island,” put in Jerry. “Ned thinks we can

-get it, but I don’t know that it’s possible, after what you have told

-us about how hard it is to get down into the Grand Canyon.”

-

-“It _is_ hard,” said the professor seriously. “I haven’t in the least

-made up my mind to go on the expedition, but whoever does go, ought

-not to risk going in a boat, as the other scientists did. It is almost

-certain death. I really don’t know how one could make the descent into

-the canyon. The island, as I understand it, is in the middle of the

-river, near a place where there are dangerous rapids and whirlpools.

-The cliffs on either bank of the stream are impossible to scale.

-

-“Of course at certain points it is possible to make a descent into that

-great canyon. I remember reading an article on it and it stated that

-there were several trails that could be used, Bright Angel Trail is

-one, and then there are Bass’s, Boucher’s, Berry’s and the Red Canyon

-Trail. Berry’s is near Grand View, as it’s called, and Snake Island

-lies somewhere between that point and Bright Angel Trail. Oh, a boat is

-out of the question, I think.”

-

-“Then what’s the matter with our airship?” asked Ned quickly.

-

-“That’s it!” cried Bob eagerly. “Why didn’t we think of that before?

-We’ll go in the airship, fellows, and get that radium! It will be

-just the thing! Here it is almost vacation time, school will close in

-a couple of weeks, and that will be our summer outing--to go after the

-radium fortune in our airship.”

-

-“You forget that the airship is in Denver,” put in Jerry. “You know we

-loaned it to Mr. Glassford to give an exhibition at the international

-aero meet, and in his last letter he said he has won several prizes

-with it.”

-

-“But the meet is over; isn’t it?” asked Ned, who seemed unusually

-excited over the prospective trip.

-

-“Yes, and I suppose Mr. Glassford will soon be sending our motorship

-back,” admitted Jerry. “But----”

-

-“Oh, don’t go to finding a lot of objections,” broke in Bob. “What’s

-the matter with leaving the airship out in Denver?”

-

-“And walk out there to use it?” inquired the tall lad sarcastically.

-

-“No, motor out there. Our auto will soon be out of the repair shop, and

-we could have a fine time going West in it. Say, things couldn’t happen

-better; could they, Professor?” and Bob began pacing up and down the

-room.

-

-“What has happened?” asked the scientist suddenly, for he had again

-become absorbed in his book, and had paid no attention to the talk of

-the boys. “Is anything the matter?”

-

-“We’re still talking radium,” explained Ned. “Trying to get Jerry

-enthused enough to go to Snake Island.”

-

-“Oh, I’ll go if the rest of you do,” agreed the widow’s son. “Only it

-doesn’t sound feasible. Our airship isn’t at hand, the motor is laid up

-for repairs, and----”

-

-“But we have the motor boat,” broke in Ned. “We can use that.”

-

-“On dry land!” laughed Jerry. “Say, you fellows have great

-ideas--great!”

-

-“Give us some of yours then,” suggested Bob.

-

-“Well, my notion is----”

-

-“I’ve got it! I’ve got it!” fairly yelled Professor Snodgrass, leaping

-from his chair, and holding the book above his head. “I’ve got it!”

-

-“What is it this time?” asked Jerry. “A pink-eyed toad or a blue-nosed

-grasshopper?” for the scientist was continually on the lookout for

-strange and rare insects or reptiles.

-

-“Neither one,” answered Mr. Snodgrass, “but I have just found, in this

-book, an article telling about a strange double-tailed toad, very rare,

-which is said to be a native of New Mexico. It is a species of the

-horned toad, but very different. For years I have been investigating,

-trying to get on the trail of this sort of toad, and now, most

-unexpectedly, I come upon a clew. Boys, this has indeed been a

-fortunate day for me. I shall start right away for New Mexico. I must

-telegraph the college president at once that I can get a most valuable

-specimen to add to our collection. Oh, this is indeed fortunate!”

-

-The professor was rapidly making notes from the article in the book.

-The boys looked at one another. Then Ned spoke.

-

-“Fellows,” he said, “this just fits in. New Mexico is on the way to the

-Grand Canyon--or at least it won’t be much out of our way to go there.

-We can have a try for the radium fortune and at the same time the

-professor can look for his tailless toad. How about it?”

-

-“Two-tailed toad! Two-tailed!” cried the little scientist. “Don’t

-make that mistake, Ned. But I think that will be a good plan. I was

-undecided about it before, but, since you are going, I will go with

-you, and I’ll do all I can to help you get to Snake Island.”

-

-“And we’ll help hunt the two-tailed toad,” added Bob. “Now, how about

-you, Jerry?”

-

-“Oh, I’m game. I’ll go along, but we’ve got to straighten out about our

-auto and motorship. First we’ll write to Mr. Glassford, asking him to

-hold the _Comet_ in Denver for us. Then we must hurry the repairs on

-the auto.”

-

-Mr. Glassford, as my old readers probably remember, was the man who

-first helped our heroes to construct their motorship. He had recently

-borrowed their latest and largest craft for exhibition purposes.

-

-“Well, get busy,” advised Ned. “Here is some paper. Take my fountain

-pen and write some letters. It’s decided then; we’ll have a try for the

-radium, and we’ve got to get a move on to get ready.”

-

-“Here comes the postman,” spoke Bob. “I’ll get the mail, Ned.”

-

-The stout lad came back with several letters. One was for Ned Slade. He

-quickly tore it open, and, as he read it he gave a startled cry.

-

-“What’s the matter--bad news?” asked Jerry.

-

-“Sort of that way,” replied his chum. “This letter is from the man who

-was repairing our auto. He says he discovered a flaw in the back axle,

-and, in order to have a new one properly fitted in he sent the car to

-Pittsburg, where there is a firm that makes a specialty of such things.

-Our auto is in Pittsburg!”

-

-“Then it’s all up with using it on the trip west!” exclaimed Jerry.

-“We’ll have to go by train I guess.”

-

-“No we won’t!” cried Bob eagerly. “Fellows, I’ve got a plan.”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER V

-

-NODDY’S PLOT DEVELOPS

-

-

-There was a moment of silence following Bob’s announcement. Then Jerry

-remarked:

-

-“Well, go ahead, Chunky, and let’s see what you’ve got up your sleeve.

-Are you going to suggest a wireless airship ride, or a motorless auto?”

-

-“Neither one,” said Bob. “But I was going to say I didn’t see why we

-couldn’t go in our motor boat as far as Pittsburg, pick up the auto

-there, when it’s finished, go on in that to Denver, get the airship and

-then keep on to Snake Island. I think----”

-

-“Say, that’s all to the ice cream!” burst out Ned. “Bob, you have got a

-head on your shoulders after all. That’s a fine idea, I think.”

-

-“So do I,” agreed Jerry. “But can we go all the way to Pittsburg by

-water?”

-

-“Sure,” declared Bob. “Where’s a map? Ned, hunt up a geography.” One

-was soon found and then the boys, bending over it, saw that by using

-the river that flowed past their town for a number of miles, getting

-into a little lake, and thence into another river, they could, by means

-of a small canal get into a small river flowing into the Alleghany.

-

-“We’d have to have the boat carted about five miles, but all the rest

-of the way we can go by water,” explained Bob. “As soon as we hit the

-Alleghany we’ll be all right. What do you say, Professor?”

-

-“Anything you boys decide on will suit me,” answered the scientist, who

-was still busy making notes. “I want to get that two-tailed toad, and

-I’ll do anything in reason to secure a specimen. It strikes me that

-Bob’s plan is a good one.”

-

-“It won’t be monotonous, at any rate,” commented Ned. “A motor boat, an

-auto and an aeroplane and dirigible balloon combined, ought to furnish

-a variety of travel that would suit almost any one. I think it’s just

-the cheese, myself.”

-

-“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “I’ll write to Mr. Glassford, and

-the auto firm right away, and we can mail the letters on our way home,

-Bob. I’ve got to be going soon. I told mother I’d go calling with her

-this afternoon, but I’ve been here nearly all day.”

-

-The letters were soon written, and then Jerry and Bob taking leave

-of Ned, started for their homes. Professor Snodgrass also sent word

-of the prospective trip to the college authorities by whom he was

-engaged. The scientist arranged to stay at Ned’s house until the time

-of starting.

-

-“Let’s go have a look at the broken dam,” proposed Bob when Jerry had

-dropped the letters in the box. Accordingly they went a short distance

-out of their way, down to the river. The excitement of the morning had

-passed, and there was only a small crowd watching the mill men at work.

-The waters had now subsided, but it would be some time before the dam

-would be in shape to again hold back the stream, and provide power for

-the turbine.

-

-“It was a hot time while it lasted,” remarked Jerry.

-

-“It sure was,” agreed his chum. “I wonder how Noddy is getting on?”

-

-“Oh, all right, I guess. He’s so tough it takes a good deal to hurt

-him. I suppose we’ll hear from his folks.”

-

-The motor boys did, a few days later, Mr. Nixon sending Bob, Ned and

-Jerry a formal note of thanks for what they had done for his son. Noddy

-was getting on all right, his father said, and would soon be out of

-bed. From Noddy himself no word came.

-

-“I don’t wish him any bad luck,” spoke Ned, “but I hope he stays in bed

-a couple of weeks.”

-

-“Why?” asked Jerry.

-

-“So he won’t have a chance to interfere with us. I’d like to get

-started on our radium trip before he’s up and nosing around.”

-

-“Why, he doesn’t even know we’re thinking of it,” put in Bob. “How can

-he interfere?”

-

-“Well, somehow or other, he has always, more or less, made trouble for

-us whenever we go off on trips,” went on Ned. “I don’t know how it is,

-but it generally happens. Maybe this will be an exception.”

-

-“How soon before we can start?” asked Bob.

-

-“Not for a couple of weeks,” replied Jerry. “School closes a week from

-to-day, and then it will take us a week to get ready after that. We

-haven’t much time now, on account of examinations. I’ve got to do some

-hard studying to pass.”

-

-“So have I,” admitted Bob. “Well, then, we’ll say in a couple of weeks.

-Maybe Noddy won’t be around by then, and we’ll be all right. Did you

-hear from Mr. Glassford, Jerry?”

-

-“Yes, and he says he’ll have the _Comet_ all ready for us. He won’t

-be there himself, as he has to come east, but he’s paid a man to take

-charge of the motorship for us. The auto will be ready in two weeks,

-also, for I had a letter from the factory where they’re repairing it. I

-wrote to ’em to make a few changes in it, to bring it up to date. Our

-motor boat, the _Dartaway_, needs a little overhauling, and then that

-will be in shape.”

-

-Following the smashing of the original _Dartaway_ in the freight wreck,

-the boys had bought a much larger and finer craft, with a cabin, and

-had named it after their first boat.

-

-Their auto I have described in previous books. It was a large touring

-car, with plenty of room for the passengers and also compartments where

-food and supplies could be carried, and also a small tent with folding

-cots, so that in case they desired they could camp out wherever night

-overtook them. Recently a closed body had been put on the car, so that

-it was very comfortable to travel in, even during a storm.

-

-The motorship _Comet_ I have also described in other books, so I will

-only mention it briefly here. It was a combination of an aeroplane and

-dirigible balloon, and could be used as either or both.

-

-The gas used in the bag was manufactured on board, as needed, and there

-was a comfortable cabin, sleeping berths and an engine room, fairly

-filled with motors, dynamos, air pumps, a gas generator and many other

-mechanical contrivances. The motorship could be kept aloft a number of

-days, and plenty of food and supplies could be carried, in addition to

-several passengers. It was an ideal craft of the air.

-

-In the days that followed the motor boys were kept busy. When they were

-not “boning” away over their lessons they were getting the _Dartaway_

-in readiness for the trip. Professor Snodgrass remained as the guest of

-Mr. Slade, and the scientist spent most of his time wandering about the

-woods and fields looking for rare bugs.

-

-“I’m just as anxious to start as you boys are,” he said to them one

-day, when he had paid a visit to the dock where the boat was tied up,

-and where Bob, Ned and Jerry were cleaning the engine, and overhauling

-the mechanism.

-

-“Well, it won’t be long now,” remarked Jerry. “To-morrow ends school,

-and then--for the best vacation we ever had!”

-

-“And the radium fortune!” added Bob.

-

-“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed the tall lad.

-

-“What’s the matter? Did you see Noddy Nixon?”

-

-“No, but there’s his crony, Bill Berry, in that boat,” and Jerry nodded

-toward a rowing craft which a shabbily dressed man was propelling up

-stream. “He’s pretending to be fishing,” went on Jerry in a low voice,

-“but I believe he’s just spying around here to see what we’re up to.”

-

-“That’s so,” admitted Bob. “I must keep quiet. But I’m glad it wasn’t

-Noddy. I guess he isn’t out of bed yet,” and the boys kept on with

-their work, the professor strolling off to see if he could get any

-specimens, while Bill Berry rowed around a bend of the river, and so

-out of sight.

-

-But Bob was mistaken about Noddy not being out of bed. That bully had

-gotten up for the first time that day, and, even while our heroes were

-talking of him, he was sitting in the parlor of his father’s house,

-trying to evolve in his mind a plan for learning more about the radium,

-said to be located on Snake Island.

-

-“I’ll need some one to help me,” mused Noddy. “I can take Bill Berry,

-of course, but I need some scientific fellow who will know radium when

-he sees it, for I don’t, and Bill certainly couldn’t tell it from a

-lump of coal. I wonder what I can do?”

-

-At that moment the door bell rang, and, as the servant happened to be

-out, Noddy answered it. He saw, standing on the steps, a tall, lank

-man, whom the word “sleek” seemed to describe better than any other.

-The caller wore a long black coat, a flowing black tie, and had a tall

-hat, while he carried a small valise in his hand.

-

-“Ah, good afternoon,” began the stranger, smiling at Noddy. “I believe

-I am speaking to the owner of the house?”

-

-“No, my father owns it,” replied Noddy, not a little proud of being

-taken for the head of the home. “But I can do any business, I guess. I

-often help my father. His name is Nixon--I’m Noddy Nixon.”

-

-“Oh, yes, I have heard of you. Your father is known to me by

-reputation, and I have called to see him, as I have in the case of a

-number of the most prominent men in town. But I fear I will have to see

-Mr. Nixon personally.”

-

-“Won’t I do?” asked Noddy. “I know a lot about my father’s affairs.”

-

-“Well, I’ll tell you, and you can judge for yourself,” went on the

-man, as he entered the parlor and sat down. “I am Dr. Kirk Belgrade,

-head of the Mortaby Scientific School, a very important institution of

-learning. I am traveling about, seeking to enlarge the scope of our

-work, and, naturally I came to Mr. Nixon. I understand that he was

-one of the endowers of a number of colleges, and I thought perhaps he

-would give us a contribution. We confer degrees on those who aid us

-financially, and there are a number of scholarships available. Perhaps

-you yourself might be interested in taking up a new line of study.”

-

-“I don’t know,” replied Noddy. “I go to a boarding school now, but it

-isn’t very good. I might change. Where is your school?”

-

-“Well--er--that is--well, to be frank we have no fixed place or

-headquarters,” said Dr. Belgrade. “The Mortaby Scientific School is a

-sort of correspondence institution. Our pupils are located all over the

-world, and they get their lessons by mail, and also recite by mail.

-There is a good profit in it, and I’m sure if your father invested he

-would get a large return for his money. Some of the other prominent men

-in town have given me encouragement.”

-

-“Did you go to Mr. Slade, or Mr. Baker--or to Mrs. Hopkins--she’s a

-rich widow?” asked Jerry.

-

-“I did call on Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker, but I regret to say that

-they--er--they turned me down,” replied the educator with an oily

-smile. “They said they did not believe in my methods. But I assure you

-that they are most up to date. I will call on Mrs. Hopkins, at your

-suggestion, however.”

-

-“Better not,” advised Noddy with a grin. “She and the Slades and Bakers

-are all alike. They don’t want anything new. I know ’em. But maybe my

-father would invest. He’ll soon be home, and you can wait if you like.”

-

-“Very well, I will. I’ll show you some of our literature. I am one

-of the principal instructors. In fact I may say that I am the whole

-school, for all the other instructors come to me for advice. Just to

-show you how up to date we are, I will mention that we have a small

-laboratory----”

-

-“Oh, say,” interrupted Noddy eagerly. “Do you happen to know anything

-about radium?”

-

-“Radium?” replied the visitor. “Of course I do--a great deal. Why, to

-show you how advanced my college course is, let me say that we have a

-small quantity of radium for experimental purposes.”

-

-“You have!” exclaimed the bully, with increased eagerness. “The real

-article?”

-

-“Radium, I do assure you, the genuine article,” said Dr. Belgrade. “I

-do not care to state just how I came into possession of it, but it is

-in our laboratory.”

-

-“But I thought you said you had no school building,” said Noddy,

-suspiciously.

-

-“Well, the laboratory is in my house, next to the bath room,” explained

-the instructor. “It is not a very large laboratory, but I hope to

-extend it soon. I need money, and I hope----”

-

-“Radium!” interrupted Noddy. “Radium is worth money; isn’t it?”

-

-“I should say it was, Mr. Nixon.”

-

-“Would you like to know where to get some?”

-

-“Would I? I would give up my present plans, turn my students over to an

-assistant, and travel a long way if I knew where to find some. Why do

-you ask?” and the man looked eagerly at Noddy.

-

-“Do you know radium when you see it?” asked the bully.

-

-“Indeed I do. I have made a special study of it, and I can detect it

-in any form. I am not boasting when I say that there are few who are

-any better informed about radium than I am. But what do you mean? Is it

-possible that you have some radium?”

-

-“I haven’t it,” said Noddy in a low voice, “but I know where there is

-some. I’m glad you happened to call. I’ll tell you all about it, and

-maybe we can go together.” Noddy got up and closed the parlor door,

-shutting himself in the room with the sleek educator. Next he quickly

-unfolded to him the plot he had formed, after having overheard what our

-heroes had said about Snake Island.

-

-“Is it possible!” gasped Dr. Belgrade, when Noddy had finished. “Is it

-possible!”

-

-“It must be, or those fellows wouldn’t plan to go after it,” replied

-Noddy. “But I’m going to get ahead of them, if you’ll help me. Will

-you?”

-

-“Will I? Well, I guess I will! Now let’s make some plans. With your

-father to finance our expedition, we may all become millionaires!” and

-the head of the correspondence college rubbed his hands together and

-smiled at Noddy encouragingly.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER VI

-

-OFF FOR PITTSBURG

-

-

-“So we start to-morrow,” observed Professor Snodgrass one evening, when

-the three chums were gathered about a table in the library of Ned’s

-home. “It seems like a month ago that we decided to make the trip.”

-

-“And yet it was only about two weeks,” returned Jerry. “We have had a

-lot to do in the meanwhile, though.”

-

-“But everything is in good shape,” remarked Bob. “We’ve got enough grub

-aboard to last until we get to Pittsburg, I think.”

-

-“Oh, of course!” laughed Jerry. “You can trust Bob to look out for the

-‘eats’ every time. I think we’ll make him the permanent commissary

-general.”

-

-“Well, I notice you always come around when the dinner bell rings,”

-remarked the fat lad significantly.

-

-“He’s got us there,” admitted Ned. “But it’s a good thing Bob does look

-after the food, for we’re always sure to have enough. Now let’s see

-where we’re at. Hand me that list, Bob, and we’ll check things off. If

-we’re going to start to-morrow we will have to get any last things we

-need to-night.”

-

-The three chums went over the list together, the professor poring

-deeply into a scientific book, making occasional notes, and at times

-thinking of the two-tailed toad he hoped to get as a result of the trip.

-

-“Well, so far Noddy hasn’t bothered us any,” remarked Ned, when they

-had completed the checking of the list, and found that everything

-needed was on the boat, or in readiness to stow away.

-

-“He’s out and around,” remarked Jerry. “I saw him down the street this

-afternoon.”

-

-“You did! And did he speak to you?” asked Bob.

-

-“Just sort of nodded and thanked me for the way we fellows pulled him

-out of the water. He wasn’t very enthusiastic over it, though, and he

-looked rather thin and pale, I thought.”

-

-“Maybe he was hurt worse than we imagined,” suggested Bob. “Well, if he

-doesn’t make any trouble for us, I’ll be satisfied. But I guess it’s

-time I went home. I want to get plenty of sleep, for I’m going to get

-up early.”

-

-“Same here,” said Jerry. “I guess everything is in shape. We’ll meet at

-my house, as that’s nearest the river, and then we’ll get started as

-early as we can.”

-

-“It’s all settled then; is it?” asked Professor Snodgrass.

-

-“Everything,” replied Ned. “We’ll go by motor boat to Pittsburg, get

-our auto there, and ride across to Denver, and from there make the rest

-of the trip by airship. I guess that’s the best way to get down into

-the Grand Canyon.”

-

-“It’s really the only way,” said Mr. Snodgrass. “Boats are almost out

-of the question, and to follow the trails down the sides of the big

-chasm wouldn’t help us much, for Snake Island is far off from any of

-the places by which you can get down to the river’s edge. But with an

-airship we can descend as well as if we were in an elevator. Yes, I

-think you boys have made the best possible plan.”

-

-Bob and Jerry left Ned’s house soon after this, and, on the way to

-their homes they went past the Nixon residence. Bob, looking up,

-exclaimed:

-

-“Noddy’s sitting up late to-night. There’s a light in his room.”

-

-“So I see,” replied Jerry. “Well, if he stays up late he’ll sleep late,

-and we’ll get off before he knows it.”

-

-“Why, are you worried about him?” asked the stout lad.

-

-“Yes, I don’t mind telling you that I am.”

-

-“Why?”

-

-“Well, because I’ve seen Bill Berry hanging around lately. You know

-how thick he and Noddy are, and I shouldn’t be a bit surprised but what

-Bill was trying to find out where we are headed for this time.”

-

-“Why would he do that?”

-

-“Oh, just so he and Noddy could make trouble for us. It wouldn’t be the

-first time they have camped on our trail.”

-

-“No, that’s right. But I guess we’ll fool ’em this time.”

-

-But if Bob and Jerry could have looked into Noddy’s room at that

-minute, they would have been made aware that they had plenty of cause

-for suspicion.

-

-For, as our two heroes passed on to their homes, glancing back

-momentarily at the light in Noddy’s window, that bully was in close

-conversation with a certain sleek individual, who, for the present,

-chose to masquerade under the name of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.

-

-“Do you think you can find out when they go, and where they are headed

-for--I mean exactly?” asked the correspondence school man.

-

-“Sure I can,” declared Noddy. “I’ve had Bill Berry on the watch for

-the past week. They’re going to start in their motor boat to-morrow

-morning.”

-

-“To where?”

-

-“Well, that I don’t know exactly. I’ve tried to find out but I can’t.

-Bill sort of fell down on that job. But I’ll get wind of it somehow.

-I know where their auto was sent to be fixed, and the man there knows

-my father. He’ll tell me where they are headed for, I’m sure. But even

-if we don’t find out, we can go West on our own hook, and locate Snake

-Island. The rest will be easy, and we’ll get that radium before they

-do.”

-

-“I hope so,” spoke the educator. “I certainly need the money, and I

-have given up everything for this chance. The Mortaby Scientific School

-will have to get along without me for a time, but when I come back,

-with a fortune, I will build a real college.”

-

-“First we’ve got to get the radium, and beat the motor boys!” exclaimed

-Noddy, as he grinned in anticipation of the trick he expected to play.

-

-“You don’t like them, then?”

-

-“I hate ’em all!” snarled the bully, “even if they did pull me from the

-river. If they hadn’t, someone else would.”

-

-“Well, I hope we can soon start West,” went on the sleek individual.

-“When will your father give me some money?”

-

-“To-morrow or the next day,” replied Noddy. “He is willing that I

-should undertake the trip. I told him I needed it for my health.”

-

-Then the two talked over the details of their plot, sitting up until

-late in the night, while our heroes peacefully slumbered, and dreamed

-of strange adventures on Snake Island in the Grand Canyon of the

-Colorado.

-

-Bright and early the next morning Bob and Ned, with the professor,

-assembled at Jerry’s house. The last preparations had been made,

-good-byes had been said, and the motor boat looked over for the last

-time. She was pulling uneasily at the mooring lines, which held her

-fast to the dock, for there had been a heavy rain, and the river was

-much swollen. It was as if the boat was anxious for the boys to come

-aboard.

-

-“All ready?” asked Jerry.

-

-“All ready,” replied Ned, and then, waving good-byes to Mrs. Hopkins,

-they started for the pier. It did not take them long to put their

-handbags aboard, and, once the professor was comfortably settled aft,

-in the open cockpit, he began scanning the water for rare insects.

-

-“All aboard!” cried Jerry, as he took his place at the wheel.

-

-“All aboard,” answered Ned.

-

-“Then let her go,” ordered the steersman, and Ned turned over the fly

-wheel to start the motor.

-

-There was a cheer from the little crowd that had gathered on the dock

-to see our heroes start. Andy Rush was among them.

-

-“That’s the stuff!” cried the excitable little chap. “Off you go--wish

-I was along--never say die--blow up the boiler--whoop--off for

-Pittsburg!”

-

-“Say, I wonder if he ever will calm down?” remarked Bob, helplessly.

-

-“I’m afraid not,” commented Ned.

-

-“I wish he hadn’t said that last,” said Jerry in a serious tone.

-

-“Why not?” asked Ned, as the _Dartaway_ swung out from the dock.

-

-“Because I’d just as leave everyone wouldn’t know where we are going.

-It might get to the ears of----”

-

-“Look!” cried Bob in a low, tense voice.

-

-“What is it?” asked Ned.

-

-“There’s Bill Berry, and Noddy Nixon is with him,” went on the stout

-lad, pointing across the water, to where, a short distance away, there

-floated a rowboat, containing the two enemies of the motor boys.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER VII

-

-IN DANGER

-

-

-Jerry, Ned and Bob were gazing straight into the faces of Bill Berry

-and Noddy Nixon. The two cronies, in turn, returned the stare, and

-to our friends it seemed as if there was an insolent look on Noddy’s

-face--a sort of half smile of triumph, as if he had divined their

-plans, and was going to try to frustrate them.

-

-“Mind your wheel!” suddenly called Ned sharply to the tall steersman.

-“There’s a rock just ahead of you, Jerry!”

-

-“That’s so, I forgot about that,” and Jerry twisted the rudder about so

-that the _Dartaway_ swung toward the middle of the stream, missing the

-rock by a narrow margin.

-

-“Too close for comfort,” murmured Bob.

-

-“That’s right,” agreed Jerry. “I don’t know why I should have stared so

-at Noddy.”

-

-“It looks as if he and Bill came out on purpose to see us off,”

-commented Ned, as the motor boat rapidly opened up a gap between

-herself and the rowing craft. “I wonder if he heard what Andy said

-about Pittsburg?”

-

-“I’m afraid so,” said the tall lad. “Sounds carry very clearly over

-the water, you know, and Andy has rather a loud voice. Well, it can’t

-be helped, and I suppose the only thing for us to do is to be on our

-guard.”

-

-“That’s all,” agreed Ned, and by this time they had gone around a bend,

-losing sight of the rowboat, and the dock from which they had started.

-The last glimpse they had of Andy Rush was when that excitable chap was

-dancing up and down, waving his hands to them, and doubtless letting

-off all sorts of explosive expressions.

-

-Professor Snodgrass, during this episode, had taken no part in the

-conversation, remaining quietly in his place, scanning the water for

-a glimpse of some rare aquatic insect. At times he would dip into the

-river a small net he carried, and, bringing it up filled with mosquito

-wrigglers, or other forms of life, he would gravely examine his catch

-through a magnifying glass.

-

-“Ah, here is a rare one!” he would occasionally cry. “A triple-jointed

-worm. But I don’t understand how it got into the water, as it is a form

-of land life. This is very puzzling. I must make notes on this. Perhaps

-the worm, having lived on land all its life, is going to become

-aquatic in his habits, as the whale did centuries ago. It is very

-strange.”

-

-“Let’s see the worm, Professor?” requested Ned, when he had adjusted

-the motor to work smoothly, and while Jerry was steering in and out to

-avoid floating logs.

-

-“There it is,” said the scientist, lifting the specimen out of one of

-the glass-topped boxes. “A beautiful creature! Most perfect! And yet I

-cannot account for it being in the water. I shall devote a good deal of

-space in my new book to this find. Perhaps I am the first to discover

-it, and, if so, I shall be made an honorary member of the Society for

-Advanced Scientific Research. A most beautiful and perfect specimen!”

-

-“Why, it’s an angle worm--a fish worm!” cried Bob, as he caught sight

-of the wriggling creature. “A common, ordinary angle worm!”

-

-“Of course it is,” agreed the professor. “I know that. It is, as you

-say, an angle worm--_angulus vermis_ it might be called or even _vermis

-lophius piscatorius_. The first Latin words being merely indicative of

-angle and worm, while the latter, which I prefer, indicates the curious

-fish known as the angler, and which is said to catch other fish by

-angling for them with some attachment to its head, which resembles a

-baited hook. Of course it’s an angle worm, Bob, but the funny part of

-it is how did it get in the water?”

-

-“Easily enough,” spoke Ned. “The river is much higher than usual, and I

-suppose it has overflowed some bank, and washed the poor worms out. I’m

-afraid, Professor, that you can’t claim to be the discoverer of a new

-kind of worm.”

-

-“Oh pshaw! I guess you’re right!” exclaimed Uriah Snodgrass in

-disappointed tones. “That accounts for it. Well, I don’t want the

-specimen then,” and he tossed it back into the water. There was a

-little swirl, amid the muddy waves, and something grabbed the floating

-worm.

-

-“Fish!” cried Bob. “There are lots of fish around here, fellows. I’m

-going to catch some for dinner.”

-

-“There he goes again!” cried Ned with a laugh. “We’ve just had

-breakfast, and yet he’s thinking of the next meal. Oh, Bob! You’re

-hopeless.”

-

-“All right, you don’t have to eat the fish,” retorted the stout lad, as

-he got out his line and some bait he had thought to bring along. “I’ll

-catch ’em, and Jerry and I and the professor will eat ’em. You can live

-on canned sardines.”

-

-“You won’t catch any with the water as high and as muddy as it is

-to-day,” predicted Ned.

-

-“Just you watch,” was all Bob replied.

-

-He cast in, as Jerry steered the boat, the tall lad having to give his

-whole attention to it, for the stream was filled with floating débris

-that had been carried down by the rising water, and it required skill

-to avoid collisions. But Jerry knew his business, and rarely did a log

-scrape the _Dartaway_ ever so gently.

-

-Bob went out on the little after-deck to fish, while the professor also

-took his place there to look for more valuable specimens than angle

-worms. Ned busied himself about the engine, and got out some packages

-of food, and the dishes that would be needed for the mid-day meal.

-

-Bob did have pretty good luck fishing, and, when noon came, he had a

-number of good-sized specimens. In order that Jerry could enjoy his

-meal without having to eat with one hand and steer with the other, the

-boat was tied up in a little cove and there Bob proceeded to get dinner

-on the gasolene stove that was in a small galley off the main cabin.

-

-“Um! But this is good!” murmured the stout lad with his mouth fairly

-well filled.

-

-“It’s a bad habit for cooks to praise their own broth,” remarked Ned.

-

-“Well, isn’t it good?” demanded Bob.

-

-“Of course it is,” put in Jerry. “It’s a good meal, Chunky, and Ned is

-only jealous. Don’t mind him.”

-

-“I don’t intend to,” declared the stout lad, helping himself to more

-fish.

-

-They started off again after dinner, and making good speed, aided by

-the current of the river, they found themselves that night on a small

-lake into which the stream emptied. They tied up near shore, and, the

-collapsible bunks being let down, they retired, after sitting up for a

-while, talking over the events of the day.

-

-“This sure is sport,” declared Ned, as he pulled the blankets over him,

-for, while the day was warm it was cool at night on the water.

-

-“It’s the right way to spend a vacation,” agreed Bob.

-

-“And when we get in the auto, and the airship, we’ll have more fun

-yet,” predicted Jerry. “I’m anxious to get to Snake Island.”

-

-“I hope that place doesn’t get its name from the fact that it’s filled

-with snakes,” commented Ned, in sleepy tones. “I hate the things.”

-

-“I hope there are a lot of the reptiles,” spoke the professor. “I may

-be able to get a few specimens. And I certainly do want to get that

-two-tailed toad.”

-

-“And I want some radium,” added Jerry.

-

-The next day’s trip was without incident, and by night they had crossed

-the lake to its outlet, down which they expected to proceed for about a

-hundred miles.

-

-The first part of this trip was delightful, but on the third day it

-rained hard, and they had to stay cooped up in the cabin, which was not

-much fun. But the storm could not last forever, and the sun finally

-came out, to the satisfaction of all.

-

-“Well, we’ll soon have to take a little land journey,” remarked Ned, at

-the close of the fifth day of their trip.

-

-“How’s that?” asked the professor. “Are you going to desert the boat?”

-

-“No,” spoke Bob, “but by to-morrow noon we’ll come to the end of water

-travel, for a short space. That is, we’ll need to have the boat hauled

-over land to the canal that connects with the river by which we will

-get on the Alleghany. I wrote to a man who is going to move the boat,

-and he promised to be on hand with a big truck, and some helpers. We’ll

-run the _Dartaway_ up on the truck, drive over to the canal, and float

-her again. Then it will be smooth sailing to Pittsburg.”

-

-“And we haven’t seen a sign of Noddy Nixon,” remarked Ned.

-

-“I hope we don’t--the whole trip,” spoke Jerry earnestly.

-

-It was a little before noon when they had gone as far as was practical

-up the stream on which they were then motoring.

-

-“The dock where the truck is to meet us must be around here somewhere,”

-said Ned, who was steering.

-

-“There’s a man just ahead, who seems to be waving to us,” put in Jerry.

-

-“That’s the place!” cried the merchant’s son. “Now we’re all right.”

-

-It was no easy work to get the _Dartaway_ out of the water, and upon

-the truck, but finally it was accomplished by means of tackle and

-windlass.

-

-“Are you boys going to walk, or ride on the truck to the canal?” asked

-the teamster, as he gathered up the reins of the four powerful horses.

-

-“Guess we might as well ride,” decided Ned. “We’ll be there as soon as

-you are then.”

-

-Accordingly the boys climbed up on the truck, and seated themselves in

-the cabin of their boat. The professor accompanied them, and the men

-who were to help unload the boat dispersed themselves about the big

-vehicle.

-

-It was about a two hours’ ride to the canal, with so heavy a load, as

-part of the distance was up hill. When about half of the journey had

-been accomplished one of the men discovered that the boat was slipping

-down toward the end of the truck, and a halt had to be called to shift

-it forward.

-

-“We don’t want it sliding off, and trying to navigate in the dust!”

-exclaimed the truckman with a laugh.

-

-Professor Snodgrass grew restless at the delay and finally climbed down

-off the vehicle, with an insect net.

-

-“I’m going to walk on ahead,” he remarked. “I may be able to catch a

-few rare bugs. I think I can find the way to the canal all right, in

-case you don’t overtake me.”

-

-“It’s a straight road,” called Ned, who had provided himself with maps

-of their journey.

-

-The professor walked on, swinging his net from side to side in an

-endeavor to catch a butterfly or bug.

-

-“Has he been that way long?” asked one of the men of Jerry, as there

-came a pause in the work of shifting the boat.

-

-“What way?”

-

-“Cracked, you know. Crazy--bug-house? Does he get violent?”

-

-“Oh!” laughed the tall lad. “He’s not crazy,” and then he explained

-what a scientist Mr. Snodgrass was.

-

-“Um,” said the man apparently unconvinced. “It does take queer forms,

-sometimes. I had a cousin who always wanted to sleep with his shoes on.

-No accounting for their notions. Come on, now, all together! Heave!”

-

-Jerry gave up the attempt to make the man understand, and, a little

-later, the boat was shifted back to its place, and the journey resumed.

-

-They were almost at the end of it, and were going down a slight hill,

-when suddenly a dog, running out from a farmhouse, dashed at the off

-forward horse, and nipped its leg. The frightened animal reared,

-crowded its mate, and, a moment later, dashed ahead, breaking one of

-the reins. The next instant the team of four powerful steeds was in a

-wild gallop down the hill, the truck swaying from side to side in the

-road, and the motor boat creaking and groaning as it strained at the

-ropes that held it fast.

-

-“Stop the horses!” yelled one of the men.

-

-“We’ll have a smash-up in another minute if you don’t!” added Bob.

-

-“The boat is slipping back again!” cried Ned. “Jerry--Bob--help hold

-her on! If she slips off into the road she’ll be smashed!”

-

-The lads braced themselves against their craft to prevent it sliding

-off. Some of the men helped them, but, in spite of this, the terrific

-speed of the truck threatened to bring about the danger they were

-trying to avoid.

-

-“Stop those horses, Bill!” yelled one of the men.

-

-“I can’t!” cried the truckman. “One line is busted, and if I pull on

-the other I’ll run them into the ditch, and then we _will_ be in a

-mess. I’ve got to let ’em run it out.”

-

-“They’ll run us into the canal if they keep on much longer!” cried

-someone.

-

-“Brace, everybody!” gasped Ned, as he felt the boat slipping nearer and

-nearer to the end of the truck.

-

-“Put on the brakes!” suggested Bob.

-

-“Got ’em on, but that’s all the good it does,” responded the truckman.

-“I’m afraid we’re goners, boys! Get ready to jump when you see the

-water. Whoa, there! Whoa!” he called in vain to the horses, who were

-still madly galloping down the hill.

-

-“I guess it’s all up with the _Dartaway_,” murmured Jerry, as he

-pressed his shoulder against the craft.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER VIII

-

-DOWN THE ALLEGHANY

-

-

-The truckman was bracing himself in his seat, with his foot on the

-brake, trying his best to check the speed of the big wagon. As for the

-horses, he could do nothing with them, since, as he said, to pull on

-the unbroken rein would only be to send the steeds floundering into the

-ditch that bordered the road on either side. That is, providing the

-animals answered the pull.

-

-“Can you hold the boat?” cried the truck-owner, giving a glance over

-his shoulder at the men and boys.

-

-“We’re--trying!” gasped Bob, whose face was red from the effort he was

-making. Ned and Jerry, too, as well as the men, were doing their best.

-

-“There’s the canal, just ahead!” observed one man.

-

-Jerry had a glimpse of water sparkling in the rays of the sun. The road

-was now almost level, but the horses had not slackened their speed.

-Just where the canal came to an end, the highway curved abruptly, and

-it was not hard to guess what would happen if the runaways were not

-checked.

-

-Either they would swing around the curve with force enough to overturn

-the truck, or, in their fright, they would plunge, boat, wagon and all,

-into the water. There was not much choice between the two dangers.

-

-“Get ready to jump!” yelled the truckman on his seat.

-

-The boys were in despair. They saw their plans for a fine summer outing

-partly spoiled, and their fine boat about to be wrecked.

-

-Suddenly, from the bushes that lined the road, there ran out to the

-middle of the highway, and a little distance ahead of the galloping

-horses, a small man. At the sight of him Jerry cried:

-

-“Look! It’s the professor!”

-

-“He’d better get out of the way,” said the truckman grimly, in a

-low voice. “Nothing can stop these animals now, until they wreck

-everything. Look out!” he yelled to Mr. Snodgrass.

-

-But the little, bald-headed professor did not have any such intention.

-That was evident. There seemed to be something in the road that he

-wanted. His net came down with a swoop, and he knelt in the dust.

-

-“Look out!” came in a chorus from the men on the wagon.

-

-Then, for the first time, Professor Snodgrass seemed to be aware of the

-approaching vehicle, with the boat for a load.

-

-Up he jumped to his feet, holding his long-handled butterfly net, and

-staring at the approaching runaways through his big glasses.

-

-“Get out of the way!” yelled the truckman.

-

-The professor ran forward, waving his arms. In one hand he held his

-broad-brimmed hat, while the other flourished the big, green net.

-

-“Stop!” he cried, loud enough to be heard above the thunder of the

-wagon wheels. “Stop! Stop! Don’t come on any farther. You’ll smash it!”

-

-“Huh! We know that!” yelled the truckman. “But you can’t make these

-horses stop by just inviting ’em to. Look out, or you’ll get hurt!”

-

-But the professor came on, running straight at the runaways. Now he was

-almost under their feet, but with a wild yell he still advanced.

-

-Suddenly he threw his hat in the face of one of the leading horses,

-and, with another quick motion, he crashed his long-handled net across

-the eyes of the other. Then, nimbly leaping to one side, the professor

-caught the broken, dangling rein, and braced back with all his might.

-Though a small man, he was powerful, and his weight told.

-

-“That’s the stuff!” cried the truckman. In an instant he began pulling

-on the unbroken rein which he still held, and thus, with the professor

-on one side, being dragged along, and the driver sawing on the

-other line, the horses were pulled up evenly, a thing that had been

-impossible before.

-

-“By Jove! I believe they’re going to stop!” cried Jerry, as he noticed

-a slackening in the speed of the horses.

-

-“It’s about time, too!” added the truckman, as he looked at the waters

-of the canal, not far distant. He continued to pull on one line. The

-professor still clung to the other, and the brakes were jammed on.

-Add to this that the road was level, and that the truck was heavily

-loaded, and it can easily be seen that the horses, tired as they were

-from their run, did not need much more to stop them. They came down to

-a trot, then to a walk, and finally stopped. The truckman leaped from

-his seat, after a glance to make sure that the boat was in no immediate

-danger of slipping off, though it had slid back quite a way.

-

-“Say, that was a plucky stop!” the man cried, holding out his hand to

-the professor. “I’ve caught some runaways in my time, but never better

-than that. You saved us from a bad smash-up.”

-

-“Um! Well, perhaps I did,” admitted Uriah Snodgrass slowly, “but I

-must confess I wasn’t thinking of that at the time. I wanted you to

-stop before you got too far, that was all.”

-

-“And didn’t you want to save us?”

-

-“Oh, yes, of course. But you see I was just capturing a new and very

-rare specimen of a yellow grasshopper when you came along. I almost had

-him in my net, but he jumped under a stone, and I was afraid if the

-horses came along they might step on the stone, and crush the insect or

-run a wheel over him. That’s why I wanted to stop you. I’m glad I did,

-though I’ll have to put a new handle on my net, for it’s broken. But I

-must see if I have the grasshopper.”

-

-He ran to a flat stone in the road, carefully raised it, and made a

-grab for something underneath.

-

-“I’ve got him! I’ve got him!” he cried. “Oh, you little beauty! You’re

-worth at least fifteen dollars. Oh, I’m glad I stopped the runaways!”

-

-“Well, you are a queer one,” murmured the truckman as he proceeded to

-tie the broken rein, and then he and his men made the slipping boat

-secure, to hold until they could cover the short remaining distance to

-the canal. “Stopping a runaway to save a grasshopper! That’s the limit!”

-

-“But it’s a yellow grasshopper, and very rare,” put in the professor

-with a smile, as he placed the insect in one of the cases he always

-carried. “I doubt if any college but mine will have a specimen like

-this. How did the runaway happen?”

-

-The others told him about the dog that had scared the horses, and then

-the boys, having expressed their appreciation of what the professor had

-done, helped the men steady the boat for the rest of the trip.

-

-The horses were quiet enough now, and soon had the truck at the edge

-of the canal. There the work of getting the _Dartaway_ into the

-water again was speedily accomplished, and, having paid the men, and

-called the professor away from an ant hill he was examining through a

-magnifying glass, the motor boys once more got underway.

-

-“Talk about excitement, it’s with us almost from the start,” remarked

-Ned.

-

-“Yes, I thought our boat was a goner there, one spell,” added Jerry.

-“It took all my nerve to hold on.”

-

-“Mine too,” added Bob. “I think I’ll have to make a cup of coffee, and

-take some sandwiches to quiet down.”

-

-And this time neither Ned nor Jerry laughed at their fat chum.

-

-Their trip along the quiet canal was uneventful, and in a few days,

-after tying up nights along shore of the river into which the canal

-opened, they swept out on the waters of the Alleghany, and were headed

-for Pittsburg.

-

-“I hope our auto is all ready for us, and that we don’t have to wait,”

-remarked Ned one evening, as they got ready to retire for the night.

-

-“Well, we’ll know by this time to-morrow,” spoke Jerry. “We ought to be

-in Pittsburg then.”

-

-“What are you going to do with the boat?” asked Bob.

-

-“I’ve arranged to store it until we get back,” replied the tall lad.

-“We’ll have to spend at least a day here, trying out the auto, and

-laying in some supplies. In that time we can see that the boat is

-properly put away.”

-

-Professor Snodgrass sat up rather late that night arranging and

-classifying some specimens he had caught, and it was nearly midnight

-when he turned in. The boys were sound asleep, and the little scientist

-was soon in the same blissful state.

-

-What time he was awakened Jerry did not know, but he sat up suddenly in

-bed, for he heard someone moving stealthily about on the after-deck.

-Then the door of the cabin was cautiously tried:

-

-“Who’s there?” cried the tall lad suddenly.

-

-There was no answer, and reaching out his hand Jerry sought for the

-switch that would turn on the electric lights which were operated by

-a storage battery. As he felt the button, he heard a boat scraping

-against the side of the _Dartaway_.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER IX

-

-OFF IN THE AUTO

-

-

-“What’s the matter?” cried Ned, as he heard Jerry’s voice.

-

-“Anything wrong?” demanded Bob sleepily. “Has anything happened, Jerry?”

-

-“Not yet,” was the tall lad’s answer. “I fancy I was too quick for

-them. But I thought I heard someone on board, and I’m certain that a

-boat scraped against our side. I’m going to have a look.”

-

-“Better be careful,” advised Ned, as he pulled on some garments. “They

-may be river thieves.”

-

-“Thieves! Thieves!” cried Uriah Snodgrass, sitting up suddenly. “Are

-they after my specimens! Don’t let them get anything, boys! Those

-specimens are more valuable than gold! Oh, where are my glasses? I

-can’t see a thing.”

-

-“Switch off all the lights!” whispered Ned to Jerry. “They can see us

-in here, and we can’t get a glimpse of them. Turn ’em off!”

-

-Jerry did so, and at once there came another sound as if someone was

-out on the small after-deck.

-

-“Who’s there?” challenged Ned.

-

-There was no answer. Once more came the noise of a boat rubbing against

-the side of the _Dartaway_, and a cautious voice could be heard

-whispering:

-

-“Come on! Can’t do anything now!”

-

-“Who are you? What do you want?” demanded Jerry, but he received no

-answer.

-

-With a quick spring Ned was at the cabin door that opened out into

-a sort of cockpit, and thence, by a short companionway to the deck.

-Throwing the portal open, Ned flashed on a small searchlight. As he

-played it about the river he picked up a small boat, containing two

-persons, who were rowing quickly away.

-

-“What did you want? Were you on our boat?” demanded Ned, and then, as

-the two in the small craft maintained a silence, Ned flashed the light

-full in their faces. As he did so he gave a cry that brought Jerry and

-Bob out to him.

-

-“What’s the matter?” cried the tall lad. “Are you hurt, Ned? Did they

-attack you?”

-

-“No, I’m all right. But look at that boat! See who’s in it!”

-

-Jerry and Bob gazed across the stretch of black and swirling water,

-illuminated by the shaft of light from the search lantern. It threw

-into bold relief the boat and the occupants.

-

-“Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry, as he saw the face of the bully.

-

-“But who’s with him?” asked Bob. “I’ve never seen him before, that I

-know of.”

-

-“He’s a stranger, I guess,” said Ned. “Noddy must have hired him to

-help get ahead of us.”

-

-“But what were they doing here?” asked Bob.

-

-“Trying to sneak up while we were asleep, to see what they could get, I

-suppose,” remarked Jerry.

-

-“My specimens!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass, who had come out to join

-the boys. “That’s what they were after. That yellow grasshopper is what

-they wanted!”

-

-“I don’t believe so,” said Jerry in a low voice, as he watched the two

-rowing rapidly away--Noddy and a tall man, the latter with a sleek

-appearance, as though he was always trying to figure out the easiest

-way of getting something for nothing.

-

-“Hello you, Noddy!” suddenly called Ned. “What did you want here?”

-

-The bully and his companion kept silent.

-

-“If you come around again I’ll turn the hose on you,” threatened Bob.

-

-There was no reply, and a moment later the rowboat went around the end

-of a projecting dock, and was out of range of the light.

-

-“Well, if they weren’t after my specimens what did they want?” inquired

-the professor.

-

-“I’ll tell you what I think,” went on Jerry as they returned to the

-comfortable cabin, for it was cool in the night air, and they were

-lightly clad. “I believe they sneaked on board to see if they could get

-any clews as to where we are bound for.”

-

-“You mean Snake Island?” asked Bob.

-

-“Yes. You see Noddy doesn’t know the exact location, even if, in some

-way, he has guessed, or overheard, some of us saying that we were going

-to the Grand Canyon. He needs to know more definitely just where we’re

-going, so he can sneak along, and try to get ahead of us.”

-

-“Do you mean he was looking for a map?” asked Ned.

-

-“Yes, or something like that. Maybe he thought we would be leaving our

-traveling directions lying around loose.”

-

-“Say, maybe it would be a good scheme to fix up a fake map, and leave

-it where he could get it,” suggested Bob.

-

-“Hardly,” decided Jerry. “He’d get on to the fact that it was a fake,

-for he knows we wouldn’t be as careless as that. I think the best way

-is to do just as we have been doing--make no map or sketch of where

-we’re heading for. In fact we can’t, for we’ve got to prospect around

-ourselves to find Snake Island.”

-

-“Then we’ve got to be on our guard against Noddy,” suggested Ned.

-

-“All the while I’m afraid, since he’s taken to trailing after us,”

-resumed Jerry. “I’d like to know who that fellow was with him. He looks

-like a sleek rascal.”

-

-“Like Bill Berry, only different,” was Ned’s opinion. “I wonder where

-Bill is?”

-

-“Oh, probably hanging around somewhere,” came from Bob. “He and Noddy

-generally travel together.”

-

-There was nothing more that could be done that night, save to see to

-it that the cabin doors and windows were securely fastened. Jerry left

-the searchlight aglow, as he thought this would discourage any further

-attempt to board the motor boat. And, as a matter of fact, our friends

-were not disturbed again that night.

-

-They made an early start for Pittsburg the next morning, keeping a

-watch for Noddy, but they did not see him. By noon they had tied up at

-the wharf where their boat was to be hauled out for storage.

-

-“Now for the auto!” exclaimed Jerry, when the craft had been safely put

-away, and such stores as they needed, together with their clothing,

-weapons and other things, had been piled up ready to be put in the

-motor car.

-

-They found that the repairs to their machine were almost completed, and

-that the car had been greatly improved. A new body had been put on,

-giving more room, so that, if necessary, they could sleep on board. And

-a small gasolene stove had been fitted up, so that a simple meal could

-be prepared. You can easily see that this was Bob’s idea.

-

-“Well, we can start in a couple of days,” announced Jerry after a visit

-to the auto shop.

-

-“And we’ll need that time to give her a try-out,” added Ned.

-

-“And buy what grub we will need!” put in Chunky.

-

-“Oh, forget the everlasting ‘eats’!” begged Jerry. “We don’t need to

-take much. We can buy it as we go along, and it will be fresher.”

-

-“I meant a few things like sandwiches, pickles and cake,” went on Bob.

-“To eat between meals, you know. I often get hungry before it’s meal

-time.”

-

-“Oh, we know it! You needn’t tell us,” cried Ned with a laugh.

-

-They tried their auto the next day, having put up at a hotel near the

-repair works. The car made good speed, and seemed to have more power

-than before.

-

-“She’s great!” cried Jerry. “Now for a long trip West!”

-

-Their preparations were complete. Almost at the last minute, though,

-the professor nearly backed out. He found a curious bug in the hotel

-where they stayed, and he wanted to remain a week or more, to hunt for

-others.

-

-“You’d better come on and look for that two-tailed toad, Professor,”

-advised Jerry.

-

-“Yes, I think I had,” agreed the little scientist. “But on our way back

-we’ll stop here, and I can have another look for more of those rare

-bugs.”

-

-The auto, well filled with the goods of our friends, and themselves,

-was ready for a start, and, having inquired the best route on from

-Pittsburg, the boys, with Jerry at the wheel, set off one fine morning.

-What lay before them they little realized.

-

-On and on they went, over fairly good roads, until they came to the

-open country. Then, having fixed the spark and gasolene levers to carry

-them at a moderate pace, Jerry settled back to enjoy the scenery.

-

-They had covered perhaps ten miles, and Bob was wondering whether he

-dare mention cooking a light lunch, as they whirled along, when Ned,

-who had looked back, uttered a cry.

-

-“What’s up?” asked Jerry.

-

-For answer Ned took a pair of powerful field glasses from a pocket

-inside the car. He focused them on an auto that was coming rapidly

-along behind the car of our friends.

-

-“They’ve been following us for some time,” spoke Ned, “and I want to

-see who they are.” He was silent a moment, and then he exclaimed:

-

-“I thought so! Noddy Nixon again, and this time Bill Berry is with him,

-as well as that other man! Fellows, he’s on our trail!”

-

-“Well, here’s where he gets off!” cried Bob, as he reached his hand

-in his pocket, and pulled out a small wooden box. He opened it, and

-scattered something out on the road.

-

-“What’s that!” cried Jerry.

-

-“Big tacks!” answered Bob. “I thought something like this might happen,

-so I got ready for Noddy. Some of those tacks will stick point upward,

-and maybe something will happen. They’re good and sharp, and rather bad

-for pneumatic tires,” he added with a laugh.

-

-He tossed the empty box away, and he and Ned looked at the car coming

-on behind them.

-

-“Think they’ll hit ’em?” asked Ned.

-

-“I hope so,” replied the stout lad.

-

-Suddenly there was a commotion, and the pursuing auto was seen to

-swerve to one side.

-

-“There they go!” cried Bob. “Two tires to the bad, I think! I guess

-they won’t follow us right away. Speed her up, Jerry!”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER X

-

-HELD UP

-

-

-“That’s the way to do it, Bob!” exclaimed Ned.

-

-“I never imagined you were such a plotter,” complimented Jerry. “How’d

-you come to think of it, Chunky?”

-

-“Oh, it just sort of came to me,” explained the stout lad, as he looked

-back to see Noddy and his companions leap from their auto, and examine

-the burst tires. “I figured that after the way Noddy’d been spying on

-us that he’d try to follow us, so I got ready for him. I thought it out

-that tire trouble was the easiest for me to bring about, and it would

-hold him back as well as if it was something else. So I bought the

-tacks.”

-

-“And made good use of ’em!” chuckled Jerry. “You’re all right, Bob!”

-

-Noddy Nixon straightened up from an examination of his stalled auto. He

-shook his fist at our friends who were rapidly drawing away.

-

-“I’ll--fix--you--for--this!” yelled the bully in a loud voice.

-

-“Well, you’ll have plenty of time to do it in,” remarked Bob with

-a laugh. “You’ll have to use new shoes, and inner tubes too, I’m

-thinking. Speed her up, Jerry.”

-

-“All right,” and the tall lad turned on more gasolene, until the big

-car was going along at a rapid pace.

-

-“Not too fast,” cautioned Ned. “We don’t want to be taken in for

-speeding, you know.”

-

-“Not much danger,” returned Jerry. “It’s rather a lonely stretch of

-country for several miles yet.”

-

-“How do you think he managed to get after us so quickly?” asked

-Professor Snodgrass, who, wonderful to relate, was neither looking at

-his specimens, making notes about, nor seeking to capture others. He

-had been too much interested in the chase and its sudden termination.

-

-“Oh, he must have heard Andy Rush say we were going to Pittsburg,”

-spoke Jerry, “and he merely came on here ahead of us, by train, while

-we traveled by boat. Then he simply got his auto ready, and lay in wait

-for us. But you put a spoke in his wheel, Bob.”

-

-“Two or three,” chuckled Ned.

-

-As they sped on they talked of Noddy, and speculated on what his plan

-might be in regard to following them.

-

-“It’s all guess work,” declared Jerry. “No matter what we do he may

-turn up on our trail sooner or later. The only thing to do is to fight

-him when we see him, be on our guard all the while, and not to worry.”

-

-“I agree with Jerry,” said Uriah Snodgrass. “Now, as long as we’re so

-far ahead, Jerry, can’t you go a little slower?”

-

-“Why, does the speed make you dizzy?” asked the steersman, for indeed

-the pace was very rapid.

-

-“No, but I’d like a chance to look for insects on the bushes as we

-pass. You never can tell when you may come across a rare specimen,” and

-through his big glasses the professor anxiously scanned the bushes on

-either side of the highway, for Jerry obligingly slackened the speed of

-the big car.

-

-“Are we going to sleep in the car or a hotel to-night?” asked Ned, as

-the afternoon drew to a close, finding them about a hundred miles away

-from Pittsburg.

-

-“I vote for the car,” spoke Jerry. “We haven’t tried it in some time.

-Besides, we can do as we please, and won’t have to bother with fixing

-up, as we would at a hotel.

-

-“Another thing. If we go to a hotel, Noddy may find it out, and he can

-thus keep closer tabs on our movements. Whereas, if we sleep in the

-car, on some country road, we can start off before daylight, breakfast

-when we please, and no one will be any the wiser.”

-

-“All right, the car it is,” agreed Ned. Anything suited the professor.

-

-“Another good point about the car,” said Bob, “is that we can----”

-

-“Eat whenever we want to,” finished Jerry with a laugh.

-

-“I wasn’t going to say so,” retorted Bob. “I was going to say we could

-sleep better here, for it will be quieter out under the trees than in a

-hotel.”

-

-“That’s the time he had you, Jerry,” laughed Ned.

-

-“Well, pick out a good place as you go along,” advised the tall lad,

-“and we’ll pull up there and stop.”

-

-“That hill looks to be in a good location,” suggested Bob, pointing to

-a rise in the distance. “There is a grove of trees there, and we can

-pull into them for the night. Speed up, and make it, Jerry.”

-

-The lad at the wheel was about to pull over the gasolene lever, and

-adjust the spark, when, out from a little country lane, just in front

-of the auto, leaped a man, with a shining badge on his coat, a club in

-one hand and a revolver in the other. He held out his arms to obstruct

-their passage, at the same time crying in loud tones:

-

-“Halt! Hold on there! You can’t go any further! I’m the law, an’ I says

-so. You’ve got to come with me!”

-

-Jerry looked quickly at the speedometer, and saw that it registered

-only about six miles per hour. He was glad he had not sent the car

-racing ahead.

-

-“Come on now! No tricks! Stop that car!” commanded the evident

-official. “You’ve got to come with me.”

-

-“What for?” asked Jerry. “Not for speeding evidently, for we were going

-like a snail.”

-

-“I didn’t say nothin’ about no speedin’,” replied the man. “It’s a more

-serious charge than that. I’ve been on the lookout for ye a long time,

-an’ I got ye, by heck! Come along!”

-

-By this time Jerry had easily brought the car to a stop not far from

-the grizzled man.

-

-“What right have you got to stop us?” demanded the young steersman.

-“Who are you, and what is the charge against us?”

-

-“I’m Constable Enberry Snook,” was the answer, “and this here is

-my authority,” and he tapped his badge with the club. “I derive my

-authority from th’ selectmen of Huckleberry Township, an’ these

-likewise is th’ main instruments that I use,” and he glanced from his

-club to his revolver, and back at the party in the auto. “Now be ye

-goin’ t’ come along peaceable like, or have I got t’ use force?”

-

-“But I don’t understand,” said Jerry, while a puzzled look came over

-the faces of the others. “We haven’t been speeding, and we haven’t

-assaulted any one that I know of.”

-

-“Of course not!” declared Ned.

-

-“Well, I’ve been instructed t’ arrest ye,” went on Constable Snook,

-“an’ I’m goin’ t’ do my duty, by heck! Now will ye come along

-peaceable, or have I got t’----”

-

-He did not finish the sentence, for with a cry that was startling in

-its suddenness Professor Snodgrass, who had been sitting in front with

-Jerry, fairly leaped from his seat, and dashed at the constable.

-

-“Don’t move! Don’t stir!” cried the excited scientist. “I’ve got it!

-It’s on you! Don’t move! I’ve been looking for it ever and ever so

-long!”

-

-A moment later he had hold of the constable’s coat.

-

-“Here! Let me go! Onhand me! This is treason! Ye’re assaultin’

-an officer in th’ performance of his office, an’ it’s ten years’

-imprisonment fer that offense. Let me go, I tell ye! Don’t ye dare t’

-strike me! I’ve got assistants with me. Help! Help! He’s chokin’ me!

-He’s chokin’ an officer of th’ law!”

-

-Mr. Snook, dropping both his club and revolver, sought in vain to pull

-away from the grasp of Professor Snodgrass, and then the constable,

-finding that the scientist had too firm a hold, pulled out a whistle,

-and blew a shrill blast. A moment later two men, evidently farmhands,

-each armed with a pitchfork, leaped out of the bushes at the side of

-the road.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XI

-

-NODDY IN ADVANCE

-

-

-There was a moment’s pause, during which all the actors in the little

-rural comedy looked at each other. And, as for the professor and the

-constable, they did more than look, for the scientist still had a firm

-hold of the other’s coat, and the man was pulling desperately to get

-away.

-

-“Are ye there, Sim an’ Jake?” gasped the constable.

-

-“Thet’s what we be!” cried the taller of the farmers, evidently Sim, as

-he advanced with ready pitchfork.

-

-“Me too,” put in Jake. “What’s up, Enberry? Have them highwaymen

-attacked ye?”

-

-“Attacked me? I should say they had!” cried the constable. “That’s why

-I whistled for help. Jab ’em!”

-

-“Hold on!” cried Jerry, fearing the professor might get hurt. “Come on,

-boys,” he urged Ned and Bob. “We’ve got to take a hand in this!”

-

-“But what in the world does it all mean?” asked Ned.

-

-“And what makes the professor act so queer?” Bob wanted to know.

-

-“Don’t stop to ask questions!” cried Jerry, vaulting from his seat.

-“Come on!”

-

-The three boys advanced toward the group of men who now surrounded

-Uriah Snodgrass. The scientist still retained his grip of the constable

-with one hand, while with the other he was making cautious advances

-toward the coat collar of the farmer-officer.

-

-“Let me be!” cried the constable. “Jab him, Sim an’ Jake! Jab him!”

-

-“Keep still,” ordered Professor Snodgrass. “I’ll have him in another

-minute!”

-

-“Ye’ve got me now, consarn ye!” snapped the constable, trying in vain

-to pull away. “If ye lay another hand on me I’ll have ye sent t’ jail

-fer life! Let me go, I tell ye!”

-

-“Look out with those pitchforks!” cried Jerry, as he saw Sim advance

-the prongs dangerously close to the professor’s legs.

-

-“There! I’ve got it!” suddenly exclaimed the little scientist. His hand

-made a descent on the farmer’s collar, and then, with something tightly

-clasped in his fist, Mr. Snodgrass leaped back. Sim and Jake closed up

-alongside of the man who had summoned them by whistle.

-

-“What’d you take offen me?” demanded Mr. Snook suspiciously. “My badge?

-Ef ye have----”

-

-“I only took one of the most beautiful specimens of a green spider I

-have ever seen,” was the answer of the professor. “I saw it on your

-coat collar, and I was so afraid it would get away. I had to act

-quickly. The only way was to grab you, for if you had felt the spider

-on your neck, it might have tickled you, and you would have brushed

-it off. Then it would have been lost for ever. Ah, but I have you, my

-little beauty!” and the professor peered in between a crack in his

-fingers to make sure that the spider had not escaped. A moment later he

-had popped it into one of his specimen boxes.

-

-“A--a spider?” gasped Mr. Snook, as if he had not understood.

-

-“A _green_ spider,” corrected Mr. Snodgrass. “A most perfect specimen.

-It was on your coat collar. A moment later it would have crawled on

-your neck.”

-

-“An’ if it had, I’d have squashed it, sure!” cried Mr. Snook. “I sure

-would have squashed it! A green spider! Why I’d a squashed it, if it

-had been a red, white an’ blue one! I hate ’em! Ye must be crazy t’

-want ’em!”

-

-“I want them for scientific purposes,” said Uriah Snodgrass, and then

-he briefly explained that he traveled for a college that wanted all

-the specimens he could collect.

-

-“A college perfesser,” murmured Sim. “Say, Jake, it’s a good thing we

-didn’t jab him.”

-

-“I guess it is. An’ t’ think of any mortal man wantin’ such things as

-bugs!”

-

-“Well, everybody to their notion,” said Mr. Snook grimly. “If ye want

-spiders ye’re welcome t’ ’em. But that don’t alter th’ fact that you

-folks have got t’ come along with me.” He was less excited now.

-

-“But I don’t understand,” spoke Jerry. “What is the charge, and who

-makes it? Were you waiting here for us?”

-

-“That’s what I was,” declared the constable. “I got a telephone t’

-be on the lookout for ye. I was warned ye’d be desperit, an’ try t’

-escape, so I swore in Sim an’ Jake as my special deputies. It looks

-like I’d need ’em, too. Jake, stand by on this side of me, an’ Sim, you

-git on th’ other. If they starts t’ run, jab ’em. Now, I arrest ye in

-th’ name of th’ law,” and in turn he laid his hand on the shoulders of

-Jerry, Bob, Ned and the professor. “Are ye comin’ along peaceable, or

-shall I have t’ use force?” he asked again.

-

-“If this is a regular arrest, by a regular officer we certainly will

-come along peaceably,” replied Jerry. “But who makes the charge?”

-

-“That I can’t tell ye. I got my authority from Judge Amos Blackford.

-Ye’ll have t’ appear before him. It were him as were telephoned t’, an’

-he passed it on t’ me.”

-

-“And you really have the authority to arrest us?” asked Ned, still

-doubting.

-

-“There’s th’ warrant, sworn t’, all reg’lar an’ in due form, according

-t’ law,” said the constable, pulling out a paper with a flourish. “Ye

-kin look at it.”

-

-Jerry read it quickly. It was merely a short form of bench warrant,

-“sworn to on information and belief,” wherein the judge himself

-appeared as the accuser, the real party’s name not being mentioned.

-

-“If ye don’t believe that, ye kin ask Jake an’ Sim here if I ain’t th’

-regular constable fer this township,” added Mr. Snook proudly.

-

-“That’s what he is!” chorused the two farm hands.

-

-“Well, then I suppose we will have to go with you,” admitted Jerry,

-“though I don’t understand it. Come along, boys. Do you want to ride

-with us?” he asked, turning to the two farm hands and the constable.

-

-“Not for me,” spoke Sim, and Jake, too, shook his head. “I wouldn’t

-ride in one of them gasolene wagons fer a month’s wages,” added Sim.

-

-“Then I guess we can find room for you, Mr. Snook,” went on Jerry.

-“That is if you’re not afraid of the machine, and don’t imagine that

-such desperate characters as we are will do away with you.”

-

-“Oh, I guess I kin trust ye,” said the constable with a sheepish grin.

-“Th’ judge’s house is about a mile down th’ road. He kin hold court

-there, an’ fine ye, I suppose.”

-

-“But I don’t see what for,” said Jerry. “However, come along.”

-

-They were soon in the auto, and had started off, the two hired men,

-with their pitchforks, standing in the road with open-mouthed wonder as

-the car shot away. Ned noticed that Mr. Snook grasped the sides of the

-seat with nervous hands, as if he expected something to happen at any

-moment. Chunky was a bit nervous, and Jerry was clearly puzzled. As for

-the professor he was too much occupied in making notes about the green

-spider to care whether he was arrested or not.

-

-It was not a long run to the house of Judge Blackford, who lived in a

-comfortable residence. He himself proved to be a genial, old-fashioned

-gentleman.

-

-“Well, Enberry,” he observed with a twinkle in his eyes as the auto

-drove up, “you got the desperadoes, I see.”

-

-“Yep,” answered the constable shortly.

-

-“Did they abuse you much; have much trouble in capturing them?”

-

-“Nope. They come along peaceable enough, though at one time----” and

-then, thinking that he had not proved himself much of a hero in the

-spider episode, the constable stopped.

-

-“Out with it!” cried the judge with a laugh. “I’ll find it out sooner

-or later.”

-

-“I’ll tell ye later,” promised Mr. Snook nervously.

-

-“May I ask what this is all about?” inquired Jerry. “The constable says

-we are charged with assault and battery. By whom?”

-

-“By Noddy Nixon!” was the unexpected answer of Judge Blackford.

-

-“Noddy Nixon!” cried Jerry. “Is he here?”

-

-“No. I’ll tell you how it was,” went on the magistrate. “I received a

-telephone this noon, from Judge Lawton, of Middleville township. He

-said a party of autoists had come to him, and had sworn that another

-party of autoists, naming and describing you, had caused them to burst

-two tires. And, as the tires burst, Mr. Nixon and his party were thrown

-to one side of their car, painfully bruising and contusing them, as the

-warrant says.

-

-“So Judge Lawton, before whom the original warrant was sworn out, asked

-me to issue a supplementary one, and to intercept you as you came

-through here. Which I had to do, it being my duty. Now you can consider

-yourself charged with the crime, and how do you plead. I’ll hold court

-right here. Did you or didn’t you?”

-

-“Well, I guess I did it,” answered Bob. “I threw the tacks in the road.

-But it was to prevent Noddy from following us.”

-

-Thereupon the judge was told as much of the story as Jerry and his

-chums thought necessary to explain of their conduct, no mention

-being made of the radium on Snake Island. He was told how Noddy had

-repeatedly tried to take a mean advantage.

-

-“Hum. That makes it different,” spoke Judge Blackford. “I reckon that

-Nixon chap didn’t tell this to my friend Judge Lawton. Otherwise he

-wouldn’t have asked me to issue a warrant. Now this is how the matter

-stands.

-

-“I was requested to apprehend and hold you for examination. That I

-must do. This Nixon fellow promised to be here in the morning, at nine

-o’clock, to give his evidence. I don’t believe he’ll come and face you.

-But I must hold you until then. I ask you, in the meanwhile to be my

-guests. Then, in the morning, if he does not appear, I shall discharge

-you, and explain matters to Judge Lawton. I know he will approve of it.

-Will you stay and dine with me? I’ll be glad of your company, and you

-needn’t consider yourselves prisoners. You’re out on bail, so to speak.

-Supper will soon be ready. Will you stay?”

-

-“I--yes--of course we will!” cried Bob so quickly that both his chums

-laughed, and Mr. Blackford looked at them curiously.

-

-“Then the court is adjourned,” went on the magistrate. “Come in, boys,

-after you leave your auto in the barn. You needn’t wait, Enberry.”

-

-“All right,” answered Mr. Snook, who hurried off, looking over his

-shoulder as if he feared he might see more spiders.

-

-The boys found Judge Blackford to be a most congenial host. It

-developed that he and Professor Snodgrass had once attended the same

-preparatory school, and the pair exchanged pleasant memories.

-

-The judge explained how Noddy had probably proceeded.

-

-“After his tires were repaired,” he said, “the Nixon fellow must

-have hurried on, following you. He figured out that you would

-have to pass through here, as this is the main road. Then he went

-to Middleville, swore out a warrant, which he had no right to do

-under the circumstances, and the rest you know. I am sorry you were

-inconvenienced.”

-

-“Oh, it’s all right,” said Bob. “We’ll probably have a better meal

-than if we ate in the auto; eh, fellows?”

-

-“Say, Chunky, you are the limit!” cried Jerry, and then he had to

-explain to the judge their chum’s failing.

-

-The magistrate, however, took quite a liking to Bob, and soon there was

-a merry party gathered at the table. The evening was spent pleasantly,

-and there were plenty of comfortable beds in the judge’s big,

-old-fashioned house, where he and his wife lived with some old servants.

-

-Nine o’clock came next morning, but Noddy Nixon did not appear.

-

-“He only did this to delay us,” declared Jerry, and the others agreed

-with him.

-

-“Well, if he isn’t here by ten I’ll formally discharge you, and send

-the warrant back to Judge Lawton with an explanation,” said Judge

-Blackford.

-

-Ten o’clock brought no change in the situation, and holding court in

-his library, the magistrate discharged the “prisoners.” Constable Snook

-was on hand, and looked rather disappointed when he saw that he was not

-to have the pleasure of taking the boys and the professor to jail.

-

-“But we have strict laws agin’ speedin’ here,” he warned them, as Jerry

-got out the car to resume the trip. “If I catch ye’ speedin’ I’ll have

-t’ take ye in.”

-

-“We won’t come this way soon again,” replied Jerry. Then, good-byes

-having been said to the judge and his wife, our friends started on

-their journey.

-

-“I wonder what happened to Noddy?” spoke Ned, who had taken his place

-on the front seat with Jerry.

-

-“Oh, he has either turned back, or else he’s waiting until we get far

-enough ahead of him so that he can follow as he pleases,” replied the

-tall lad.

-

-They had turned off the main road to reach the home of the judge, and

-were now coming out of a sort of long country lane, thickly bordered

-with trees, to reach the main highway again. As they were about to

-swing around a turn they all heard the chug-chug of an auto.

-

-“Someone’s coming,” remarked Ned.

-

-“Yes. I guess we’ll let ’em get ahead of us, so we won’t have to take

-so much dust,” decided Jerry. “We can wait here in the shade.”

-

-He stopped the car, behind a screen of trees and bushes, not far from

-the main road. A moment later a car shot past, and, as it did so, Ned

-uttered a low exclamation.

-

-[Illustration: A MOMENT LATER A CAR SHOT PAST.]

-

-“Did you see that?” he asked Jerry.

-

-“I sure did!” replied the tall lad.

-

-“What was it?” inquired Bob, who was in the rear with the professor.

-

-“Noddy Nixon!” answered Jerry. “He’s ahead of us now, and that’s

-where we want him. He can’t follow us now. I guess, Noddy, you’ve

-over-reached yourself,” and Jerry smiled grimly.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XII

-

-DISAPPOINTMENT

-

-

-“What do you suppose his game is?” asked Bob, as the auto containing

-Noddy and two others shot around a curve in the main road, leaving a

-cloud of dust behind.

-

-“His game was to delay us long enough to catch up to us, I think,”

-explained Jerry. “You see he lost time when he had to stop to fix his

-tires, and he’s depending on us to show him the way to Snake Island,

-since he failed to get any clews as he sneaked around. But he spoiled

-his own chances. We’re behind him now, and he’ll have his own troubles

-tracing us.”

-

-“Are you going to let him get a long way in advance?” asked Ned.

-

-“I think so. The more trouble we can give him to pick us up the

-better--for us. I’m even going to get off the main road, if I can, and

-take a less-used route.”

-

-“The nerve of him charging us with assault and battery, just because

-he happened to run over a few tacks!” exclaimed Bob, with an air of

-virtuous indignation.

-

-“Well, I suppose it did batter them up a bit,” remarked Jerry with a

-smile. “The auto stopped rather suddenly, you remember.”

-

-“It sure did,” agreed Ned. “But say, I wonder who that other chap is

-with Noddy. I saw Bill Berry plainly enough, but I can’t imagine who

-the other fellow is.”

-

-“I had a glimpse of his face,” said Professor Snodgrass, looking up

-from his note book. “I have seen him before, somewhere, but I can’t

-recollect where. I never forget a face, but the association sometimes

-escapes me. However, I may recall it later. I think--hold on, Jerry,

-don’t move!” he exclaimed suddenly, for the tall lad had reached

-forward to start the car. “There’s a fine, big yellow-backed toad at

-the foot of that stump. I must get it. It isn’t as valuable as the

-two-tailed one, but it is a very good specimen,” and the scientist

-leaped out and was soon in possession of the toad, which he clapped

-into a box.

-

-“All ready now?” asked Jerry, with his hand on the gear lever.

-

-“All ready--unless I see something else,” answered Uriah Snodgrass, and

-the auto rolled slowly forward. Noddy had been given enough start so

-that there was no danger of catching up to him unless he halted, and

-he was not likely to do that, Jerry thought. At the first farmhouse

-they stopped to inquire their way on some less frequented road, and,

-learning it, they took another highway, which, while not so good to

-travel on, made it less likely that they would meet or pass the bully.

-

-For three days they traveled on, having fine weather on all but

-one--the day after their “arrest.” Then it rained from morning until

-night, and they progressed through water and mud, which cut down their

-speed.

-

-They were dry and fairly comfortable, however, for the closed car was

-as snug as a bungalow, and they could cook and sleep inside. Then the

-weather cleared, and, save for muddy roads, there was no discomfort.

-

-“And we seem to have given Noddy the slip,” remarked Jerry, one day,

-for they had neither seen nor heard anything of their enemy or his

-companions. “We’re having fine luck.”

-

-They had been traveling by auto over a week, and were getting close to

-Denver, whence they would make the rest of the trip by airship, when

-there came a turn in the good fortune that had, so far, accompanied

-them.

-

-They were going down a hill, one evening into a little town when the

-foot brake unexpectedly broke, and they started off at a rapid pace.

-Jerry, however, quickly threw in the emergency, and brought the car up

-before any harm had resulted.

-

-“Hum! This is a nice pickle!” exclaimed the tall lad. “Now we’ve got to

-lay over until this is fixed.”

-

-“Maybe we can have it fixed over night,” suggested Ned. “There’s a

-combined blacksmith shop and garage just ahead,” and he pointed to it.

-“If we pay extra we can have the man work all night on the brake, and

-have it ready for us in the morning. There must be some sort of a hotel

-here, where we can put up.”

-

-“Fine!” cried Bob. “Then I won’t have to cook supper.”

-

-“No, but you’ll eat it,” said Jerry. “But I guess Ned’s plan is a good

-one.”

-

-The blacksmith, who also did auto repair work, agreed, for an extra

-fee, to put in the night fixing the brake, and the car being left at

-his shop, the boys went to the only hotel in the village of Lafayette.

-

-“Here’s the register,” spoke the landlord, handing over the book to the

-boys and the professor. “Supper’ll soon be ready.”

-

-“That’s good,” murmured Bob, and his chums laughed as they advanced

-to sign their names. As Jerry put his down first, he uttered a cry of

-surprise, and pointed to the signatures just above where theirs were to

-go.

-

-“Great Scott!” exclaimed Ned, looking over his chum’s shoulder. “Noddy

-Nixon, and Bill Berry! They were here a couple of days ago!”

-

-“And that must be the mysterious man who was with them,” added Jerry,

-pointing to the signature of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.

-

-“Kirk Belgrade! Kirk Belgrade!” murmured Professor Snodgrass, as he saw

-the signature. “Where have I heard that name before? Where have I seen

-that face?” He was in deep thought for a moment, and then he exclaimed:

-

-“Oh, I have it! Belgrade. Yes, he was an instructor at my college a

-few years ago. A smart man, but he did some underhand work, and he

-was asked to resign. The last I heard of him he had started a sort

-of mushroom correspondence school. Poor Belgrade! He was a brilliant

-scholar, but he wanted to live by his wits, instead of working.”

-

-“What can he be doing with Noddy?” asked Ned.

-

-“Give it up,” murmured Bob. “I wonder when supper will be ready, and

-what we’ll have to eat?”

-

-Jerry was in deep thought.

-

-“Professor Snodgrass,” he asked suddenly, “what branch of science did

-this Dr. Belgrade teach in college?”

-

-“Well, his specialty was electricity, and I remember when radium was

-first discovered that he took a great interest in it. He even wrote

-a paper on it, that was considered very good. Another thing, though

-perhaps I should not speak of it. Our college had a small specimen

-of radium, that one of the founders bought, and presented to the

-laboratory. One day it disappeared, and it was the same day Belgrade

-was asked to resign.

-

-“There was talk that he might know something about it, but the faculty

-considered that he had disgraced our school enough by something else he

-did, so they did not press the radium matter. Belgrade sold examination

-papers to some of the students. He was too brilliant, I’m afraid, for

-his own good. And now to think he is in with Noddy Nixon!”

-

-“Yes, and I believe I know what for!” exclaimed Jerry. “Noddy has taken

-him along as an authority on radium, for Noddy wouldn’t know it from a

-lump of clay. I begin to see things now. Fellows, we’ve got to be on

-our guard. I wish Noddy was behind us instead of ahead of us!”

-

-“Why, do you think he’ll get to Snake Island before we do?” asked Ned.

-

-“He may,” replied Jerry grimly. “But he’ll have his work cut out to

-beat us. I wish that brake hadn’t smashed. I’d like to be traveling

-now.”

-

-But there was no help for it. They had to wait until morning, and then

-they took to the road again. For two days more they traveled on and

-then, unexpectedly running out of gasolene one night they had to lay

-over again for a half hour while the garage dealer supplied them. He

-was out, too, but the tank wagon, with a supply was on its way, he said.

-

-“Had another auto here, a while ago, and they took my last gallon,”

-explained the garage attendant. “Fellow by the name of Blixen, or

-something like that. Mighty fresh, too. He wanted to beat me down on my

-price.”

-

-“Wasn’t it Nixon, and not Blixen?” asked Jerry quickly.

-

-“Well, that might have been it. I didn’t pay much attention. His auto

-was badly in need of repairs, and I sort of asked if he didn’t want

-me to fix it. He said he didn’t as they were only going on a little

-farther.”

-

-“A little farther,” remarked Jerry, for it was still some distance to

-Denver, where Noddy was undoubtedly headed for. It was common knowledge

-that the _Comet_, the airship of our heroes, was in Denver, for the

-papers had contained many accounts of how it had broken records at the

-big meet. Noddy could not have helped seeing them, and, naturally, he

-would suspect that the motor boys were going to pick up their craft.

-

-“Well, he said he and his crowd were going to take a train the rest of

-the way,” went on the garage man. “They were going to Belmont station,

-and take the train there. Here comes the gasolene. I’ll soon have your

-tanks filled.”

-

-“Fellows, we’ve got to do something!” exclaimed Jerry to his

-companions, as the gasolene was being put in. “Noddy may get ahead of

-us after all, and reach Denver first, if he takes a train.”

-

-“What can we do?” asked Ned.

-

-“Leave the auto, and take a train ourselves,” replied the tall lad.

-

-“That’s it!” cried Bob. “Beat him at his own game!”

-

-“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “How far is it to Belmont?” he asked

-of the garage man, as he paid for the gasolene.

-

-“About twenty miles.”

-

-“Can you get a through train there for Denver, Colorado?”

-

-“No, only locals stop there. But if you want to go to Denver, I can

-tell you a better way. Why don’t you go to Meldon station. That’s only

-ten miles farther on, and the Denver Limited stops there. You can make

-it I guess,” and he looked at his watch. “She leaves there at nine

-o’clock to-night, and it’s one of the few stops until she hits Denver.

-You can only get locals at Belmont. The Limited beats them all to

-pieces.”

-

-“We’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on, fellows! On to Meldon!”

-

-“You’ve got to travel pretty fast,” the man warned them. “And the roads

-aren’t very good--especially at night.”

-

-“We can do it!” cried Jerry. “Meldon for ours, and we’ll beat Noddy on

-his local!”

-

-They were soon chugging down the road, in the gathering darkness. Bob

-started to get supper, when Jerry stopped a little later to light the

-powerful gas lamps, and then they went on at increased speed. Jerry

-drove the car as fast as was safe, but their bad luck pursued them, for

-they took the wrong turn at a point five miles from Meldon, and went

-eight miles out of their way.

-

-“Oh hang it!” cried Ned when they were set right by a truck farmer on a

-load of produce. “Can we make it, Jerry?”

-

-“I guess so,” and the tall lad threw the gasolene lever over a couple

-more notches, and advanced the spark full.

-

-The big car fairly bounded along, and it seemed as if they would get to

-Meldon in time to catch the Limited. But they struck a stretch of sand

-that held them back. However, Jerry drove on like mad, and soon the

-lights of the station came into view.

-

-“What are you going to do with the car?” cried Ned above the noise of

-the motor.

-

-“Leave it with the agent, and have him store it for us,” replied Jerry.

-“I guess we’re in plenty of time, fellows,” he cried with a look at his

-watch. “I thought it was later.”

-

-He stopped the car with a screech of brakes at the station, and jumped

-out.

-

-“You fellows get out the baggage, and I’ll see to the tickets!” he

-cried.

-

-“Don’t leave any of my specimens!” cried the professor.

-

-Jerry rushed up to the ticket agent behind his little barred window.

-

-“Four tickets through to Denver!” exclaimed the tall lad. “On the

-Limited! We’ve got quite some baggage and I’d like to leave our auto in

-your care. We’ll pay you well.”

-

-“The Limited pulled out of here about an hour ago,” said the man.

-“You’re too late.”

-

-“Too late? Why it isn’t nine o’clock yet!” and Jerry looked at his

-watch.

-

-“Guess you must be wrong, friend,” spoke the agent. “That clock is

-standard time for this section of the country.”

-

-Jerry looked at his watch and gave a low whistle.

-

-“By Jove! She’s stopped,” he cried. “That’s it. I forgot to wind my

-watch last night. Oh, what a chump!”

-

-“Then we’ve missed the Limited,” said Ned.

-

-“And Noddy Nixon is ahead of us,” added Bob.

-

-“I’m afraid so,” admitted Jerry, a look of disappointment on his face.

-“Has the local from Belmont gone?” he asked.

-

-“Some time ago,” replied the agent. “She doesn’t stop here. The Limited

-will have passed her by now, though.”

-

-The boys said nothing. They did not know what to do. Their enemy was

-ahead of them, and they were stranded. The professor was calmly looking

-for bugs on the wall of the depot.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XIII

-

-THE PROFESSOR’S LUNCH

-

-

-“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Ned, after a long and rather

-gloomy pause.

-

-“I don’t know,” answered Jerry.

-

-“Might as well go on in the auto,” suggested Bob. “We’ll get to Denver

-to-morrow or next day, won’t we?”

-

-“Oh, yes,” agreed the tall lad, “but Noddy will be a good deal ahead of

-us, even if he is on a slow local. Hang it! Why didn’t I think to wind

-my watch. I meant to, but we had so many things to think about that it

-slipped my mind.”

-

-“Well, there’s no use crying over spilled milk,” consoled Ned. “The

-thing now is to decide what’s best to do. We might have looked at our

-watches.”

-

-The station agent had gone outside to attend to some of his duties,

-leaving the boys and the professor alone in the depot. The scientist

-seemed to have shaken all cares from his shoulders, as he walked about,

-peering through his powerful spectacles for any stray specimens he

-might be able to capture.

-

-“Well, the only thing I see,” spoke Jerry, “is to take the Limited

-to-morrow. We can stay here in town to-night. I guess we’ll go to a

-hotel, for I want to stretch out in bed. Then I can arrange with some

-garage man myself, about looking after the auto, instead of leaving it

-for the station agent to do. But I certainly am sorry we missed that

-train. We’d be ahead of Noddy by this time.”

-

-“It wasn’t your fault any more than it was ours,” spoke Ned. “We ought

-to have looked at our watches, too.”

-

-Bob said nothing. He had strolled over to the far side of the depot

-where there was a lunch counter. But the place was closed by glass

-partitions, through which the food could be seen.

-

-“Just look at Chunky,” said Ned in a low tone.

-

-“Here, come away from there!” called Jerry in a loud voice to his chum.

-“Hands off!”

-

-Bob started.

-

-“Can’t I look at it if I want to?” he asked. “I was seeing if they had

-any nicer stuff than we did in the auto. If they did we might better

-eat here instead of going to the hotel. Supper’ll be over there,

-anyhow.”

-

-“Come away, or you’ll get wireless indigestion,” advised Jerry. “Oh,

-say, I wish I knew what to do,” he added impatiently.

-

-“Guess the only thing is to go to bed and take the first train in the

-morning,” advised Ned.

-

-At that moment a young woman came into the depot. She walked with a

-business-like air, and, advancing to the lunch room, opened the door

-leading into it. Then she began taking down the glass windows that

-closed it off. Bob, who had walked back toward his chums, started for

-the counter again.

-

-“Would you look at Chunky!” remarked Ned again. The stout lad was

-eagerly looking over the collection of food, at the same time casting

-stray glances at the young woman--she was little more than a girl.

-

-“Are--are you going to serve lunch?” asked Bob.

-

-“If anybody wants it--and I hope they do,” was her reply with a bright

-smile, showing two rows of white, even teeth.

-

-“I--I guess I do,” went on Bob, with a half-ashamed glance at his chums.

-

-“Here, Bob! You come away from there!” ordered Ned in a loud voice.

-“Don’t go to bothering the young lady. You mustn’t mind him, miss,”

-went on the joking Ned. “He’s harmless. We’re taking him back to the

-asylum. He just got out to-day--escaped. He thinks he’s always hungry.

-Did he annoy you?” and with a half-fierce air Ned started for Bob.

-

-“No--no, sir, he didn’t say anything out of the way,” replied the girl,

-with a startled air.

-

-“Well, he doesn’t mean anything,” explained Ned without a smile. “He

-always imagines he’s hungry. That’s his peculiar form of insanity. You

-wouldn’t believe it, but he just ate three roast chickens, not half an

-hour ago, and my partner and I have had the hardest work to prevent him

-breaking into your lunch room. Come over here, I say, or we’ll put the

-strait-jacket on you!” ordered Ned to his fat chum.

-

-For a moment Bob could only gasp, he was so surprised. Then he ripped

-out:

-

-“Well of all the nerve! I’ll fix you for that! Don’t you believe him!”

-he went on. “I’m not crazy at all, I’m only hungry.”

-

-“They all say that,” put in Jerry, carrying on the joke.

-

-“Jerry Hopkins!” cried Bob. “I--I’ll----”

-

-He did not say what he would do, for at that moment Professor

-Snodgrass, who had been unsuccessful in his search for insects,

-approached the lunch counter. The girl had started the coffee machine,

-and an aromatic odor filled the waiting room.

-

-“Ah, that smells good!” exclaimed the professor. “I believe I will have

-a cup of coffee, and some sandwiches. Will you join me, boys, as long

-as we have to wait?”

-

-“Yes, do,” urged Bob, and he glanced appealingly at his chums. They did

-not have the heart to plague him further, and with a laugh, at which

-the girl seemed much relieved, Jerry clapped his stout companion on the

-back, and linked arms with him.

-

-“I believe I can take something myself,” spoke Ned. “Bob, you do

-the ordering, and then we’ll go to the hotel, and try to forget our

-troubles in sleep.”

-

-They drew the tall stools up to the marble-topped lunch counter, and

-the girl, evidently much relieved, and pleased at so many customers at

-that hour, began setting out plates, spoons, knifes and other table

-utensils in front of them.

-

-“Chicken pies!” exclaimed Bob, rubbing his hands as he scanned the bill

-of fare. “That sounds good. We’ll start with them.”

-

-“I think I will take some fruit first,” said the professor. “Those

-bananas look tempting,” and he motioned to some under a glass cover.

-

-“Just help yourself to them, please,” invited the lunch girl. “I’ll put

-the chicken pies in the oven to heat.”

-

-Mr. Snodgrass lifted the cover off the bananas, and, as he did so he

-uttered one of his usual cries of delight.

-

-“There it is! There it is!” he exclaimed. “Oh, what a beauty, and such

-a long tail! Oh, I must get that! Look out boys! Don’t let it get away.”

-

-“Oh, what is it?” screamed the girl. “It’s a mouse, I know it is! Oh,

-a mouse! A mouse! Father, come quickly!” and she leaped upon a small

-stool, and thence to the broad shelf back of the lunch counter, while

-Professor Snodgrass clapped a specimen box down over something amid the

-bananas.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XIV

-

-THE WRECK OF THE LIMITED

-

-

-The door of the station opened, and the ticket agent rushed in. At a

-glance he sized up the situation, the girl on the shelf, screaming, the

-excited professor holding his hands over the bananas and three more or

-less startled boys looking on.

-

-“What’s the matter?” demanded the agent. “Mildred, has anything

-happened? Have these people annoyed you?”

-

-“Oh, no, father. It’s a mouse--a mouse in the bananas, but the

-gentleman has captured it. But he acted so queer--he called out so,

-and--and----” She stopped, on the verge of tears.

-

-The agent took a step forward. His manner was rather threatening. Jerry

-saw that it was time to explain at once.

-

-“It’s all right,” he said in a quiet voice. “We did start to have a

-little fun with our friend,” and he nodded at Bob, “but we had no

-intention of annoying the young lady. We----”

-

-“Oh, no, they didn’t annoy me, father,” the girl said earnestly. “It’s

-only the mouse.”

-

-“It isn’t a mouse at all!” broke in the professor. “It is a very rare

-specimen of a long-tailed scorpion and----”

-

-“Oh, a scorpion!” screamed the girl. “That’s worse! Oh, daddy, get a

-poker, or something, and kill the horrid thing. I saw one once, all

-covered with long hairs--a big spider--Ugh!”

-

-“You are thinking of a tarantula, my dear young lady,” said the

-professor calmly. “This is a scorpion, which is entirely different. But

-this species is harmless, I do assure you. It wouldn’t bite a fly. I

-am very fortunate to have captured it. I saw it on the bananas as soon

-as I took off the cover, and I knew I must get it at once, or it would

-escape. There, I have it safe,” and he slid a glass cover on the box,

-and held out to view some sort of an insect, like a crayfish, with an

-extra long tail, which was squirming about under the glass.

-

-“There is the little beauty!” cried the professor with enthusiasm. “It

-is worth at least ten dollars, and I am willing to pay that much to

-whoever owns it,” and he glanced at the girl.

-

-“Ugh! Take the horrid thing away!” she cried. “Are you sure there are

-no more?”

-

-“Not a one. I wish there were,” said the professor, looking carefully

-among the bananas.

-

-“Then I’ll come down,” went on the lunch girl, as she blushingly

-descended. “I’m sorry I made a scene, but I thought it was a mouse.”

-

-“That’s all right,” spoke Jerry gallantly. “It was our fault for

-wanting lunch at this unearthly hour.”

-

-“Oh, I always serve lunch at this time,” spoke the girl. “There’s quite

-a crowd comes in from the Denver Express, and they’re ’most always

-hungry. They’ll be here in about an hour, won’t they, father? Is the

-train on time?”

-

-“About,” replied the agent. “But I don’t exactly understand. Is

-everything all right now?”

-

-“I think so,” said Jerry, and he explained how he and Ned had started

-to have fun with Bob, how they had made up their minds to have a lunch,

-and how Professor Snodgrass had discovered the scorpion amid the

-bananas. He told what a learned man the scientist was, always on the

-lookout for specimens. Uriah Snodgrass was, by this time, painlessly

-preserving his scorpion, and making notes about it, forgetting his

-desire to eat. Not so Bob, however, who was eagerly waiting for the hot

-chicken pies.

-

-The excitement soon quieted down, and matters having been satisfactorily

-explained the ticket agent became very friendly. He told the boys how he

-had secured the privilege of running the lunch counter at the station,

-and how his daughter, after the death of her mother, had taken charge of

-it. By this time the meal was ready, and even the professor sat up and

-ate.

-

-“But I don’t see why you serve meals so late,” said Jerry, for it was

-now after ten o’clock.

-

-“Oh, we have to accommodate the passengers of the Denver Express,”

-explained Miss Harrison, the lunch-girl. “At least they call it an

-express, though it doesn’t go very fast.”

-

-“And it comes from Denver?” asked Ned.

-

-“No, it goes _to_ Denver,” she said.

-

-“To Denver?” cried Jerry.

-

-“Yes, it’s the last train out of here to-night. It gets to Denver

-to-morrow noon, when it’s on time, and that isn’t very often. But there

-are always a lot of travelers who like to stop off here for lunch. The

-train waits ten minutes for a freight to clear. So I always come back

-here after supper to serve a little lunch. I won’t have much left,

-though, if you people come in often,” and with a mischievous look on

-her face she glanced at Bob.

-

-“A train to Denver!” cried Jerry. “That’s good news. I didn’t know

-there were any more. I supposed when we lost the Limited we were

-stranded here for the night. Boys, there’s a chance yet of beating

-Noddy Nixon!” he cried.

-

-“Good!” exclaimed Ned. “Then we’ll do it.”

-

-“Sure--we--blub--ugh--will,” added Bob, his mouth full of chicken pie.

-

-“Then finish up!” ordered Jerry. “We’ll arrange to have the auto left

-here, and take our baggage on with us. In Denver to-morrow noon! That’s

-fine!”

-

-“If you’re on time,” put in the agent. “I meant to tell you about

-that last train, but I had some freight matters to look after, and it

-slipped my mind. She’ll be along here pretty soon. Better get your

-tickets, and have your baggage checked if you’re going.”

-

-“Yes, and we’ve got to attend to our auto,” said Jerry.

-

-“And my specimens!” cried the professor. “I think I will express back

-to the college those I have, and begin on a new lot. Oh, how lucky I am

-to get the long-tailed scorpion!”

-

-“Oh, don’t speak of it!” cried Miss Harrison.

-

-While Ned ran the auto to the nearest garage and arranged to have it

-cared for while the boys were in the West, Jerry and Bob bought the

-tickets for Denver, and had the baggage checked. That is, Jerry did

-most of the work, while Bob paid occasional visits to the lunch counter.

-

-“Say, Bob,” asked Jerry at length. “Is it the girl or the grub that

-you’re fondest of?”

-

-“Ah--er--both!” stammered the fat lad. “Those chicken pies were fine!”

-

-There was some little time to wait after all their preparations were

-made, for the Express was late, as usual, and in the interim the boys

-and the professor struck up quite an acquaintance with Mr. Harrison

-and his daughter. Bob even insisted on buying a lot of sandwiches to

-take along on the train, for he said he might get hungry in the night

-journey to Denver.

-

-“Well, it’s better than staying in town all night,” remarked Jerry,

-when the agent informed him that their train would soon pull in. “But I

-wish we had caught the Limited.”

-

-“Well, maybe we’ll get ahead of Noddy yet,” suggested Ned.

-

-The Express pulled in, and a score of hungry passengers besieged pretty

-Miss Harrison. She waved good-bye to the boys and the professor, and

-then began handing out food. Our friends got aboard, and settled

-themselves comfortably for the trip to Denver. At last they were

-underway again.

-

-Through the night rushed the Express. Jerry and his friends had taken

-sleeping berths, and they stretched out for a long rest, as they were

-tired. There was some regret that Noddy was ahead of them, but this

-could not be helped.

-

-“What do you think Noddy will do when he gets to Denver; if he arrives

-ahead of us?” asked Ned of Jerry, who had the berth below him.

-

-“I don’t know. I hope he doesn’t find out where our airship is, and try

-to damage that.”

-

-“He wouldn’t dare!”

-

-“Oh, Noddy would do anything. Still, there’s no use in worrying until

-we have to.”

-

-“Say, will you boys get quiet and go to sleep?” begged a nervous man

-across the aisle. “I’ve got to get up early.”

-

-“Sorry we disturbed you,” spoke Jerry. “Good-night, Ned.”

-

-“Good-night.”

-

-“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.

-

-There was silence for a moment. Then, from the berth just forward of

-Jerry, came an inquiry.

-

-“Jerry, did you see what I did with that specimen of the long-tailed

-scorpion?”

-

-“Oh, mercy!” screamed a woman from somewhere in the car. “I hate bugs!”

-

-“You expressed it back to the college with the other things, Professor

-Snodgrass,” answered the tall lad.

-

-“Oh, so I did. Good-night.”

-

-“Good-night.”

-

-“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.

-

-There was silence throughout the sleeping car. The train swung on

-through the night, making occasional stops. Then came a long run.

-

-Suddenly there was a grinding of brakes. The train was halted so

-suddenly that many of the passengers slipped down to the ends of their

-berths, all crumpled up. There was a series of shrill whistles.

-

-“What’s the matter?” cried the fussy man. “Are you boys cutting up

-again? Can’t you let a man sleep in peace? I’ve got to get up early!”

-

-“Hello! Hello!” cried the professor. “What is it?”

-

-“I don’t know,” answered Jerry. “It isn’t us, anyhow,” he added, for

-the benefit of the fussy man.

-

-Just then a brakeman came hurrying through the car.

-

-“What’s up?” asked Jerry, poking his head through the curtains of his

-berth.

-

-“Wreck!” was the brief reply. “The Denver Limited, right ahead of us,

-has jumped the track. Our engineer stopped just in time, or we’d have

-been into her.”

-

-“The Limited wrecked!” gasped Jerry. “It’s a good thing, after all,

-that we missed it!”

-

-Then, from somewhere ahead, came screams and cries, and the crash of

-axes on wood.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XV

-

-THE EXPRESS AHEAD

-

-

-“Come on, fellows, tumble out!”

-

-Thus Jerry called to his two chums, but they needed no urging. The

-curtains of their berths were violently shaken as the lads drew on

-their clothes, and leaped out into the aisle.

-

-“Has anything happened?” asked the professor, hardly awake, even after

-his first question.

-

-“Not to us,” answered Jerry. “Our luck seems to have turned. But there

-must be a lot of people badly hurt on the Limited. Come on, we’ll do

-all we can to help.”

-

-Without stopping to dress fully, the three boys hurried out of the

-car. The professor and some of the other men passengers followed, the

-women remaining in frightened and tearful groups, discussing what had

-happened.

-

-Jerry saw a brakeman hurrying from the sleeping car with several tools

-under his arm--an axe, a saw and a crowbar.

-

-“Are passengers imprisoned in the wreck?” asked the tall lad.

-

-“Some of ’em,” was the quick response. “We need all the help we can

-get. There weren’t many on the Limited, and what few there are can’t do

-anything. It’s a good thing her tail lights were burning, or we’d have

-smashed into her. Come along, boys.”

-

-“Say, we’re right in the woods,” remarked Ned as he stumbled along the

-track in the darkness. Ahead of them they could see a glow of flames,

-reflected from the dark trees.

-

-“It’s on fire!” cried Bob.

-

-“That’s why we need all the help we can get to chop the people out!”

-cried the brakeman. “Here, you boys, take those tools, and run ahead

-with ’em. I’ll get more from some of the other cars.”

-

-Jerry caught up a saw, Ned the iron bar and Bob the axe.

-

-“Isn’t there anything for me?” demanded the professor, who was anxious

-to help.

-

-“You’ll find more tools up ahead!” shouted the brakeman, with a wave of

-his hand toward the blazing wreck. “Hurry!”

-

-The screams and cries of the injured could be heard more plainly now,

-and the fire was burning brighter. The three boys hastened their pace,

-and Jerry headed for one car, around which most of the rescuers were

-grouped.

-

-“Here’s work for us, fellows!” he cried.

-

-“That’s right!” shouted a brakeman. “Get busy!”

-

-The motor boys could see the havoc wrought by the wreck. The engine lay

-on its side, down a slight embankment, and one car--a combined mail and

-express coach--had followed. The other cars were on the track, with the

-exception of one, which had fallen on its side, and was partly smashed.

-It was from this coach that the cries were proceeding, but fortunately

-that was not the car that was burning. The one on fire was an express

-car.

-

-“There are people imprisoned in this car!” cried the conductor of the

-train, who was directing operations. “Chop and saw away at the windows,

-so we can get ’em out! Lively now, everybody!”

-

-“But the fire!” cried a man, pointing to the express car. “Hadn’t we

-better try to put that out?”

-

-“Can’t be done,” replied the conductor briefly. “We have no water.”

-

-“But the poor souls----” cried the man.

-

-“None in there,” was the quick answer. “The express messenger got out,

-and the stuff will have to burn. All the people in danger are in this

-car, and we’ve got to get ’em out. There’s no danger from the fire. It

-will have to burn out. Lively now!”

-

-The boys fell to with a will, as did the other passengers from the

-wrecked Limited and from the Express. Several of the unfortunates had

-already been rescued, and were being laid on the cushioned car seats,

-or carried back to the rear train.

-

-“Here’s someone under this window!” cried Jerry, as in the darkness,

-illuminated by the glow from the fire, he saw a white hand tapping on

-the glass, that had, through some strange agency, not broken.

-

-“Chop ’em out!” cried Bob, raising his axe.

-

-“Go easy there!” yelled Jerry. “You’ll do more harm than good!” The

-tall lad tapped on the pane, and a face was thrust close to it.

-

-“Protect yourself from the flying glass,” ordered Jerry. “We’re going

-to break it, and pull you out. Cover yourself up.”

-

-A few taps with the axe served to shatter the pane, after Jerry had

-noticed that the dim figure wrapped itself in a blanket, for this car

-was a sleeper. Soon the hole was big enough to haul out a fairly large

-person, and Jerry and Ned carefully scraped away the jagged points of

-glass.

-

-“Come on now!” cried Jerry, thrusting his hands down into the opening.

-“We’ll lift you out!”

-

-He caught hold of the wrist of someone, and Ned the other hand. They

-lifted, and there came into view a little girl, with light, curly hair.

-She did not seem to have a scratch on her, but she was crying from

-fright. As soon as Jerry had her in his arms she screamed out:

-

-“Oh, where is mamma--and papa?”

-

-A man came bursting through the crowd at the sound of the child’s voice.

-

-“Oh, Gladys! Thank the dear Lord!” he cried, fairly snatching her from

-Jerry. “You are saved! I thought you were gone! Your mamma is safe.

-Come. Oh, boys, I can’t thank you enough! You have saved my little

-daughter.”

-

-“And the glass didn’t cut me!” cried Gladys. “I was in a blanket. But,

-papa, I can’t go. Annabell is in there.”

-

-“What, another little girl!” cried Jerry. “Come on, boys. More work!”

-

-“Annabell is my doll!” explained Gladys, smiling now in her father’s

-arms. “But I want her. I love her.”

-

-Jerry looked in through the broken window. In a pile of blankets, on

-what had been a berth, he saw what seemed to be a tousled head of hair.

-Reaching in his arm he pulled out a big doll, minus one leg.

-

-“Oh, poor Annabell is hurt!” cried Gladys. “Oh, papa!”

-

-“Never mind, you shall have a dozen dolls. Boys, I can’t begin to

-thank you! Montrose is my name, James Montrose, of Denver. I’ll see you

-again. I want your names. Now I must take Gladys to her mother. Mrs.

-Montrose is slightly injured. Oh, what a terrible wreck!”

-

-He hurried away, and Jerry and his chums looked for more work to do.

-But, so well had the rescue operations been conducted that, as far as

-could be learned, not another soul remained in the wrecked sleeper.

-From the other cars the passengers had hastened themselves, or been

-helped, after the crash, bruises and cuts being their worst injuries.

-

-And, strange as it may seem, no one was killed outright, though several

-were grievously hurt. The wounded had been carried back to the stalled

-Express, and made as comfortable as possible. Fortunately, there was a

-doctor aboard, and a supply of bandages and medicine. The conductor of

-the wrecked Limited checked over his passenger list, and reported no

-one missing.

-

-“I think everyone is out now, gentlemen,” he said to Jerry and his

-chums, and the little group of rescuers.

-

-“Then I suppose we must wait here until the wrecking crew comes,” said

-one man.

-

-“No,” answered the conductor, “we will go back, and get aboard the

-Express, just behind us. There is a switch, not far away, and we can

-go around the wreck, and proceed to Denver, though we’ll stop at the

-nearest hospital with the worst wounded.”

-

-“On to Denver!” exclaimed Jerry. “Then we’ll beat the Limited after

-all. We’re going on ahead.”

-

-“Yes, but Noddy is still in front of us,” spoke Ned in a low voice.

-“We’ll never catch up to him.”

-

-“It can’t be helped,” remarked Bob. “Say, but we run into excitement

-and adventures when we least expect it.”

-

-“That’s better than running into a wreck,” replied Jerry. “Hello,

-here’s someone evidently forgotten!”

-

-The boys and Professor Snodgrass were walking back toward the Express,

-and were somewhat by themselves, when Jerry noticed the figure of a man

-lying on a pile of seat cushions on the railroad embankment.

-

-“Let’s carry him back to the doctor!” cried Ned, and he advanced to

-take hold of one corner of the seat, which was like an improvised

-stretcher. The man on it never moved.

-

-“We four can carry it nicely,” said Jerry. “Catch hold here, Professor.”

-

-Mr. Snodgrass used one hand to reach for the corner of the

-plush-covered seat. His left he held clenched, some distance away from

-his body. As might have been expected, with only one hand, he could

-not lift his corner.

-

-“What’s the matter?” asked Ned. “Is your hand hurt, Mr. Snodgrass?”

-

-“Hand hurt? No. Why?”

-

-“You’re not using it. Why do you hold it that funny way?”

-

-“Funny way? I--er--bless my soul! It’s my collar button. I’ve been

-holding my collar button all this while. I started to put it in my

-shirt when I heard the call for help, and I guess I was so excited and

-absent-minded that I’ve been holding it ever since. I wondered why I

-couldn’t do more work, and all the while it was because I only used one

-hand. The other held the collar button. How stupid!”

-

-He thrust the button into his pocket, while the boys could hardly

-restrain a smile. Then, with the professor’s two-handed aid, the

-sufferer on the seat was carried to the rear. He had fainted from a

-comparatively slight injury and was soon being cared for.

-

-A little later, with all the wounded from the Limited on board, and all

-the other passengers squeezed in somehow, the Express backed up, went

-around the wreck by means of a switch, and headed for Denver.

-

-The boys were beating the Limited, which they had missed, but they

-would reach the Western city considerably in the rear of Noddy Nixon

-for all that, since the Limited could not now pass the local train on

-which the bully and his cronies were riding.

-

-“Well, it can’t be helped,” remarked Jerry, as he saw Mr. Montrose,

-whose little daughter they had rescued, caring for his wife. Gladys was

-happy with her injured doll.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XVI

-

-THE AIRSHIP GONE

-

-

-Stopping in the early dawn at a good-sized city, the wounded from the

-Express were taken to a hospital for treatment. Though Mrs. Montrose

-was not seriously hurt her husband decided that she also had better

-stop off, instead of making the trip to Denver. Accordingly, after

-having bidden the boys good-bye, giving them his address in the Western

-city, and telling them he expected to see them there, Mr. Montrose got

-off the train.

-

-“And I’m much obliged to you, too,” said little Gladys. “So Annabell

-would be, if she could talk, and I guess she doesn’t mind her leg being

-off--that is, not very much, for she’s been asleep most of the time,

-and when you sleep you don’t feel any pain.”

-

-“I guess that’s right,” agreed Jerry with a smile.

-

-The Express went on, but it was much behind time, and had to proceed

-necessarily slower each hour, on account of the wreck, for all the

-railroad schedules were set awry.

-

-“But we’ll get there some time,” observed Jerry, though naturally he

-was nervous about what Noddy might do to get to Snake Island ahead of

-them.

-

-Noon saw our friends still quite a distance away from Denver, and they

-fretted over the delay. They ate dinner at a way-station lunch counter,

-and, though Professor Snodgrass looked eagerly among the bananas for

-more rare specimens, he found none.

-

-“But if I get my two-tailed toad I’ll not want anything else,” he said,

-as they got underway again.

-

-It was late that afternoon, when they reached Denver, and went at once

-to a hotel, for a good bath and a change of clothing, for they had

-brought their big valises with them on the train.

-

-“And now for a good hot meal!” cried Bob, as, much refreshed the chums

-sat together in the hotel parlor. “Railroad lunches are all right, even

-when a pretty girl serves ’em, but I want to sit down to a table where

-I can eat as long as I like.”

-

-“And as much,” added Jerry. “But I guess we’ll have to postpone our

-eating for a while, Bob,” and the tall lad winked at Ned.

-

-“Postpone it!” cried the fat youth. “Why?”

-

-“Well, we ought to go out to Buffalo Park, and look after our

-airship,” went on Jerry. The _Comet_, so Mr. Glassford had written

-them, was left at one of the hangars in Buffalo Park, where the aero

-meet had been held. The craft had not been taken apart for shipment

-back east, but had, in accordance with the instructions of the motor

-boys, been kept in readiness for a quick flight. A watchman, named

-Boise, had been left in charge, and Mr. Glassford had told him that

-Jerry and his chums would soon be on hand to claim their property.

-

-“Go to Buffalo Park!” exclaimed Bob blankly. “Why, that’s about seven

-miles out. It will take more than two hours to go there and back, and

-look at the _Comet_. That will make supper awfully late. I guess she’s

-all right. Can’t we wait until to-morrow, Jerry?”

-

-“Well, that’s what I was going to propose,” remarked the tall lad,

-after what to Bob was a painful pause. “I guess we’re all too tired to

-chase out there, and our airship will probably be all right. I tried to

-see if I could get Boise on the ’phone, but I couldn’t.”

-

-“We’ll go out there the first thing in the morning!” decided Bob, with

-a look of relief on his face. “Now, I’m going to the dining-room, and

-look at the bill of fare.”

-

-“Don’t eat it,” advised Ned with a laugh.

-

-“No danger. I’m not going to spoil my appetite,” declared the fat one.

-“I never had a better.”

-

-“Then don’t say anything about it, or they’ll raise the rate on us,”

-cautioned Jerry. “Jove, but I’m tired!” and he stretched out in an easy

-chair, while Ned took another, and Bob strolled toward the dining-room,

-to find out how soon supper would be served.

-

-“And we didn’t hear anything of Noddy,” remarked Ned, after a pause.

-

-“Nor see anything,” added Jerry. “I inquired at the station, and they

-told me the local, which Noddy and the others must have taken, got in

-early this morning. He was several hours ahead of us if he was on that,

-and he probably was.”

-

-Bright and early the next morning they were on their way to Buffalo

-Park. The place of the aero meet was deserted, and the hangars looked

-gloomy in the big expanse of open field.

-

-“Wonder which is ours?” ventured Ned, as he and his chums alighted from

-the trolley car.

-

-“There it is,” remarked Jerry, pointing to a big shed with the word

-“COMET” in large letters across the big doors.

-

-“And now for a good flight!” cried Bob. “No more train wrecks for

-ours. Off for Snake Island and the radium!”

-

-“And my two-tailed toad,” added Professor Snodgrass, looking carefully

-on the ground as he advanced for a possible rare specimen.

-

-The boys found the hangar, where their craft was housed, closed and

-locked. They pounded on the doors, and Jerry remarked:

-

-“This is odd.”

-

-“Why?” asked Bob.

-

-“Because Mr. Glassford said he had instructed Boise to just live out

-here until we came--not to go away at all. And yet he isn’t here.”

-

-“Maybe he didn’t expect us, and has gone to town for supplies,”

-suggested Ned.

-

-“In that case, as Mr. Glassford wrote, he was to have a friend on

-guard. Yet no one seems to be here.”

-

-“Maybe he’s asleep,” ventured Bob.

-

-Jerry kicked on the door, with enough force to awaken the soundest

-sleeper, but there was no response from inside. Suddenly, from the

-fields back of the boys came a hail.

-

-“Hey! What are you fellows doing at that hangar? Get away!”

-

-A man came running toward them. He seemed quite angry.

-

-“Get away!” he ordered.

-

-“Who are you?” asked Jerry, a sudden fear coming into his heart.

-

-“I’m the watchman--Boise is my name--but I’m on my way to Denver now.”

-

-“Why?” faltered Ned.

-

-“Because there’s nothing more here to watch. My job is ended. But who

-are you fellows, anyhow; and what do you want here?”

-

-“We’re the owners of the _Comet_,” replied Jerry, “and we came for our

-airship, that Mr. Glassford left with you.”

-

-“The--the owners!” gasped Mr. Boise. “Are you the motor boys?”

-

-“We are!” cried Ned. “Where is the _Comet_?”

-

-“It’s gone--gone!” faltered the watchman.

-

-“Gone; where?” Jerry wanted to know.

-

-“I delivered it to a young fellow named Noddy Nixon last night,”

-answered Mr. Boise. “He had a letter from Mr. Glassford, and one

-signed Jerry Hopkins, saying he had been sent to bring the airship to

-you--said you couldn’t get this far, as there was a wreck.”

-

-“Noddy--Nixon--has--our--airship!” gasped Jerry. “Fellows, he got ahead

-of us after all!”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XVII

-

-AN UNEXPECTED OFFER

-

-

-Blank amazement, despair, fear and anger showed on the faces of the

-motor boys, as they looked at one another and then at the watchman,

-Boise. The latter, no less than our heroes, was startled. He saw at

-once that something was wrong.

-

-“And you let the airship go--our _Comet_?” asked Jerry, as if he could

-not believe the words.

-

-“I did. I thought it was all right. This Noddy Nixon said he was a

-friend of yours, and he had two letters. They were orders on me to give

-up the airship, and, as I was expecting you any day, I thought it was

-the thing to do. Here are the orders now,” and he pulled two pieces of

-paper from his pocket.

-

-“Let’s see ’em!” exclaimed Jerry eagerly.

-

-Bob and Ned looked over his shoulder as the tall lad read. Clearly

-enough the letters purported to be orders on Boise for the delivery

-of the _Comet_. But it needed only a glance to show that they were

-forgeries.

-

-“I never signed that letter!” cried Jerry wrathfully. “I might have

-known Noddy would be up to some trick like this.”

-

-“And that isn’t Mr. Glassford’s writing, either,” added Ned. “I have

-a letter from him in my pocket, explaining where he would leave the

-_Comet_ for us,” and he pulled out the epistle, comparing it with the

-one Boise had handed over. Though there was some similarity between

-the two signatures, the boys could easily see that the order for

-the airship had been forged. There was no question as to the letter

-purporting to be signed by Jerry. That signature was not a bit like his.

-

-“And yet these don’t look as if Noddy wrote them,” spoke Jerry, as he

-scanned the forged documents. “He couldn’t write as firm a hand as

-this.”

-

-“I shouldn’t be surprised but what that former college teacher did it,”

-suggested Professor Snodgrass. “He has probably added forgery to his

-other accomplishments. Let me take a look. I don’t know his writing,

-but I can tell an educated hand.”

-

-The professor looked carefully at the two documents, and said it was

-very evident that Dr. Belgrade had written them.

-

-“It is too finished a hand to have been penned by a lad like Noddy

-Nixon,” declared Uriah Snodgrass. “Probably Noddy did not feel equal

-to that part of the work, and got his crony to attempt it.”

-

-“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “But what did they do with the

-airship, Mr. Boise?”

-

-“Took her away, and right from in front of my face. Oh, I was a ninny

-to stand there and see ’em do it!”

-

-“It wasn’t your fault,” declared Jerry. “Almost anyone would have given

-up the craft, after receiving two such orders as these. But where did

-they go?”

-

-“That I can’t say. They seemed in very much of a hurry, and, after I

-had unlocked the big doors, and opened ’em, they wheeled the _Comet_

-out, and started her up. She ran beautifully, too, for Mr. Glassford

-had told me to keep her ready for a quick flight, and I did. There was

-plenty of gasolene in the tanks, and she was fit for a big journey.”

-

-“Were there three of them?” asked Bob.

-

-“Yes, the young fellow, who the others called Noddy, a rough sort of a

-chap, and a slick-looking man.”

-

-“Bill Berry and Dr. Belgrade, all right,” commented Ned.

-

-“Did you hear them say where they were going?” asked Jerry.

-

-“No, they didn’t talk much. Just a few words. They seemed to know how

-to work the machinery, and I never had a suspicion that anything was

-wrong. I did ask ’em where they expected to meet you boys, and Noddy

-said somewhere outside of Denver.”

-

-“I guess that part was the only true thing he said,” remarked Jerry

-grimly. “And when we do meet him, outside of Denver, or anywhere else,

-well----”

-

-He did not finish, but there was a stern look on his face.

-

-“Which way did they head, as they started off?” asked Ned, seeking for

-possible clews.

-

-“I couldn’t say,” replied Boise. “I watched ’em until they got high in

-the air, and then they got beyond my sight. I haven’t very good eyes,

-so I couldn’t say where they did head for.”

-

-“Did they take any provisions along?” Bob wanted to know, and this time

-his chums did not laugh at him, for they realized the wisdom of his

-question.

-

-“None that I saw,” replied the watchman. “And there were none in the

-airship.”

-

-“Then they can’t go very far!” cried Bob. “Fellows, we’ve got to get

-right after ’em. They’ll have to come down to feed, and that will be

-our chance.”

-

-“But how can we get after ’em?” asked Jerry. “On foot? Our airship is

-gone, and our auto is hundreds of miles away. How are we going to do

-it?”

-

-“That’s so,” agreed Bob, much downcast.

-

-“An airship is what we need,” commented Ned, “and that’s out of the

-question.”

-

-“There were plenty here a while ago,” remarked the watchman, “but

-they’ve been taken away since the meet. Oh, I’m so sorry I let those

-fellows fool me!”

-

-“You couldn’t help it,” declared Jerry kindly. “Now it’s up to us to

-get busy, and make Noddy pay for the trouble he has caused us. Come on,

-boys. We’ll get back to the hotel, and talk it over. Something has got

-to be done.”

-

-“Yes,” agreed Professor Snodgrass, “we must get to Snake Island before

-they do, or they may get the only two-tailed toad that is there.”

-

-“And, naturally, they’ll get all the radium,” spoke Ned.

-

-“I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything more for you,” said Boise. “I just

-came out this morning, after closing the hangar up last night, to get a

-few things I’d left behind. My work here is done, and I’m looking for a

-new job. If I could help you I would.”

-

-“I’m afraid you can’t,” replied Jerry, and, parting from Boise, they

-started for the trolley that would take them back to their hotel. They

-were sad and discouraged. After all their hard work and preparations,

-to be thus beaten by Noddy and his plotters! It was the worst of bad

-luck.

-

-“Gentleman here to see you,” remarked the hotel clerk when they went

-up to the desk to get the keys to their adjoining rooms. “He’s in the

-reading-room now, I think. Said he’d wait a little while for you.”

-

-“Who is he?” asked Ned eagerly.

-

-“He didn’t leave his name. Front!” he called to one of the bell boys,

-“tell that gentleman with the tall hat, in the reading-room, that the

-young gentlemen he was asking for have come in now.”

-

-“Yes, sir!” exclaimed the lad whose coat was a mass of buttons.

-

-“We’ll go in the reading-room, and talk to him,” suggested Jerry,

-wondering who their visitor could be. As the three lads entered the

-apartment they saw a familiar figure at the far end.

-

-“Mr. Montrose!” exclaimed Ned, as he recognized the father of little

-Gladys, whom they had rescued from the wreck.

-

-“Oh, boys! I’m glad to see you!” cried Mr. Montrose. “I’ve been

-inquiring at half the hotels in Denver for you. I came on with my wife

-a while ago. She is much better, and as soon as I got home with her she

-insisted that I look you up. Gladys wants to see you also, and, as I

-forgot in the excitement to ask what hotel you were going to stop at,

-though I heard you say you were coming to this city, and as I mislaid

-your cards, the only way I had to find you was to describe you to the

-different hotel clerks. But at last I found you. I’m so glad! I want

-you to come out to my house at once.”

-

-Then, as if struck by something in the lads’ faces the gentleman asked:

-

-“Why, what is the matter? Has anything happened?”

-

-“Yes, there has!” exclaimed Bob impulsively. “Our airship has been

-taken by Noddy Nixon,” and then, in a few brief words the boys told of

-what had happened.

-

-“And so he got ahead of you, after all,” commented Mr. Montrose, “and

-flew away in your airship?”

-

-“Yes, and we want to chase him, for he can’t get very far, but we

-haven’t anything to do it in,” remarked Ned.

-

-“We need another airship,” added Jerry.

-

-“Another airship!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “How big a one? Would a

-biplane, carrying three, answer?”

-

-“Would it?” cried Jerry. “It certainly would! Even if we couldn’t take

-any provisions along for Chunky. But where could we get one on such

-short notice?”

-

-“From me!” suddenly exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “Boys, I’ve been wondering

-how I could reward you for what you did for me--saving my daughter. I

-knew it would have to be something out of the ordinary. And this gives

-me just the chance I want. I’ll provide you with an aeroplane, so you

-can chase after Noddy Nixon!”

-

-“But we need it right away!” cried Jerry. “There isn’t time to have one

-made.”

-

-“Oh, that’s all right. I have one that’s in perfect order, if you can

-believe the man who made it. And it has flown recently, so it ought to

-go now. You can start this afternoon, I guess. Come and sit down, and

-I’ll tell you all about it,” and Mr. Montrose led the boys toward a

-quiet corner of the reading-room.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XVIII

-

-ON THE TRAIL

-

-

-“How in the world does it happen that you have an airship, just when

-one is most needed?” asked Jerry, as he and his chums seated themselves

-near Mr. Montrose.

-

-“I admit it does sound like a fairy story,” said that gentleman with a

-smile, “but I assure you it is all plain facts. I am not an aviator,

-nor am I a dealer in airships. I’m a banker here in Denver. The quiet

-life for mine. I’d no more think of going up in an airship than I would

-of putting on a diver’s outfit, and going to the bottom of the sea. And

-yet I own what I am told is one of the best biplanes made. You see, it

-was this way:

-

-“When we had this meet, for aeroplanes and balloons out in Buffalo

-Park, there were a number of cranks, as there always are at an affair

-of that kind.

-

-“Some of them came to me, with plans for airships that I could easily

-see would never fly. Others seemed to have good ideas. They all wanted

-money to build their craft.

-

-“There was one young fellow who seemed to have a plan for a good sort

-of airship, and I took quite a notion to him. I got an engineer to look

-over the drawings, and, on his report, I advanced the money for the

-young man to build his biplane. It was a success from the start, and he

-made several preliminary flights, and won some prizes in the meet.

-

-“Then he met with an accident, and not, as you might suppose, while up

-in the air. He was coming to the park one day to give an exhibition

-flight, when he was struck by a trolley car, and so badly injured that

-he died in a few days. That left me with a first-class airship on my

-hands, for I took it away from the grounds, and had it stored in my

-barn.

-

-“That’s how it happens that I have a biplane in good working order,

-and if it is of any service to you boys, you are welcome to her. I’d

-do anything for you, after what you did for me and I hope that you can

-make use of this craft.”

-

-“It is very kind of you to offer it to us,” spoke Jerry, “and I think

-it will be just the thing we need. Of course we don’t know anything

-about the engine, or how the biplane will sail, nor how fast. But I’m

-sure it will help us in our hunt for Noddy Nixon.”

-

-“Then suppose you come out to my place and look her over,” suggested

-Mr. Montrose. “I have my auto out in front, and it won’t take long to

-get to my house. Besides, I want you boys to pay me a visit, anyhow.

-Get your baggage from the hotel, and be my guests.”

-

-The boys could not refuse. They paid their bill at the hotel, and had

-their baggage taken to Mr. Montrose’s fine big house. As soon as the

-professor arrived there, he hurried out to a fish pond, with a small

-net, and was not seen again until night, when he came in with more

-specimens.

-

-As for the boys, their first visit was to the barn where the airship

-was stored. Mr. Montrose went with them, and he smiled in appreciation

-at what the three chums said.

-

-For perhaps two minutes they examined it carefully, Jerry paying

-particular attention to the engine. Then Bob burst out with:

-

-“Well, it’s not so bad. I see a place where we can fasten a box on to

-carry some lunch.”

-

-“Trust Chunky for that,” murmured Ned.

-

-“The engine is powerful,” was Jerry’s opinion, “and the propellers are

-well made. She has speed all right.”

-

-“And she’ll carry the three of us,” added Ned. “Of course we’ll have to

-come down after every trip of about a hundred miles, for she doesn’t

-carry gasolene for much more than that. But we can chase Noddy in

-‘century’ stretches, and gasolene is easy to get around here. I say,

-let’s take her, and have a try.”

-

-“We can stop for lunch anywhere if we happen to run short,” proposed

-Bob.

-

-“If you say lunch again, I’ll make you eat an onion!” cried Jerry,

-knowing how Bob hated them.

-

-“Do you think it will do?” asked Mr. Montrose, full of interest in the

-project of the motor boys.

-

-“Do? It’s just fine!” cried Ned. “We can’t thank you enough.”

-

-“It is I who am in your debt,” spoke the banker. “You are welcome to

-the machine. I don’t know anything about them, and you may be taking a

-big risk to run it, but I hope not.”

-

-“Oh, she’ll run all right,” answered Jerry, looking over the craft with

-a critical eye. “We’ll give it a try-out now.”

-

-The professor being engaged in capturing specimens, the boys had the

-test to themselves. They wheeled the aeroplane out in a big field,

-and, after trying the engine, and finding that it worked almost to

-perfection, got ready for a flight. Mr. Montrose and his wife, who

-could sit up in an easy chair, and Gladys, with her wounded doll,

-watched the lads from a safe distance.

-

-“Of course this isn’t like our _Comet_,” said Jerry to his chums.

-“It’s just a straight aeroplane, and if the engine stops we’ve got to

-volplane down. But I think she’ll enable us to get on Noddy’s trail.

-We’ll go up for a short flight, and then if she’s all right, we’ll

-start out, and go as far as we can before dark.”

-

-“Which way?” asked Bob.

-

-“Toward the Grand Canyon,” answered Jerry. “That’s where Noddy and his

-crew will head for.”

-

-“Get busy then!” cried Ned. “We’re on Noddy’s trail once more!”

-

-Our motor boys were too experienced hands with all forms of airships

-to have much trouble with the fine one the unfortunate young man had

-perfected. It worked perfectly, and carried the three with ease. Of

-course it was nothing like the _Comet_, and could remain aloft but a

-comparatively short time. But it was a great help in an emergency.

-

-The lads soared upward, circled around over Mr. Montrose’s house, and

-then started straight away. They covered several miles and returned.

-

-“Now for the chase!” cried Jerry grimly, as they made a descent.

-

-“Oh, what wonderful boys!” cried Mrs. Montrose. “You are so daring!”

-

-“No danger at all,” Ned assured her.

-

-It did not take them long to pack a few articles of clothing, a light

-lunch and a few other necessaries on the aeroplane, which they named

-the _Chaser_. They planned to travel as far as they could before dark,

-and then stop at some hotel or farmhouse over night. In the morning

-they would renew the pursuit of Noddy. Professor Snodgrass was to

-remain at the Montrose home, seeking specimens, and the boys promised

-to call back for him when they had succeeded in their quest, or had

-proved to their own satisfaction that they could not catch Noddy.

-

-“But we’ll get him!” cried Ned, as he and his companions took their

-places in the _Chaser_.

-

-“Come back to Annabell and me!” cried Gladys after them.

-

-“We will,” promised Bob.

-

-There was the clattering racket of the explosions in the cylinders.

-The big propellers whizzed around with terrific force. The biplane

-trembled, and then began to roll slowly across the smooth lawn on her

-bicycle wheels.

-

-“Good luck!” cried Mr. Montrose.

-

-His wife and daughter waved their hands to the motor boys.

-

-A moment later the stanch little machine rose into the air, and soared

-away over the treetops on the quest after the unprincipled bully who

-had taken away the _Comet_.

-

-“Now we’re on his trail!” cried Bob, as he looked to see that the

-lunch basket was securely fastened.

-

-“I hope we catch him soon,” murmured Jerry, as he grasped the

-steering-wheel with a firmer grip, and peered ahead for a glimpse of

-their own beloved craft.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XIX

-

-A DESPERATE RACE

-

-

-From Denver to that part of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado in Arizona

-where Snake Island might be located, the distance is about five hundred

-miles. Jerry had calculated this before starting, and he had told his

-chums that there was a chance of catching Noddy before the latter could

-reach the great gash in the earth that represented the canyon.

-

-“For I don’t believe Noddy is going to be very expert in managing our

-_Comet_,” commented the tall lad. “He may know how to run an ordinary

-aeroplane, but when he gets mixed up with our dirigible balloon he’ll

-come a cropper, sooner or later.”

-

-“Make it later,” advised Bob. “We don’t want him smashing our airship

-with any croppers.”

-

-“Oh, I don’t know that he’ll take a tumble,” went on Jerry, “only he

-won’t know how to run her so as to get the best speed out of her. That

-means that he’ll be longer than he thinks he’ll be in getting to the

-canyon, and we’ll have a chance to catch up to him, even if he has a

-good start.”

-

-“I wonder what he’ll do, if he does get to the canyon?” asked Ned, as,

-in response to a sign from Jerry, he adjusted the carburetor so as to

-give the engine a richer mixture.

-

-“Why, he’ll hover over it, the same as we would, I suppose,” replied

-the tall lad, “and try to pick out Snake Island. He doesn’t know

-exactly where it is, any more than we do, but I guess there aren’t many

-islands in that part of the river, and so he won’t have much trouble

-picking it out. The only thing for us to do is to get there first.”

-

-“Can we do it with this machine?” asked Ned.

-

-“Well, it’s a pretty good craft,” replied Jerry, as he turned on more

-power, and did various evolutions in the air to ascertain how the

-_Chaser_ responded to the helm. “Of course she isn’t as speedy as the

-_Comet_, but she might be, with Noddy tinkering with our machinery, and

-not getting the best out of it. We’ve got to take our chance.”

-

-The _Chaser_ was indeed a fine craft of her class, and soon the motor

-boys were high in the air, sailing in an almost direct south-western

-direction from Denver, to reach the Colorado.

-

-For several miles they proceeded in a straight line, at a height of

-about a mile, as this gave them a good view ahead, unobstructed by any

-clouds which would have hampered them had they gone higher. But the

-clear air held not a speck that might be taken for the missing _Comet_.

-The boys strained their eyes in vain. They were making good time, and

-the wind cut into their faces, for there was no protection as in the

-comfortable cabin of their own craft.

-

-“Don’t you think you might slow up a bit?” suggested Bob after a while.

-

-“Why?” inquired Jerry.

-

-“Because it’s ’most lunch time, and--er--well, you know you can hardly

-breathe if you open your mouth going at this speed, and if we try to

-eat any sandwiches we may get choked. So if you slowed up----”

-

-“All right, Chunky, enough said!” cried Ned. “Slow up, Jerry, I’m

-hungry too.”

-

-Accordingly the _Chaser_ was brought down to a speed that just kept her

-afloat, and Bob opened the lunch basket. It was no novelty for the boys

-to dine while high in the air, but it was rather more inconvenient in

-an open aeroplane than in the _Comet_. Still they managed.

-

-They spent the afternoon going straight on, or circling about at times

-to cover a wider area, but with all their looking, and peering through

-powerful binoculars, they had no glimpse of the craft they sought. It

-was beginning to get dusk, and Jerry suggested that they had better go

-down, and seek a resting place for the night.

-

-“There’s no use flying after dark,” he said, “and we can pick out a

-better landing place if we do it now, than if we wait until later.”

-

-They were flying over a rather lonesome section of the country just

-then, and no houses were in sight. But, a little later, Jerry picked

-out a small cabin in the midst of a clearing in the woods, and said:

-

-“I guess this will do as well as anything. It doesn’t look very big,

-but we can sleep out-doors if we have to.”

-

-Jerry tilted the deflecting rudder, and the craft gracefully swooped

-down toward the earth. While yet a little distance from the ground the

-boys were surprised to see a tall, lank man, followed by a woman and

-several children, rush from the cabin, and take refuge behind a pile

-of wood. Then, as the airship came to a stop, after running across the

-ground on the bicycle wheels, a rifle was poked over the top of the

-logs, held unwaveringly on the three lads, while a voice drawled out:

-

-“Hold on, strangers! I may not be able to manage one of them consarned

-flippity-flop shebangs, but I’m a tolerable good shot with this gun,

-and she goes off on a hair trigger. So if you don’t want to be made

-into coffee strainers, git!”

-

-“Why, what’s the matter?” asked Jerry. “We don’t mean anything, we only

-want----”

-

-“Ye can’t fool me!” cried the voice of the man who held the gun. As for

-himself he was hidden by the wood. “Ye can’t come none of them games on

-me. Keep hid, ’Mandy, an’ don’t let the children stick their heads up.

-I’ll drive these pirates off.”

-

-“What do you take us for?” asked Jerry, in surprise.

-

-“Kidnappers--that’s what! I’ve read about ye in the papers. Kidnappers,

-an’ bomb throwers, that’s what ye be. They had a exhibition over in

-Denver, an’ the papers told how they dropped bombs from them airships,

-an’ how they took children up in ’em. Ye can’t do that here. I’ve got

-nine, an’ I want every one. Keep hid, ’Mandy.”

-

-“I guess you’re mistaken,” spoke Jerry with a laugh, which was a bit

-forced on account of the gun that seemed pointed directly at him.

-“We are neither bomb throwers nor kidnappers. I don’t know how the

-papers could have said that anything like that was done at the Denver

-exhibition. Of course there may have been some bomb-dropping contests,

-but only harmless chalk balls were used, and, as for children, I never

-heard of any being taken up in an aeroplane.”

-

-“Ye know you didn’t read it yourse’f, pap,” interposed a woman’s voice

-from behind the wood pile.

-

-“Well, Gabe Ralston were tellin’ me about it, an’ I reckon he can

-read,” declared the man.

-

-“Now don’t be silly, pap!” went on the woman. “I’m sure them young men

-look harmless.”

-

-“I assure you we are!” cried Jerry, and he quickly told why they were

-on the wing, and how they had happened to come down. “We’d like shelter

-and a meal, and are willing to pay for it,” he concluded.

-

-At the mention of “pay,” the gun was at once withdrawn, and, after a

-moment of whispered conversation between the man and his wife, the

-former came out, looking rather ashamed of his action. He left his gun

-behind.

-

-“Well, strangers,” he said, “I guess maybe it’s all right. I have

-to be cautious, you know, livin’ all alone as I do, with a wife an’

-nine children t’ protect. Come out, ’Mandy,” he called, and a woman,

-followed by the nine youngsters, ranging in sizes like a “pair of

-stairs,” came from behind the wood pile.

-

-The children, once they saw that no immediate harm was intended,

-gathered about the airship, as did the man and his wife. Soon there

-was a feeling of confidence and friendship, and the woman at once set

-about getting a meal. Jerry and his chums told how the craft worked,

-and the solitary farmer was much interested. He admitted that all he

-knew about airships was what Gabe Ralston had told him.

-

-“An’ Gabe can’t read over’n above well,” the man added.

-

-There was hardly room for the boys to sleep in the small cabin, and so,

-after a generous supper, they were given blankets, and made their beds

-out of doors. The night was a fine one, and they slept well. Jerry’s

-generous payment for the accommodation brought a storm of protest from

-the man and his wife the next morning. But the tall lad said:

-

-“Oh, that’s not too much, but if you think it is----”

-

-“Have ’em put us up a lunch,” suggested Bob in a hoarse whisper.

-

-“Chunky suggests a lunch,” finished the tall lad with a smile, and the

-woman hastened to fill the basket.

-

-For the rest of that day the motor boys circled about, or advanced

-swiftly in straight lines, ever seeking the _Comet_. But she was not in

-sight.

-

-At noon they descended to renew their supply of gasolene, and the

-night was spent in a country village, where they created considerable

-excitement and interest.

-

-It was about ten o’clock the next morning when Bob hastily caught up

-the binoculars, and directed them at a speck in the sky off to the left.

-

-“See anything?” asked Jerry quickly.

-

-“I’m not sure,” replied the fat lad, after an observation, “it’s either

-a big bird or----”

-

-He did not finish his sentence, but his hands trembled slightly as he

-passed the glasses to Jerry. Ned reached over and managed the wheel

-while Jerry looked.

-

-“It’s her all right!” suddenly cried the tall lad. “Now to catch him.”

-

-“Is it Noddy?” asked Ned eagerly.

-

-“It’s the _Comet_ all right,” was the answer, “and I guess Noddy’s on

-board. Now to see what the _Chaser_ is made of!”

-

-Jerry opened the motor full, and with a roar that fairly shook the

-comparatively frail craft from end to end, she shot ahead, her

-propellers beating the air relentlessly.

-

-“It’s going to be a desperate race!” cried Ned.

-

-“And we’re going to win!” declared Jerry grimly.

-

-The race was on. Faster and faster flew the _Chaser_, until, even

-without the glasses, it could be seen that she was drawing nearer to

-the _Comet_. A view through the binoculars showed that those on board

-the stolen aircraft were rushing frantically about, doubtless trying to

-develop as much speed as possible.

-

-“Can you make it, Jerry?” asked Ned.

-

-“We’ve _got_ to!” was the quick reply.

-

-It was evident that the only hope the motor boys had of recovering

-their craft lay in the inability of those on board her to get out of

-her all the speed possible. With the machinery of the _Comet_ run to

-the best advantage, no other airship could catch her. But Jerry counted

-on Noddy and his cronies not knowing enough to do the right thing at

-the right time. Then, too, the _Chaser_ was very speedy when rightly

-handled.

-

-Nearer and nearer crept the pursuing craft. She was directly in the

-rear of the _Comet_ now. Suddenly Bob cried:

-

-“Jerry, they’re going up!”

-

-“Then we’ll go too!” was the answer. “We can hit as high an altitude as

-they can.”

-

-“And they’re flying as a dirigible, and not as an aeroplane at all!”

-added Ned. “They’re afraid to use the wing planes, Jerry! Maybe we can

-get ahead of ’em after all!”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XX

-

-A GAME IN THE AIR

-

-

-With a pull on the lever of the ascending rudder, Jerry sent the

-_Chaser_ shooting upward into the air. He made the craft take a long

-slant, for he had seen that the _Comet_ was going up more vertically,

-and Jerry figured on getting under the stolen airship, and then, when

-once in advance, turning, and so approaching head on.

-

-“They’re going up fast!” commented Ned, watching their own craft

-narrowly.

-

-“Yes,” assented Jerry. “They’re using all the gas the generator can

-turn out. I only hope they don’t burst the bag, or ruin the machinery.”

-

-“If they do, we’ll make Noddy pay for it!” cried Bob.

-

-“That would be more bother than it would be worth,” was Jerry’s

-opinion. “We’ll try to get the machine away from him before he has a

-chance to do much damage.”

-

-Upward the _Comet_ mounted steadily, for those on board were evidently

-pushing her to the utmost. On account of the limited facilities on the

-aeroplane, Jerry and his chums could not go up on such a sharp slant

-as could their enemies, but this suited our heroes just as well.

-

-The two airships were now comparatively close together. The _Comet_ was

-still shooting upward, and the _Chaser_ was directly below her.

-

-Suddenly, from the upper craft, came a cry of alarm.

-

-“They’ve discovered us!” was Bob’s opinion.

-

-“No, they did that some time ago,” said Jerry. “I’m afraid something

-has happened.”

-

-“It does seem so,” agreed Ned. “Look at that smoke!” he yelled. “She’s

-on fire!”

-

-“No, it isn’t that,” was Jerry’s retort, after a quick glance at their

-craft through the glasses. “They’ve been using too much lifting gas,

-and the generator is choked. It’s escaping through the safety valve.

-She won’t go any higher now, but she can still go forward. We haven’t

-got ’em yet.”

-

-As if to prove his words, the _Comet_, now that she had reached the

-limit of her climbing powers, darted forward. But Jerry had made good

-use of his opportunity, and he was now ahead of the _Comet_, though

-still slightly below her.

-

-“What are you going to do now?” asked Ned, as he saw his chum put his

-foot on a pedal that connected with the motor.

-

-“I’m going to use the last notch of speed, and see if I can stop ’em!”

-

-With a rush the _Chaser_ mounted upward and, a few minutes later, she

-was on the same level as was the _Comet_, and considerably in advance.

-Both craft were moving with considerable speed, but, owing to the

-fact that her gas bag was so choked with vapor, causing a big wind

-resistance, the _Comet_ must necessarily move more slowly than the

-_Chaser_.

-

-“What are you going to do, Jerry?” asked Ned, as he saw his chum reach

-for a rudder control lever.

-

-“Turn around, and come back at him head on,” answered the tall lad.

-“This is going to be a game of tag, and I’m going to make Noddy ‘it.’

-To do that I’ve got to head him off. He’ll try to dodge, I expect, but

-I think I can nab him.”

-

-Then began what was perhaps the most risky and sensational game of

-“tag” that was ever played--a game in the air, nearly a mile above the

-earth.

-

-Turning quickly to the left, Jerry sent the _Chaser_ directly at the

-_Comet_. As he had expected, Noddy, who was managing the craft from the

-pilot house, tried to dodge to one side. He could go no higher because

-the gas retort was choked. But Jerry was ready for him, and met the

-shift quickly. Once more Noddy dodged, this time on the other side, but

-Jerry was right there.

-

-The two craft were slowly coming nearer each other, for both had

-reduced their forward speed. They were like two big birds of the air,

-facing each other, hovering, twisting and turning, dodging this way and

-that, one seeking to escape, and the other endeavoring to catch her

-antagonist.

-

-First on one side and then on the other, Noddy dodged, but every time

-Jerry was there facing him. The _Comet_ could not get past.

-

-“He’ll have to go down soon!” cried Ned.

-

-“That’s what I want him to do,” answered Jerry grimly. “Once they are

-on the ground, we can deal with ’em.”

-

-“Where’s Bill and that fake doctor?” asked Bob.

-

-“In the motor room, probably,” answered the steersman. “I hope they

-don’t do any more damage to the machinery.”

-

-The game was nearing an end now. Noddy and his cronies were getting

-desperate. The bully made one last attempt to dodge past Jerry, but our

-hero was ever on the alert.

-

-Head on, the two ships of the air were almost nose and nose together.

-Noddy could not possibly get past.

-

-“Go down! Go down!” yelled Jerry. “Go down before I force you, and, if

-I do, I won’t be responsible for the consequences!”

-

-There was no help for it. Noddy’s unpleasant face, scowling in anger,

-peered from the window of the pilot house. Jerry saw him pull the lever

-of the deflecting rudder, for the bully had sneaked around the shop

-of the motor boys often enough to learn the rudiments of running the

-_Comet_.

-

-Down and down she went, fairly forced by the _Chaser_ above her, by the

-_Chaser_, that frail little craft of the air, compared to which the

-_Comet_ was like a battleship opposed to a torpedo destroyer. But those

-on the little ship knew their business, and, after all, brains and

-skill told.

-

-“Can he get by?” asked Bob.

-

-“I don’t believe so,” answered Jerry, watching every move of his rival.

-But Noddy had given up the fight. He was beaten at his own game.

-

-Still downward he forced the _Comet_, while Jerry and his chums

-prepared to alight the moment their craft touched the earth, to drive

-away their enemies.

-

-Bounding lightly, the _Comet_ landed on the ground. A moment later the

-aeroplane followed, and Jerry let her run along on the bicycle wheels,

-the propellers urging her on, until she was almost in contact with

-the big craft. Then the tall lad yanked on the brake lever, and the

-_Chaser_ came to a stop.

-

-“Come on!” cried Jerry, leaping out of his seat. Bob and Ned followed.

-

-Noddy Nixon lost no time in leaving the pilot house on the run, and

-from the motor room emerged Bill Berry and the college man. They leaped

-over the rail, and joined Noddy in flight.

-

-“If we ever catch ’em!” panted fat Bob, as he ran as fast as he could.

-“We’ll--make--’em--pay--for--this!”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXI

-

-OFF FOR THE CANYON

-

-

-Jerry, who was in the lead of the chase after Noddy and his cronies,

-came to a sudden resolve. What was the use of capturing the bully, when

-the recovered airship might need attention? Clearly it would be more

-profitable to look after their craft, and let Noddy escape, for the

-time being. So Jerry shouted:

-

-“Hey, fellows, never mind. Let ’em get away. We’ll only have a fight on

-our hands, and it isn’t worth while. Let’s see how much damage they’ve

-done.”

-

-“But, don’t we want to catch ’em?” demanded Bob, who, though much out

-of breath, had managed to catch up to Jerry and Ned.

-

-“No; what’s the use?” asked the tall lad.

-

-“But look what he did to our airship!”

-

-“That’s just what I want to find out--what he did do to the _Comet_.

-That’s why I say don’t let’s chase after ’em any longer. It will only

-mean more trouble, and we’ve had enough. Come on back.”

-

-Accordingly, the three chums ceased running, and turned back toward

-the two airships. Noddy, with a backward glance, had ascertained that

-Jerry and his two friends were no longer in pursuit, and so the bully

-slackened his pace. His companions did likewise and, a sorry-looking

-trio indeed, they made their way across the plain above which the air

-game had taken place.

-

-“Don’t you want to catch Noddy?” asked Ned.

-

-“No; what’s the use?” inquired Jerry. “He’s done all the harm he can.

-The thing for us to do is to remedy it. We must see to our own airship,

-and then get back, pick up the professor, and head for Snake Island.”

-

-“But what will we do with Mr. Montrose’s aeroplane?” Bob wanted to

-know. “We don’t want it to keep.”

-

-“We’ll have to take that back to Denver with us. We can easily do it,

-as the side planes are detachable. Let’s get busy at that, and we may

-be in Denver to-morrow.”

-

-“And then for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, and Snake Island!”

-added Ned.

-

-Giving a last glance to Noddy and his cronies, who were still fleeing

-across the plain, our heroes made their way to the _Comet_. Aboard they

-found a scene of confusion, but no serious damage had been done.

-

-True, a number of the machines were out of order, and the gas generator

-was badly clogged, but these were defects easily repaired. In general

-the stolen airship was in almost as good condition as when the

-conspirators had taken her.

-

-Beyond securing a few articles of clothing and personal effects, Noddy

-and his cronies had brought away nothing from the airship. It looked as

-if they had boarded her hurriedly with very little preparation, and had

-rushed away, without even enough provisions for a long trip. They must

-have stopped somewhere to get food, for some was found on board.

-

-It did not take the motor boys long to decide what to do. They soon

-ascertained that the _Comet_ was in comparatively good running order.

-The clogged gas machine was fixed, and then, having enough food in the

-lunch basket, together with what they found on their own craft, to last

-them a day, they decided to sleep on board, even though they were in a

-lonely place, and start back for Denver in the morning.

-

-As for what became of Noddy and his cronies, they neither knew nor

-cared. The bully and his conspirators had disappeared, and were

-doubtless seeking shelter for the night.

-

-“We caught them just in time,” remarked Jerry, as they sat in the cabin

-of the _Comet_. “A hundred miles more and they would have been over

-the canyon of the Colorado. Then they might have reached Snake Island,

-and it would have been all up with our chances.”

-

-“But now we’ll get ahead of him,” declared Bob.

-

-“If Noddy doesn’t do something else,” spoke Jerry.

-

-They spent the rest of the afternoon in taking apart the _Chaser_ for

-transportation back to Denver aboard the _Comet_. Then they went to

-bed, tired out from the day’s chase.

-

-By pushing the _Comet_ to her limit, and by making an early start,

-our friends were able to reach Denver the next night. Mr. Montrose

-was exceedingly glad to see them, and he and his wife and little girl

-listened with interest to the account of the adventures of the motor

-boys in the chase after Noddy.

-

-As for Professor Snodgrass, he was so busy classifying and making notes

-of the specimens he had caught, that it is doubtful if he heard much of

-what Jerry and his chums said.

-

-“And what are you going to do next?” asked Mr. Montrose, as the boys

-finished telling him they had brought his aeroplane back on their own

-craft.

-

-“Start for the Grand Canyon as soon as we can,” replied Jerry.

-

-“But if this Nixon young man takes after you again?” inquired Mrs.

-Montrose.

-

-“We’ll have to do the best we can,” answered Jerry. “But I think it

-will be some time before he catches up to us this time. It was a very

-lonely spot where we left him.”

-

-“And the walking wasn’t very good,” added Ned with a laugh.

-

-“Still, after what he had done in the past, I would be on the watch,”

-advised Mr. Montrose.

-

-“Oh, we will be,” declared Jerry; and then, after a good night’s rest,

-they put in the next few days getting ready for their trip to the

-canyon.

-

-The _Comet_ was thoroughly overhauled, and some needed repairs made.

-Though Noddy and his companions had not been careful in their treatment

-of the craft, still they had done no serious damage.

-

-“Well, I think we are ready to start for the canyon to-day,” remarked

-Jerry one morning, after about a week spent at the Montrose home. “We

-can make it in two days, though it may take us a little longer to pick

-out Snake Island, and have the conditions favorable for a descent into

-the big gorge.”

-

-“Then you are really going down into it?” asked Mr. Montrose. “You know

-it is quite a fearsome place.”

-

-“From all accounts it must be,” admitted Jerry.

-

-“Think of it!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “I have seen it many times, but

-no one can ever describe it. A great trough or cut in the earth, over a

-mile deep, twenty miles wide, and many hundreds of miles long, winding

-in and out, and, at the bottom a river rushing along resistlessly,

-with waterfalls, rapids, calm stretches and vast depths of black,

-silently moving water. And the walls of that canyon! All the colors of

-the rainbow cannot compare with them. They are wonderful! Down in it

-are mountains, great in themselves, but which look small in that vast

-gorge. There is the glow of the Alps, the cold fogs of the Rockies,

-there are purple shadows, shifting lights, snowstorms and rainstorms.

-It is a place of terrific grandeur.”

-

-“And we are going there,” said Jerry quietly.

-

-“Yes, to an unknown island,” went on Mr. Montrose. “On what may be a

-fruitless quest. Oh, boys, think twice before you go!”

-

-“We have thought,” went on Jerry. “We are going. We will start in the

-morning for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” he added.

-

-“And all for a bit of radium--a fortune though it may be,” proceeded

-Mr. Montrose.

-

-“No, not alone for the radium,” said Jerry solemnly. “I have not spoken

-of this before, as it seemed such a slim chance. But there may be, on

-that island, the missing scientist, whose body was never recovered. He

-may be there--in need--starving. We are going to try to rescue him, as

-much as to find the radium.”

-

-“Jerry!” cried Ned. “You never hinted at this.”

-

-“No, because I did not want to raise false hopes. But, now that we are

-at the last stage of the journey, I must speak of it. I hope we can

-rescue that unfortunate man. For the mere treasure I would not risk so

-much. But a life is at stake!”

-

-“Then go,” said Mr. Montrose softly. “I would be the last one to hold

-you back. And, boys, from what I have seen of you, I believe you will

-succeed. I wish you all success! But, do not be deceived. You have a

-hard task ahead of you. The Grand Canyon does not like to be conquered.”

-

-“We have the _Comet_,” replied the tall lad, as if that was much, as,

-truly, it was.

-

-“Well, we will always be thinking of you,” said Mrs. Montrose, solemnly.

-

-“And I want you to come back,” added little Gladys. “I may have a new

-doll by then.”

-

-“We will come back,” said Jerry, and his voice had a new tone in it.

-

-Early the next morning, having said good-bye to their good friends,

-the motor boys and Professor Snodgrass set off in the airship for the

-Grand Canyon.

-

-As they waved their hands in farewell many thoughts came to them. Would

-they find Snake Island? Would they be able to discover the radium

-fortune? And, more than this, would they be able to find and rescue Mr.

-Hartley Bentwell, the daring scientist who had been missing for nearly

-a year? Was he, by any chance, on Snake Island?

-

-“If he is, we’ll get him,” said Jerry grimly, as he pointed the nose of

-the _Comet_ toward the clouds.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXII

-

-OVER THE GREAT CHASM

-

-

-There was no particularly difficult task in reaching the Grand Canyon

-from Denver. In fact the boys could have walked all the distance in

-time, or they could have gone by train, or in an auto. But their

-troubles, as they well knew, would not begin at the start. It was after

-they had reached the canyon itself--that awful gash in the earth’s

-surface--that they would have a problem to solve. And that problem was

-how successfully to descend into the gorge, and land on the island.

-

-“And the first thing to do is to find Snake Island,” said Jerry, as

-they settled themselves comfortably in the airship cabin, after their

-start.

-

-“Why, all we have to do is to sail along down in the canyon, and pick

-it out,” suggested Bob. “The canyon is miles wide--twenty in some

-places--so there will be room enough for us to get around.”

-

-“Yes,” agreed Ned, who, with the others had been reading up some facts

-about the canyon. “But it isn’t always clear in the canyon. There are

-sudden storms, snow or rain, there are fogs--and you know you can’t see

-anything in a fog, even if you have an airship.”

-

-“Oh, well, fogs don’t last forever,” declared Bob. “We’ll just have

-to keep on the lookout until we sight the island. Then we can lower

-ourselves, make a landing, get the radium, and come away, and----”

-

-“You forget about the missing scientist,” suggested Ned.

-

-“That’s so. Do you really think he’s there, Jerry?”

-

-“Well, it’s hard to say. There’s just a chance that he landed on the

-island when the others were wrecked in their boat, and he may be there

-yet. It’s a chance worth taking. I understand that a lot of provisions

-were lost out of the boat, and they may have caught on the island,

-as they floated down. Then, too, there must be fish in the river at

-certain seasons of the year, and there may be birds, or some kind of

-animals on the island that would do for food.”

-

-“It would be a sort of Robinson Crusoe way of living, but it might be

-possible. Of course it must be horribly lonely there, for one man alone

-on Snake Island,” said Ned.

-

-“With all the snakes,” put in Bob.

-

-“We don’t know that any snakes are there,” remarked Jerry. “That may

-be just a name.”

-

-“I hope so,” exclaimed Ned with a shiver. “I don’t much care for

-snakes.”

-

-“Well, we won’t have much to do until we get to the canyon,” declared

-Jerry. “We can take it easy, and get in trim for the hard work ahead of

-us. I think we won’t make any night journeys. We’ll just land and rest.

-We’re in no special rush----”

-

-“Unless Noddy Nixon takes a notion to make another trial, Jerry,”

-suggested Ned.

-

-“Oh, I don’t believe he will. He’s practically stranded. How’s he going

-to get an airship, and land on the island?”

-

-“He might go by boat,” suggested Bob.

-

-“That’s out of the question. No boat could live in the rapids. That’s

-how Mr. Bentwell came to be wrecked--he and his friends tried a boat.”

-

-“Then you don’t fear Noddy?”

-

-“Not much.”

-

-The trip that day was without incident, and at night they came to earth

-in a quiet spot where they remained until morning. They made an early

-start, and thoroughly enjoyed the fine, dry, crisp air through which

-they sailed. They passed from Colorado into Utah, and the next night

-they were within easy traveling distance of the Colorado River.

-

-The next day they sailed over the great sterile valley, or desert, and

-in the afternoon they had completed the first stage of their journey,

-and were at the head of the Colorado, where it was formed by the

-conjunction of the Green and Grand rivers.

-

-“From now on, we’ve got our work cut out for us,” announced Jerry, as

-they came to rest that evening, not far from the great river. “We’ll

-follow it, and as soon as we get anywhere near Grand View, we’ll begin

-making inquiries about Snake Island.”

-

-“But I thought the island was between Grand View and Bright Angel

-Trail,” said Bob.

-

-“So it may be,” assented Jerry, “but I’m not going to take any chances.

-It may be either one side or the other of those places, and, if we

-inquire as we go along, we won’t be so far out. It won’t take us long,

-and it is better to be sure than sorry.”

-

-“All right, we’re with you,” assented Ned; and Bob nodded his head to

-show that he agreed.

-

-Their trip over the Colorado, hovering in the air about half a mile

-above the river, was devoid of incident for the first two hundred

-miles. They made that in one day, and camped the first night just over

-the border of Arizona. From there the Grand Canyon proper starts,

-though it is of comparative little grandeur until the Little Colorado,

-a salty stream, joins the main body of water.

-

-It was about noon, the next day, that the boys really got over the

-great canyon. They had been sailing along, talking of the prospect

-before them, and Professor Snodgrass had been classifying some of the

-specimens he had caught while at Mr. Montrose’s house, when the aspect

-of things suddenly changed.

-

-“Don’t you think it’s about time we ate?” asked Bob, with a look at his

-watch, as he started for the galley.

-

-Jerry happened to look down through the plate glass window in the floor

-of the main cabin, where they were all gathered, for the _Comet_ was

-being steered automatically.

-

-“Eat!” cried the tall lad. “Eat! Look down there, and then say ‘eat’

-again if you dare!”

-

-Ned, Bob and the professor looked. Below them they saw a great gash

-in the earth--a gash a mile or more in depth, and the sides of which

-were of black rock, mingled here and there with marble colored red,

-pink and blue, with an occasional bright yellow. Then came sandstone

-rocks, vivid in color. It was like looking into a great winding trough,

-wherein a painter had mixed his colors.

-

-And, at the very bottom, like a silver thread, ran the river,

-zig-zagging in and out amid the mighty cliffs that towered on either

-side. Cliffs now hemming in the powerful stream, and again spreading

-out for ten or twenty miles. But the river itself was kept in narrow

-bounds.

-

-And the very narrowness of these bounds made the stream rush along

-with such tremendous power, for it was a veritable Niagara in places.

-White and foam-capped, again black and deep, with awful power it hurled

-itself along.

-

-Above this scene of awful grandeur hovered the airship, and, as the

-boys looked, they saw how slight indeed was the power of their craft,

-compared to the mighty forces that had cut this gash in the earth, and

-which power still sent the river on its downward way.

-

-“And we’ve got to go down there?” asked Bob softly.

-

-“That’s it,” answered Jerry. “Do you wonder no boat ever lived to make

-the passage? Or, at best, very few of them?”

-

-“And that is where the scientist was lost,” murmured Uriah Snodgrass.

-“I wonder if we shall ever find him--alive--or dead?”

-

-And, as the boys gazed at the foaming river, down in the awful depths,

-it seemed impossible that human beings could ever have navigated it.

-But in the airship the problem was much easier.

-

-“Now for Snake Island!” cried Jerry, as, having stopped the _Comet_ in

-order that all might get a good view, he started the motor again. “Now

-for Snake Island!”

-

-“And the radium!” cried Ned.

-

-“And my two-tailed toad,” added the professor.

-

-“And, perhaps, the poor scientist,” spoke Bob softly. “I--I hope he

-hasn’t starved to death.”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXIII

-

-THE BOAT IN THE RAPIDS

-

-

-“Well, boys, we’re here at last,” remarked Jerry, after a while, when

-they had traversed some length of the canyon in the airship. “We’re

-here after a lot of hard work, and the next question is, what are we

-going to do; now that we are on the ground?”

-

-“Go to Snake Island at once,” suggested Ned.

-

-“Eat,” advised Bob, who had started to get a meal, but who had come

-back to the cabin, to wait while some of the things cooked.

-

-“Chunky’s infallible recipe whenever anything goes wrong,” commented

-Jerry. “Still it wouldn’t be a bad idea. We can talk it over while

-we’re eating, and decide what’s best to be done.”

-

-“What’s the matter with going at once to the island?” asked Ned. “I

-thought that was what we came here for.”

-

-“It is, but I think it will be a good plan to see if we can learn

-anything about it before we go too far down the river. It may be that

-there is no such place as Snake Island. Or, it may be that, even in

-our airship, it is impossible to get to it. We want to find out all

-about it before we go too far.”

-

-“Well, what’s your idea?” asked Ned.

-

-“I think we ought to----”

-

-“Dinner’s ready,” interrupted Bob, and they went out to the table,

-the professor carrying with him a book, carefully marking the place

-where he had been reading by putting his finger between the pages. The

-airship was moving at slow speed, and had been set to steer herself

-automatically. So the boys had nothing to interrupt their talk of the

-best plan to follow.

-

-Eventually they decided to travel on until they reached Grand View, the

-point where Berry Trail led down into the canyon to the banks of the

-rushing river. They would make their inquiries there, regarding the

-possible existence of Snake Island.

-

-It was night when they reached Grand View, and, in order that they

-might be among other tourists, who had come to visit the canyon, the

-boys and the professor put up at a hotel almost on the verge of the

-great chasm, storing the airship in a big open shed, sometimes used for

-autos.

-

-“Snake Island!” exclaimed the clerk, when Jerry asked him about it.

-“Never heard of the place. Don’t believe there’s an island in the

-whole stretch of the river. But there are some guides around here. You

-might ask them.”

-

-Which Jerry and his chums did, but with little satisfaction, for it

-developed that few of the guides had been farther than the regularly

-traveled routes taken by tourists, and this had not brought them to the

-more inaccessible parts of the mighty river.

-

-“Snake Island?” repeated one grizzled guide, when Jerry had put the

-question to him. “If anybody knows whether or not there is such a

-place, it’s old Hance Stamford. Hance give up guidin’ long ago, but in

-his prime there wasn’t a better one at it. He’s gone in places no one

-else dared, and if there’s a Snake Island he’ll know about it.”

-

-The boys sought out Hance the next day. He lived in a little cabin, not

-far from the hotel, being cared for by his son, who was employed as

-a waiter. Hance was indeed old, being past eighty. Yet his dull eyes

-opened quickly when Jerry put to him the question that meant so much to

-the motor boys.

-

-“Snake Island!” exclaimed old Hance. “It’s been many years since I

-heard that name. Many, many years.”

-

-“But is there any such place?” asked Jerry.

-

-“Is there? Bless you, I don’t know, son. I’ll tell you as much as I

-can, however. It must have been forty years ago, and there weren’t

-many tourists in them days. Mostly Indians. I was making my way along

-the canyon with an Indian, for in them days I had a notion I’d like

-to discover things. Well, as you know, the canyon is narrow and steep

-in places, and when it rains you want to make tracks, for the river

-sometimes rises thirty feet in a short time. If you’re caught where you

-can’t climb up, well--it’s good-bye for yours.

-

-“A thunderstorm came up while the Indian and I were in a narrow part

-of the canyon, where the river rushed along between black walls like

-a mill stream down the flume. We knew we’d have to make tracks out

-of there, and we did. But the rain came faster than we’d calculated

-on, and we had to climb. Then came a fog that nearly did for us. We

-managed to get some distance down the stream, and then climbed up the

-steep sides of the chasm until we came to a niche in the wall. There we

-stayed until the river went down, and we were there a day and a night,

-with nothing to eat.”

-

-“But about the Snake Island?” asked Jerry.

-

-“The island. Oh yes. Well, when we were hiding there in the hole in

-the wall, there came a rift in the fog. I happened to be looking down

-stream, and I saw something big and black rearing up, right from

-the river it seemed. I poked the Indian in the ribs--he was half

-asleep, you know--Indians’ll sleep anywhere if they think they’ve got

-to--anyhow I poked him, and he grunted and woke up. I pointed to the

-tall, black, wiggling thing, and the Indian said: ‘Snake Island.’

-

-“‘Snake!’ I yelled. ‘Who ever see a snake as big as that?’ Then he

-grunted some more, and went on to say that there was a sort of stone

-island in the middle of the river. It had been pretty well worn away

-except a big hill and a tall thing, like a tower, that stuck up in the

-middle, like a church steeple. It was this tall tower of black rock

-that seemed like a snake. Of course the fog made it indistinct, and

-the motion of the mist made it appear as if it was wiggling about. So

-that’s all I know about Snake Island. I never went there, and I never

-heard of anyone getting on it.”

-

-“There was a party of college men----” began Uriah Snodgrass.

-

-“Oh, yes, I heard about _them_. But they never got there, and one of

-their number was lost. I tell you Snake Island is in a bad part of the

-river.”

-

-“But just where is it?” asked Jerry.

-

-“As near as I can tell, between here and Bright Angel Trail,” replied

-the old guide, as he nodded in slumber again. “I wouldn’t go there, if

-I were you.”

-

-“Well, we’re going,” said Jerry softly, as he bade the old man good-bye.

-

-Saying nothing to anyone in the hotel about their plans, the boys made

-an early start the next morning, and were soon gliding down over the

-great chasm in their airship.

-

-Below them rushed and foamed the great river--below in its chasm

-trough, with walls of vari-hued marble, of sandstone that rivaled the

-rainbow in tints, while in other places, near the water itself, were

-black rocks, of flinty hardness.

-

-“And to think that it’s seven thousand feet from the top of that gulf

-to the water,” spoke Bob in awed tones. “I wouldn’t want to fall.”

-

-As they went on they could see fogs and mists arising, while, as the

-sun rose higher and higher, it made a scene of indescribable beauty,

-the tints on the walls of the canyon changing every moment.

-

-It was about noon, and Jerry had calculated that they had made about

-half the distance from Grand View, when Ned, who was looking at the

-rushing, foaming river below them, as it dashed along over a gorge

-filled with rapids, cried out:

-

-“Jerry, do you see anything down there?”

-

-The tall lad looked through the plate glass window in the bottom of the

-airship. Then he snatched up the binoculars and focused them.

-

-“It’s a boat!” he cried. “A boat in those awful rapids! They’ve lost

-control of her, and she’ll be dashed to pieces!”

-

-“Anyone in it?” asked Bob.

-

-Once more Jerry looked carefully.

-

-“Three persons!” he exclaimed. “Well, it’s all up with them. That boat

-can never make the passage.”

-

-And, as he spoke, the frail craft was lost to view as a curtain of mist

-rolled down and hid the rushing river from sight.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXIV

-

-STRANGE GHOSTS

-

-

-“Did you see that!” cried Bob.

-

-“They’re drowned!” gasped Ned.

-

-“What was it, an accident?” asked Professor Snodgrass.

-

-“It would be hard to say,” remarked Jerry. “Certainly the boat looked

-as if it was going to overturn in the rapids, but I can’t really say

-that it did. The fog rolled up just then and hid everything from sight.

-I hope those in the boat weren’t lost, but their chances were slim.”

-

-“Can we do anything for them?” asked Bob.

-

-“Nothing, I’m afraid,” answered the tall lad. “We can’t even see

-them, and it would be useless to descend into that canyon of fog now.

-Besides, the current is so swift that the boat must be a good way from

-here by this time.”

-

-The airship was slowly floating along over the Grand Canyon, which, at

-this point, wound in and out among the many colored cliffs, like some

-great serpent. Jerry had shut down the machinery until it was barely

-turning the propellers, and, had not the gas bag sustained the craft,

-she would have settled down, for the motion was not enough to keep her

-afloat as an aeroplane.

-

-“Well, what are we going to do?” Ned wanted to know. “We must be nearly

-at Snake Island, if there is any such place, and if we’re going to get

-that radium fortune it’s time we got busy.”

-

-“And I haven’t seen anything of that two-tailed toad, either,” spoke

-Professor Snodgrass. “I had hopes of finding a specimen--even if a

-small one--before now, but fate seems against me.”

-

-“Wait until we get on the island,” suggested Bob. “There may be toads

-there, as well as snakes.”

-

-“What makes you think there are snakes there?” asked Ned. “Didn’t the

-old guide say he thought it got its name because the tall cliff in the

-middle seemed to wiggle like a serpent when there was a fog?”

-

-“Yes, he did, and if we put on a little more steam, Jerry, we may get

-to Snake Island now, in time to see that same thing. I say let’s move

-faster,” went on the stout lad. “We ought to be nearly there.”

-

-“But we might pass right over the island in this fog,” objected Jerry.

-“It’s better to go a bit slow, I think.”

-

-However, the problem was soon solved for them, as, when they had

-proceeded a little farther the mist lifted and they had a clear view of

-the stream as it foamed along below.

-

-“But I don’t see anything of the boat, and the three men who were in

-it,” observed Bob, peering downward through the window in the cabin

-floor.

-

-“No. Either by this time they have been carried many miles down the

-river, or they are--drowned,” spoke Jerry softly.

-

-“Well, then let’s keep a lookout for Snake Island,” suggested Ned, and,

-knowing that they must be within a comparatively short distance of the

-place, if it was there at all, they all watched eagerly, even Professor

-Snodgrass laying aside his note-books.

-

-Bob served dinner and the watch was resumed. It was about two o’clock

-when the stout lad, who had just finished getting the galley in order,

-looked over the port rail on the bow of the air craft. No sooner had he

-glimpsed the river below him than he called out:

-

-“Here we are, fellows! There she is! We’re here at last! Now for the

-radium! There’s Snake Island. We’re right over it!”

-

-“Say, you’re as bad as Andy Rush!” cried Jerry as he hurried out of the

-pilot house, to join his chum.

-

-“Well, if it’s true, we’ll forgive him for making such a fuss,”

-suggested Ned. “But say, I believe he’s right, after all!”

-

-“And if it is the island, oh! how I hope my two-tailed toad may be

-there!” cried the professor.

-

-There could be little doubt but that they were looking at Snake island.

-Down below them, in a comparatively calm stretch of the river, was a

-long and rather narrow strip of land, low on the edges, and rising

-abruptly in the middle. There was a big mound, like a great hill,

-covered with trees and bushes, and, in the center of this was the tall,

-curiously shaped tower of rock about which the guide had spoken.

-

-“That’s Snake Island all right,” agreed Jerry, “though I can’t say that

-the rocky tower in the center looks much like a serpent.”

-

-“Maybe it does from some other view,” suggested Ned. “Then, too, there

-is no mist now. I’d rather believe the place got its name from that,

-than because there were snakes there. Well, are we going down, Jerry?”

-

-“I guess so. I was just looking for a good place to make a landing.

-Let’s drop down to the lower end, and we can take our choice.”

-

-As they sailed slowly down the length of the curious island they noted

-that it was about four miles long, and about half a mile in width. The

-river here was quite broad, contrary to the usual character of the

-Colorado, and a glimpse over the surrounding territory showed it to be

-so wild and desolate that it is doubtful if it had ever been visited by

-a white man.

-

-The cliffs, too, at either side of the stream, where the island divided

-it, were so high, so rugged and precipitous, that it was positive that

-no one had ever descended them. And, had even the most daring explorer

-managed to get down, he never could have gotten up without a balloon.

-For that reason it was plain why the existence of the island was

-practically unknown.

-

-“Well, I don’t see but what the upper end of the place is the best to

-land on,” remarked Ned, after a circuit had been made.

-

-“Guess you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “We’ll go down there.”

-

-The _Comet_ was sent about, and, a little later, she began settling

-slowly down in the great chasm, at the bottom of which flowed the river.

-

-It was getting well on in the afternoon, and the sun, sinking in

-the west, no longer cast its beams into the great gulf. There was a

-twilight darkness hovering over it, a stillness broken only by the

-murmur of the foaming river, that cast a spell of gloominess over our

-friends. For a time no one spoke, and then, as the airship was about to

-settle down on a smooth strip of sand, near the upper end of the river,

-Jerry exclaimed:

-

-“Say, what’s the matter with us all, anyhow? Anyone would think this

-was a funeral. Wake up, you fellows!”

-

-“All right! Wow! Let’s be jolly!” cried Ned in a loud voice.

-

-There was a sound like thunder, and then, from that vast gorge came a

-mighty voice, repeating in solemn tones:

-

-“Let’s be jolly!”

-

-“Bless my soul!” gasped Mr. Snodgrass. “It’s an echo.”

-

-“Echo!” came back in a voice like a bull’s bellow.

-

-After that they spoke in whispers, but even then their words were flung

-back at them from the sides of the cliffs in murmurs and trills that

-produced an uncanny feeling.

-

-“This sure is a strange place,” remarked Jerry, as he brought the

-airship to a stop.

-

-“Strange place!” howled the echo. Jerry had spoken louder than he

-thought. He laughed, and a giant’s chuckle was tossed back to him. The

-boys looked at each other, startled, until Bob said:

-

-“Oh, don’t let’s mind this. It’s only an echo. Let’s get busy, have a

-supper and to-morrow we’ll get the radium.”

-

-“Radium,” mocked the echo, but now they were beginning to get used to

-it.

-

-“Say, it looks as if there was a tide in this river,” remarked Ned, as

-he noted a sort of high-water mark, where sticks and driftwood were

-piled up on shore.

-

-“No, that shows where the river rises when there’s a flood, or too

-much rain,” explained the professor. “The Colorado rises rapidly at

-times, because the cliffs are so steep that the water from the clouds

-is almost instantly all poured into the stream. We had better get the

-ship above flood mark, Jerry, as there may be rain in the night, and we

-don’t want to go floating down.”

-

-Accordingly the _Comet_ was wheeled farther from shore. Night came on

-early, in the depths of that gloomy chasm, for they were over a mile

-below the upper rim of the steep cliffs. But when the big gas lamps had

-been set aglow, making the circle about the airship one of radiance,

-and when they were gathered in the cozy cabin, they were all more

-cheerful.

-

-“Well, we’ll start on a radium hunt the first thing in the morning,”

-suggested Jerry. And, being inside now, the echo was not so noticeable.

-

-“And I will seek the two-tailed toad,” said the professor. “I wonder if

-I could not have a look now? Toads come out at night, and if I take a

-light I may succeed in finding one.”

-

-Supplying himself with an electric torch, the scientist let himself out

-of the airship. The boys heard him walking about outside, and then they

-began talking of their trip so far, and speculating as to how it would

-end.

-

-Suddenly, in the midst of the discussion, there came a cry from outside.

-

-“Hark!” exclaimed Bob.

-

-“It’s the Professor,” said Jerry.

-

-“Maybe he’s found his toad, and it’s bitten him,” was Ned’s

-contribution.

-

-“Boys! Boys, come here!” called the professor, and the three lads

-rushed from the cabin.

-

-“What is it?” asked Jerry. “Where are you?”

-

-“In front of the ship,” came the answer. Then they saw the gleam of his

-light, and hurried toward him.

-

-“Look!” exclaimed the scientist in a whisper, and, as he pointed toward

-the middle of the island, whence arose that curious pinnacle of rock,

-the three chums saw several tall and ghostly shapes swirling slowly at

-them. Curious shapes they were, like tall beings wrapped in trailing

-clothes, with their long, thin arms raised as if in warning, and about

-them seemed to cling, like an enveloping haze, a weird, purplish light.

-The strange shapes seemed blown onward by the night wind.

-

-“What--what are they?” gasped Bob in a whisper.

-

-“Ghosts, I guess,” answered Jerry, with a half-hearted laugh. “The

-ghosts of Snake Island.”

-

-“Ghosts of Snake Island,” came back the echo. And then, as suddenly

-as they had appeared, the “ghosts” vanished, leaving the boys and the

-professor staring into the darkness.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXV

-

-A NEST OF SERPENTS

-

-

-“What--what do you think they were?” asked Bob, after a few moments of

-silence. He spoke in low tones, so that the weird echo would not repeat

-his words.

-

-“I give it up,” said Jerry.

-

-“Maybe they were the ghosts of the three men in the boat, who may have

-been drowned around here,” suggested Ned.

-

-“Nonsense!” exclaimed the tall lad. “Don’t be silly, Ned.”

-

-“Well, I was only joking.”

-

-“Pretty poor joking,” commented Bob. “I’m going inside. It’s chilly out

-here,” and he shivered.

-

-“Yes, I guess it is more pleasant inside,” agreed Jerry. “Did you see

-anything of your toad, Professor?”

-

-“No, not a thing, but I got several other valuable specimens, so my

-evening was not wasted. I guess I’ll go in with you.”

-

-“What do you think those queer shapes were?” asked Jerry of the

-scientist, when they were once more in the cabin.

-

-“Well, it would be hard to say,” spoke Professor Snodgrass. “Of course

-none of us believe in ghosts, and yet there are queer manifestations,

-sometimes, that even science cannot satisfactorily explain. My honest

-belief is that this was some effect of the fog, or night vapors arising

-out of the damp ground.”

-

-“But they looked--er--just like men wrapped in sheets,” spoke Bob with

-a shudder.

-

-“Yes, I dare say they did. And, if you tried hard enough you could

-imagine almost anything. Probably it will be easy to explain. To-morrow

-we will look at the place whence they seemed to arise from the ground.

-It may be that there is a hot spring there, and that the ‘ghosts’ were

-only wisps of steam vapor.”

-

-With this explanation the boys contented themselves, and they were soon

-in bed. Nor did they sleep any the less soundly because of the queer

-manifestation. For they were sensible and healthy lads, and it took

-more than a so-called “ghost” to disturb their rest.

-

-In the morning, accompanied by the professor, they made a careful

-examination of the place where the queer wraiths had been seen, but

-it afforded them no clew. The ground seemed no different from that in

-other spots on the island.

-

-“Well, there’s no use bothering over that any longer,” suggested Jerry,

-after a bit. “We can try and solve that problem later; maybe to-night.

-What I think we’d better do now is to explore the island, and see if we

-can find any of that radium. What do you think, Professor?”

-

-“I agree with you, and yet I am in two minds about it. You see, boys,

-while I want to help you find the treasure, which may or may not be

-here, it is very important that I look for that rare toad. Now what I

-am going to propose is this:

-

-“You go off by yourselves, and hunt for the radium. I’ll tell you

-in what sort of rock it is likely to be found, and you can collect

-specimens, and bring them back with you. At night I’ll test them. But

-you must mark, in some way, the exact location of each bit of rock

-specimen you take. Then, in case there are evidences of radium, we can

-find the spot again.

-

-“In the meanwhile I’ll be looking for the toad. I can soon tell if

-there are any on the island, and if I find there are none, or no traces

-of any, I’ll join you in the hunt for the radium treasure. Or, in case

-I do get what I am looking for, I will be satisfied, and in that case I

-will also join you.”

-

-“That’s a good plan,” agreed Jerry. “Come on, Bob and Ned, and we’ll

-look for the radium, while the Professor is toad-hunting.”

-

-Uriah Snodgrass had already told the boys much about radium, and the

-various forms in which it might be found. He only reminded them, now,

-of the main points to be remembered, and the three chums set off.

-

-With eager eyes Jerry, Ned and Bob scanned the various kinds of rocks

-as they passed along, making their way toward the lower end of the

-island. As they advanced the land gradually rose until they were quite

-a height above the river that flowed on either side of them. Across the

-stream could be seen the mighty cliffs; black near the water, and of

-various colors as the top was approached. There was the glow of the sun

-overhead, but, only in the middle of the day, did the beams penetrate

-to the bottom of the titanic canyon.

-

-Specimen after specimen of rock was picked up and cast aside, as none

-of them showed the characteristics of radium. Noon came, and the quest

-was unsuccessful. They ate their lunch on a shelf of rock, looking down

-into the wonderful river that had carved out such a channel for itself.

-Most of the afternoon was spent as fruitlessly, until finally Bob

-remarked:

-

-“Fellows, don’t you think we’d better get back? It’s getting dark all

-of a sudden.”

-

-“I think we’re in for a storm,” spoke Jerry, with a glance toward the

-clouds that hovered over the chasm. “And it looks as if it would be a

-bad one. The river is sure to rise, and I’m not altogether satisfied

-with the place where we left the _Comet_. She ought to be anchored

-higher up. Let’s get back and make her more secure.”

-

-They hurried to such good advantage that they were almost at the place

-where they had left the _Comet_ when the rain came down. Professor

-Snodgrass had already returned, without his toad.

-

-“Boys!” he cried, “it’s going to be a deluge! There will be a lot

-of water, and the river is sure to rise very high. I think we had

-better get in the airship, and go up until it’s over. There may be air

-currents down here so powerful that we can’t make headway against them.

-My advice is to go up.”

-

-The others thought this good, and so, in the midst of the pelting

-rain, and against a current of air that every moment grew stronger,

-the _Comet_ arose out of the canyon. Of course they did not escape the

-rain by going up, but they were in less danger. All night the storm

-continued, but the adventurers were in comfortable circumstances, for

-they had anchored in a little shelter of rocks, securely tying down

-their craft.

-

-“Well, now to see if there is any of Snake Island left,” remarked Jerry

-next morning, when the sun came out to dry up the dampness. “We’ll have

-another try for the radium.”

-

-Instead of stopping at the same place where they had made the first

-landing, Jerry sent the airship toward the lower part of the island.

-

-“We’ll begin there for a change,” he remarked.

-

-It could easily be seen that the river had risen considerably, and, had

-they remained anchored at the spot where they had seen the “ghosts,”

-they would have been in grave danger. Though the water was now going

-down, it had lodged on the upper part of the island many big trees and

-piles of driftwood.

-

-“Look at that!” suddenly cried Bob, as they were hovering over the

-lower end of the island, looking for a suitable landing place. “There’s

-a hut on the side of the hill that I didn’t notice before.”

-

-“That’s right,” agreed Jerry, gazing at a rude structure of logs built

-under a sheltering bluff, about a quarter of a mile from the shore. “We

-passed over this place in the airship, too, but I didn’t see that. We

-must see what it means. Maybe there is some one living on this island.

-Perhaps----”

-

-He did not finish, but they all knew whom he meant--Mr. Bentwell, the

-missing scientist, might be there.

-

-Ned took the binoculars, and directed them toward the hut.

-

-“I can’t see anyone there!” he cried. “But say--Oh, look! look!” and

-he almost screamed. “The snakes! The snakes! There’s a regular den of

-them, right in front of the hut! A nest of serpents! Look!”

-

-With trembling hands he passed the glass to Jerry. As the tall lad

-looked through the binoculars his face paled.

-

-“No wonder they call this Snake Island!” he murmured. “There must be

-thousands of them! I’m glad we didn’t stay on the island last night.

-Oh, look at those big snakes!”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXVI

-

-LIVE WIRES

-

-

-“Where do you think they came from?” asked Ned, when all, including the

-professor, had viewed the snakes through the glass. Literally there

-were hundreds, if not thousands, of reptiles.

-

-They were wiggling and squirming, in and out among the rocks and

-brushwood, just above the mass of drift débris brought down by the

-flood. All about, in front of the hut the snakes writhed, seeming to be

-out of their usual haunts.

-

-“The water must have brought them out from their nests, or dens, or

-whatever it is that snakes live in,” decided Bob.

-

-“Do you think so?” asked Jerry, of Professor Snodgrass. “Why would

-water bring out snakes. I thought they liked heat.”

-

-“They do,” answered the scientist, who was eagerly looking at the

-snakes through the glass. “But in this case I think the water brought

-them _down_, instead of bringing them _out_.”

-

-“How do you mean?” asked Ned.

-

-“Why, I think the rising river inundated some place along the canyon

-walls, where these snakes lived. They were washed out, carried down

-stream by the flood, and deposited here--stranded, so to speak. I think

-it has been done often before, in years past, and that is why they call

-this Snake Island.”

-

-“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “And I don’t think the big

-stone pile in the middle had anything to do with the name, though it

-may look like a snake at times. Probably the Indians, in years past,

-saw snakes brought down in the flood, and they named the island after

-the serpents.”

-

-“Well, I’m glad they’re not at the other end of the island,” spoke Ned,

-who disliked snakes. “We’d better go back there and start over again on

-our search for the radium. The river is going down fast.”

-

-“There may be snakes where we were before,” suggested Jerry. “We didn’t

-look very closely.”

-

-“Don’t mention it!” cried Ned with a shudder. “Let’s get away from

-here, anyhow. I can’t bear to look at ’em.”

-

-“Um,” spoke the professor musingly. “I think I should like to go down

-there.”

-

-“What! Among those snakes?” cried Ned.

-

-“Yes, as far as I can make out they don’t seem to be poisonous, and,

-though there are some good-sized ones there, I don’t see any of the

-constrictor variety. I think it would be perfectly safe to go down.”

-

-“But what do you want of snakes?” asked Bob.

-

-“I don’t want any snakes, but, where there are serpents, there may be

-toads, and I might find my two-tailed specimen. Of course if you boys

-don’t want to go down you can let me off at some spot where there are

-no snakes, and I can walk to this place. I’m not afraid.”

-

-“We’ll go down with you!” exclaimed Jerry stoutly. “I think----”

-

-But he never finished the sentence. At that moment the door of the hut,

-in front of which the serpents were writhing, was swung open, and three

-figures, each armed with a club, stood in the portal, waving their

-hands to our friends in the airship.

-

-“Look!” cried Bob.

-

-“Quick! The glasses!” demanded Jerry, and when he had them he focused

-the binoculars on the trio in the hut on Snake Island. Then the tall

-lad uttered a cry of wonder.

-

-“It’s Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry. “Noddy Nixon, and Bill Berry! And the

-other man is that dishonest professor! How in the world did they get

-there?”

-

-“Are you sure it’s them?” asked Bob.

-

-“Sure!” answered Jerry, and, a moment later, the airship having

-approached closer, it could be seen, without the glasses, that those in

-the hut were indeed the bully and his cronies.

-

-“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his hands in appeal to the boys whom

-he had treated so meanly. “Help, or the snakes will kill us.”

-

-“They’re not poisonous,” shouted the professor. “Go at them with your

-clubs.”

-

-“Yes, they are poisonous!” answered Noddy. “There were some jack

-rabbits washed down with the snakes, and some of the serpents bit ’em.

-The rabbits died right away. They’re poisonous snakes, all right! Help

-us!”

-

-“That makes it different,” said the professor seriously. “I didn’t

-think they were poisonous, but they may be. I wonder what we had better

-do?”

-

-“Help! Help!” cried Noddy again. A mass of the serpents seemed to be

-advancing toward the hut. Bill Berry threw a stick at them, and the

-reptiles wiggled off in another direction.

-

-“How did you get in the hut?” asked Jerry.

-

-“We came down the river in a boat. We were wrecked, and cast on this

-island. Oh, we’re nearly starved, and if you save us we’ll never bother

-you again!” promised Noddy. “Save us from the snakes!”

-

-“Shall we do it?” asked Ned of his chums.

-

-“For the sake of humanity we can’t leave ’em there,” said Jerry. “We’ve

-got to save ’em; but how? We can’t go down there among all those

-snakes.”

-

-There was a pause, while the airship hovered over the hut on the

-island, in the midst of the snakes. The three conspirators eagerly

-watched the motor boys.

-

-“Those were the three persons we saw in the boat in the rapids,” said

-Bob in a low voice, and his chums nodded.

-

-“Can we save them?” inquired Jerry.

-

-“Yes!” cried the professor. “There is only one way.”

-

-“How?” demanded the tall lad.

-

-“By live wires! Take some uninsulated electrical wires, Jerry. Attach

-them to the dynamo, let them dangle down from the airship, and then

-sail over the mass of serpents. The wires will hit the snakes and

-electrocute them. It’s the only way!”

-

-“Then we’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on, boys, and we’ll drop the

-live wires, and save Noddy Nixon!” A moment later several coils of

-copper conductors, each one carrying a deadly current, were being

-dropped toward the surface of the island.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXVII

-

-THE TRANSPORTING OF NODDY

-

-

-“Just a little lower down, Ned. That’s it. Now to the left, there’s a

-big bunch of ’em there. No, that’s too much! Back up a little. Whoa!

-Hold me there!”

-

-Jerry was in the motor room, working the connections to the dangling

-wires by means of which it was hoped to electrocute the serpents that

-had made prisoners of Noddy and his cronies in the hut on Snake Island.

-Ned was in the pilot house, directing the course of the _Comet_. The

-professor and Bob stood by, ready to lend whatever assistance was

-needed, while the prisoners in the hut, standing in the door, ready

-for an instant retreat, watched with anxious eyes the preparations for

-their rescue.

-

-“Are you going to try and electrocute every snake?” asked Bob of his

-tall chum.

-

-“As many as we can, Chunky.”

-

-“But that will take quite a while, to drag the wires across every one.”

-

-“We won’t have to do that,” replied Jerry, as he looked through the

-plate glass window in the floor of the motor room, one hand on the

-switch that controlled the electrical current, while in the other he

-grasped a speaking tube, by which he gave orders to Ned in the pilot

-house. “You see, Bob, the snakes’ bodies are moist, and moisture is

-a good conductor of electricity. So if I can drag a live wire over a

-bunch of snakes, and only touch one, the current will go through all of

-’em, and kill the whole lot. They’ll help to kill themselves.”

-

-“I see!” exclaimed Bob.

-

-“Watch now, we’re going to begin!” cried Jerry, and his chum, looking

-down, saw the wires carrying the powerful current writhe and twist

-about, almost like snakes themselves. From the exposed ends there shot

-out a shower of blue sparks.

-

-Suddenly one of the conductors touched a mass of snakes, that seemed

-tied in knots. A moment before the snakes had been twining in and out,

-hissing stridently. The next instant they were as if turned to stone,

-for they had been killed at once.

-

-[Illustration: SUDDENLY ONE OF THE CONDUCTORS TOUCHED A MASS OF SNAKES.]

-

-“That’s the way to do it!” cried Bob.

-

-Again a wire, twisting and turning, was dragged over a mass of

-serpents, and the life went out of them. Time after time this

-happened until the writhing snakes were more than half destroyed.

-

-“That’s a new and wonderful way to kill snakes,” said the professor, as

-he looked on. “I hope you aren’t killing any two-tailed toads.”

-

-“They’ll be just as good for specimens,” remarked Jerry as he turned on

-more power, sending the wires that dangled from the airship, swirling

-about, carrying death and destruction.

-

-At length, so great was the slaughter, that the snakes became terrified

-at the unknown power, and with angry hisses, they began crawling away

-in the crevices of the rocks, and under the bushes.

-

-“I guess that’s enough,” announced Jerry, when he could see none but

-dead serpents. “You can come out now, Noddy!” he shouted to the bully,

-for the airship was close to the hut. Jerry began pulling up the wires,

-the current having been shut off.

-

-“Oh, take us away! Take us away from this awful island!” begged Noddy.

-“We won’t bother you again. We’re sorry we ever followed you; aren’t

-we, Bill?”

-

-“I am,” replied Noddy’s crony, thoroughly cowed.

-

-“But we have as good a right to stay and hunt for the radium as they

-have!” put in Dr. Belgrade sharply.

-

-“Then you stay!” cried Noddy. “I’ve had enough! I’m going back home.”

-

-“And desert me?” asked the renegade professor.

-

-“I don’t care anything about you! I wish I’d never come on this trip.

-Oh, Jerry, I’ll never bother you again, as long as I live if you only

-set me on the main land. We can’t get to shore unless you help us,

-because the current is too swift.”

-

-“What shall we do?” asked Jerry of his chums.

-

-“Transport him,” suggested Ned. “We want the island to ourselves, if we

-hunt for the radium treasure. This is an easy way to get rid of Noddy.”

-

-The others agreed to this, and accordingly the airship was let down in

-front of the hut. The professor began searching among the dead snakes

-for a two-tailed toad, but did not find any.

-

-Noddy lost no time in scrambling aboard the _Comet_. Bill Berry

-followed, and Dr. Belgrade much against his will, did likewise. He

-scowled at the boys and the professor, but they took no notice of him.

-As Jerry had said, the less they had to do with the plotters the better

-it would be.

-

-Noddy was hysterically thankful to the motor boys, but they well knew

-he might, at the first chance, play some mean trick on them.

-

-“How did you come to get to the hut?” asked Jerry.

-

-Noddy briefly told his story. He did not mention taking the airship,

-nor the other unfair things he had done. He said he and his cronies had

-managed to reach the canyon, and, in spite of the advice of guides,

-they decided to try to float down the river in a boat. They took

-provisions with them, but were wrecked in the rapids. They managed to

-reach the island, and some of their provisions floated ashore. They

-had landed near the hut, which they found easily, and took shelter in

-there, hoping against hope for a rescue. They were at the opposite end

-of the island from where our friends had first landed.

-

-“Well, we’ll give you some provisions, and you’ll have to get to

-civilization the best way you can,” said Jerry to the bully and his

-cronies, as they were landed on top of the bluffs, and supplied with

-food and water. “You’ve made trouble enough for us.”

-

-“We left some of our food and things in the hut,” said Noddy, as Jerry

-and his chums were about to sail away. “After the flood which brought

-the snakes down, we didn’t dare go out. There was some stuff in the

-hut when we reached it. I think someone had been there just before we

-were.”

-

-“What?” cried Jerry. “Someone had been in the hut recently?”

-

-“I’m sure of it,” spoke Noddy. “There was food in some boxes when we

-took shelter there. And some books, and papers with writing on. But we

-didn’t see anyone while we were there until you came, and we were never

-gladder to see anybody than you. We couldn’t find any radium. I’m sorry

-I treated you so mean, and----”

-

-“Well, never mind,” interrupted Jerry, in whose brain many thoughts

-were whirling about. “Are you sure someone had been in the hut

-recently?”

-

-“Positive. You can ask Bill Berry.”

-

-But Jerry had no desire to do this. He preferred to look for himself.

-Bill was sullen and angry, and so was Dr. Belgrade. Both knew that the

-game was up. But no attention was paid to them.

-

-With no very hearty good-byes, our friends watched the trio of

-unpleasant ones depart. They could reach civilization in a day or so,

-and they had enough to eat and drink for that time.

-

-“Now come on!” cried Jerry to his chums. “Come on, Professor,” for the

-scientist was chasing after a new kind of bug.

-

-“Where to now, Jerry?” asked Ned.

-

-“Back to the hut on Snake Island. I’m going to see who has been living

-there, and what has become of him.”

-

-“Then you think it might be----”

-

-“I’m going to make sure before I say anything,” interrupted the tall

-lad, as he sent the airship aloft.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXVIII

-

-THE RISING FLOOD

-

-

-“Well, I don’t see much here to help us,” remarked Bob.

-

-“No, not much that tells anything definite,” agreed Jerry.

-

-“Except parts of what seem to be a journal, or diary,” added Ned.

-

-“But those same leaves from the journal tell a sad story,” spoke

-Professor Snodgrass.

-

-The three boys and the scientist were in the hut on Snake Island. It

-was the day after they had taken Noddy and his cronies off, and they

-were seeking for traces of the person who, according to the bully, had

-been in the hut before they arrived. They found some preserved food,

-older than any Noddy could have brought, and scattered pages of a diary.

-

-“It is evident that someone--most likely a man--lived here for a time,”

-went on the professor, “and that up to recently, he kept an account of

-his day’s doings, for here is the last entry we can find, dated about a

-month ago.”

-

-“What does it say?” asked Bob.

-

-“The same thing as for many days before. ‘Searched for it, but could

-not find it.’”

-

-“What do you suppose ‘it’ can be?” asked Ned.

-

-The professor was silent a moment, and then he said quietly:

-

-“Radium.”

-

-“What!” cried Jerry. “Do you think someone has been here ahead of us,

-looking for the radium treasure?”

-

-“I am sure of it,” said Uriah Snodgrass, “and what is more, I believe

-it was Mr. Bentwell.”

-

-“Then where is he now?” demanded Bob.

-

-“That I don’t know,” and the professor’s voice was solemn. “Probably he

-is dead. He must have been here on this lonely island nearly a year.

-How he lived in that time no one can tell. When he and his companions

-were wrecked there must have been some food saved. Or, he may have been

-able to trap, or kill, small animals that are on the island, or that

-were brought down by the floods. He may have caught fish. At any rate,

-we know that someone was alive here up to a month ago, for the date in

-the book tells us that. Where he went to, we can only guess.”

-

-“The snakes,” suggested Ned in a low voice.

-

-“Yes, the snakes may have killed him,” agreed the professor. “It is

-a sad ending to the life of a noted scholar, alone on this terrible

-island. I shall preserve this record he has left, for his family.”

-

-“But where is the rest of it?” asked Jerry. “There are only a few pages

-here.”

-

-“The others were destroyed, somehow,” replied Professor Snodgrass.

-“The same agency that made away with Mr. Bentwell may have destroyed

-the record of his uneventful search, or Noddy and his cronies, not

-understanding the value of the book, may have used pages of it to

-light a fire with, for on the hearth you can see where a fire has

-recently been kindled. It is too bad, for a scientific person, like Mr.

-Bentwell, probably made valuable observations of what took place in

-this wonderful canyon of the Colorado.”

-

-“Well, it isn’t doing us any good to stay here,” spoke Jerry. “It’s

-only making us more gloomy. I vote that we get out, and make a careful

-search for the radium. We won’t be bothered by Noddy and his crowd now,

-and there isn’t likely to be another flood, right away.”

-

-“I agree with you,” said the professor. “We will be better off by doing

-some active work. I’ll take charge of what is left of the journal, and

-we’ll begin our search. What food is left we’ll pack away in the hut.

-Who knows but what some other daring adventurer, who seeks to navigate

-the river, may be wrecked here? It may save his life.”

-

-The food was carefully put away, and it was likely to keep for some

-time, since there were no evidences that the waters had ever risen

-quite as high as the hut. Then our friends began their search.

-

-It was kept up for several days, and, as thoroughly as they could, they

-covered every part of the island, beginning at the shore and working

-back toward the big mound in the center, with its tall pillar of

-sandstone rock.

-

-“I guess we’ll have to make a record in our notebooks, the same as poor

-Mr. Bentwell did, ‘nothing doing,’” remarked Bob one day, after nearly

-a week of searching.

-

-“Well, we’ve got all that hill to explore yet,” replied Ned. “And

-that’s the most likely place for the radium; isn’t it, Professor?”

-

-“No, I can’t say that it is,” was the reply of the scientist. “I think,

-if we find it at all, that it will be on comparatively low ground. But

-it begins to look as if our hunt for the treasure was likely to result

-in failure.”

-

-“And you haven’t got your two-tailed toad yet,” said Jerry.

-

-“No, but I have hopes, boys,” and with that the professor, leaving the

-three chums to search for traces of radium, went off by himself to

-look for the specimen he so much wanted.

-

-All that day the two searches were kept up, but without result. At

-night they assembled in the airship, which had been anchored on a level

-piece of high ground, near the upper end of the island, above the hut.

-

-“Well, we’ll put in a few more days,” suggested Ned, as they arose from

-the supper table, “and then I think we’d better get back home, and

-admit that we’re beaten.”

-

-“I don’t like to give up,” said Jerry.

-

-“Neither do I,” came from the professor. “And yet I think we had better

-get ready to leave. I don’t like the looks of the weather, and the

-barometer is falling more rapidly than I care to see it.”

-

-“Do you think a storm is brewing?” asked Bob.

-

-“I do, and a bad one, too. I think we had better stay here one more

-day, and then move. I’ll have to look in some other place for the rare

-toad.”

-

-When they went to bed that night there was a low muttering of thunder,

-and fitful lightning, and Jerry insisted on his chums helping him make

-the airship more secure by ropes attached to trees.

-

-“We don’t want to be blown away in the night,” he said.

-

-They all slept so soundly that they did not notice the increasing roar

-of the river, as it rose in flood, due to heavy rains above Snake

-Island. The river was always roaring, as it tore past the black cliffs,

-and split in twain at the island, and, though the rain added to this

-noise, it did not awaken the adventurers.

-

-It was not until early morning that Ned, sitting up in his berth, was

-conscious of an uneasy, bobbing motion.

-

-“Hello!” he cried, hopping out. “What’s the matter? Why did you start,

-Jerry? I thought you were going to stay another day.”

-

-“Start! I haven’t started!” cried Jerry. “What are you talking about?”

-

-Then, as he leaped out on the floor, he nearly lost his balance, as the

-_Comet_ pitched and tossed. Jerry gave a hasty glance out of the window.

-

-“Boys,” he cried, “we’re afloat on the biggest flood the Colorado ever

-had, I guess! We’re still anchored, but the trees are under water! The

-ropes are holding us!”

-

-“But how can we float?” asked Bob.

-

-“On the hydroplanes, of course,” said Jerry. “You know we’ve been

-resting on them, instead of the bicycle wheels, for I wanted to take

-the weight off the tires. Lucky for us that I did, or we wouldn’t

-float. And now we’re on the surface of the river, and it’s still

-rising!”

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXIX

-

-IN THE CAVE

-

-

-Steadying themselves against the swaying motion of the anchored

-airship, our friends crowded to the windows to look out. They beheld a

-terrifying and wonderful scene.

-

-Almost the whole of the island was under water. Only the high middle

-part, with its tower of rock, was out of the flood. Securely held by

-the anchor ropes, the _Comet_, as light as a chip on the surface of the

-waves, floated on the bosom of the flood. Her very lightness, due to

-the fact that the gas bag was partly filled, and the strength of the

-anchor ropes, had saved her. Then, too, the fact that she rested on

-hydroplanes, or pontoons, was in her favor. These were a new feature of

-the airship, which had only recently been added.

-

-“Say, it’s lucky you thought to let the hydroplanes down,” spoke Bob,

-as he looked out at the flood sweeping past them.

-

-“If he hadn’t, we’d probably be wrecked by this time,” was Ned’s

-opinion. The hydroplanes, I might explain, were light hollow boxes,

-made water tight, and attached to the _Comet_ by long toggle-jointed

-arms. They could be raised or lowered at will, and allowed the

-_Comet_ to float on the surface of water. If you boys have ever seen

-a water-spider, or bug, skimming along on the brook or lake, as you

-doubtless have, you will get a good idea of how the hydroplanes worked

-by recalling to mind the insect.

-

-“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Ned, as he looked at the flood

-sweeping past. On the surface of the water floated all manner of

-débris, including much driftwood, and even whole trees. “We can’t stay

-here,” went on the lad, “for we may have a hole punched in us any

-minute.”

-

-Even as he spoke there was a grinding sound, and a log scraped along

-the side of the _Comet_.

-

-“Yes, we’d better get out,” agreed Jerry.

-

-“I’ll get breakfast right away,” said Bob briskly, “and then----”

-

-“No, you don’t!” cried Ned. “No breakfast until we’re out of danger.

-Why, we might be wrecked, and then I’d like to know how we could ever

-get out of this canyon,” and he looked up at the towering cliffs on

-either hand--cliffs that no mortal could scale. On each side--all

-around them--was the raging flood, in which no craft, save one as

-light as an airship, could have lived for a moment.

-

-“It all depends on the airship,” agreed Jerry. “We must get away while

-we can.”

-

-The words were hardly out of his mouth before there came a crash, and

-the craft trembled from end to end. There was a splintering noise, and

-Jerry sprang toward the stern.

-

-“What’s the matter?” asked Ned.

-

-“We’ve been hit! One of the hydroplanes is smashed and a bicycle wheel

-crushed! We’ve got to go up right away! Start the gas machine, Ned.

-Bob, you come in the pilot house with me, and help. Professor, you see

-that the motors get plenty of oil; will you? We’ll need all the power

-we’ve got.”

-

-Instantly the interior of the _Comet_ was a scene of activity. The

-effect of the damage was at once apparent, for the craft had settled on

-one side. But as soon as the gas began flowing into the bag she began

-to lift, until she was once more on a level keel.

-

-“All ready now?” called Jerry to Ned, in the motor room.

-

-“All ready--let her go! But what are you going to do?”

-

-“I’m going to land on the high ground near the tower of sandstone. I

-can see a good level place there, and the water can never get as high

-as that. Besides, I want to make some repairs before we try to make

-the mainland, and we can make ’em there. We’ll stay on top of the hill

-until the flood goes down. Give me full speed, Ned. Tell the Professor

-to use lots of oil.”

-

-As Ned turned to convey the request to the scientist, Uriah Snodgrass,

-who had been looking from a side window out on the flood, uttered a cry

-of delight. The next instant he caught up a small fish net, attached

-to a long handle, and thrust it out of the window, into the swirling

-water. Then he cried:

-

-“I’ve got it! I’ve got it! Oh, you little beauty! I’ve got you almost

-at the last minute, when I least expected you. Oh, what a rare find!”

-

-“What is it?” cried Ned.

-

-“The two-tailed toad! I saw it floating down on a log, and I made

-a grab for it. I have it!” and holding out the net he displayed a

-queer-looking object--a hideous toad, covered with “warts,” but having

-two unmistakable tails.

-

-“Ugh! What a creature!” cried Ned.

-

-“A most valuable acquisition to science,” declared the professor

-proudly.

-

-There came a shrill whistle through the tube leading to the pilot

-house.

-

-“What is it?” asked Ned.

-

-“Aren’t you going to start?” Jerry wanted to know. “The river is still

-rising, and more logs are coming down! Get a move on!”

-

-“Aye, aye!” answered Ned, and he yanked over the electrical switch.

-Instantly the propellers whizzed around, and the _Comet_ strained at

-the mooring ropes.

-

-“Now’s the time!” cried Jerry to Bob, who had been provided with a

-light, keen hatchet, for the purpose of severing the lines. “Cut!”

-

-The little axe came down as the _Comet_ lifted her dripping hydroplanes

-out of the water, and, freed from the holding cables, she soared aloft.

-Jerry directed her toward the big hill in the middle of the island,

-where there was room to land. Fortunately there was scarcely any wind

-to sway the craft, though the rain came down in torrents.

-

-Well aloft now, over the raging flood of the Colorado, the _Comet_

-was more like herself, and, with Jerry to guide her, there was

-comparatively little danger.

-

-“You’ve got to be careful how you let her down,” suggested Ned, when,

-having set the machinery to working automatically, he joined his tall

-chum in the pilot house. “You don’t want to smash that hydroplane and

-wheel any more than they are.”

-

-“Sure not. We’ll be down in a few minutes, and then we can get right to

-work.”

-

-“What about the radium?” asked Ned.

-

-“Oh, we’ll look for that, too, as long as we’re in no immediate danger.

-I hope we find it. The Professor got what he wanted, and it’s up to us

-to make good, too.”

-

-It was but a short distance from where the flood had floated the

-_Comet_ to the place where Jerry proposed to anchor, and, a little

-while after arising, the airship came gently down. It required no small

-skill to make a landing without further damaging the broken parts, but

-Jerry managed it.

-

-“Make fast the ship! All hands out at anchor work!”

-

-The professor rather disliked to leave off making notes about the

-two-tailed toad that the flood had brought him, but he finally put the

-specimen away, and joined the boys in the work of making their craft

-secure.

-

-They had landed on a small plateau, which was, in a manner, cut in the

-side of the hill. Back of it arose a steep cliff of sandstone, while

-the surface of the shelf was covered with trees, grass and bushes.

-

-Ned, taking one rope, walked off to the left to fasten it to a big

-stump that he thought would hold. As he came near it he glanced behind

-a bush, and, as he did so he uttered a cry:

-

-“Fellows, look here!” he shouted. “Here’s a big cave leading right into

-the hill!”

-

-Through the rain, splashing over the soaked ground, came Bob and

-Jerry, the professor following. They stood grouped about a hole in the

-slope--a hole large enough to permit a man to enter upright.

-

-“Let’s go in and see what’s there,” proposed Bob.

-

-“I guess it’s safe,” came from Jerry. “There are hardly likely to be

-any bears on this island.”

-

-Together they advanced into the cavern. It was dark, but their eyes

-soon became somewhat accustomed to the gloom.

-

-“It’s too big to explore without a light,” remarked the professor.

-“This may be a place for valuable relics. Let’s fasten the airship, and

-then come back with electrical torches.”

-

-They turned to go, but, as they did so there came a sound which

-startled all of them. It was the sound of a human voice and, in cracked

-tones, as if the speaker had not used his vocal cords for some time.

-

-“Who are you? What do you want?” was demanded in hollow accents. And

-then there came a faint glimmer of light, and in the rays of it they

-beheld a man--apparently a very old man--with matted beard, tangled

-hair and hollow, sunken eyes, who stood staring at them from the depths

-of the cave.

-

-

-

-

-CHAPTER XXX

-

-THE RADIUM TREASURE--CONCLUSION

-

-

-“Bless my soul!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass.

-

-Bob, with a catching of his breath, and a nervous tremor, started to

-run in a panic. But Jerry caught him by the shoulder.

-

-“Hold on!” the tall lad cried. “It’s only a man.”

-

-“A--a man!” gasped the fat lad. “I thought----”

-

-“Stop thinking!” commanded Jerry.

-

-The man in the cave advanced, and the boys and the professor saw that

-he carried a torch made from some resinous wood that burned with much

-smoke.

-

-“Who are you?” again demanded the man, holding his torch on high. “Who

-comes here to disturb me? Why can’t you let me die in peace?”

-

-The professor took a sudden resolve. Afterward he said he did not know

-why he did it.

-

-“Hartley Bentwell!” cried the scientist, “we have come to save you.

-You are not going to die. We have come to take you away from Snake

-Island!”

-

-The effect of these words on the unfortunate man was indescribable. He

-fairly leaped forward, and a cry came from his lips.

-

-“You know me!” he exclaimed. “You have come to save me? Oh, the dear

-Lord be thanked! Yes, I am Hartley Bentwell, but in a few days more I

-would not have known myself. I--I fear I was going mad. It was almost

-the end. Oh, what a life I have lived on this island! Unable to escape!

-Menaced by the snakes! Not a soul to speak to! In fear of the floods!

-Oh, even now, my mind is not right!”

-

-“There, there!” exclaimed the professor soothingly, as he would have

-talked to a child. “You are with friends. You will soon be away from

-here, and in your own home. We are going to restore you to the world

-again. You have seen the last of Snake Island.”

-

-“The last of Snake Island! Oh----” but the unfortunate castaway could

-say no more, for he had fainted, and would have fallen, had not Jerry

-and Ned caught him.

-

-“Quick! Carry him to the _Comet_,” directed the professor. “When he

-comes to, he must find himself in brighter surroundings.”

-

-This was quickly done, and, as the rain soon stopped, and the sun came

-out, when Mr. Bentwell became conscious, he found himself in a pleasant

-cabin, surrounded by his new friends. A look of wonder came over his

-face, and the wild, half-insane stare faded from his eyes.

-

-“Here, drink this,” commanded Uriah Snodgrass, and he held out a bowl

-of nourishing soup.

-

-And, following a refreshing sleep, that afternoon, while seated in

-the airship cabin, Mr. Bentwell told his story. He had been with the

-scientists who, about a year before, had come to search for the radium

-on Snake Island. There had been an accident, one boat was wrecked,

-and the unfortunate man was cast alone on the island. His companions

-escaped, and got back to civilization, believing him drowned.

-

-The cargo of the boat, consisting of a considerable quantity of

-provisions, stores and tools, was washed up on the island.

-

-He built the hut, and rudely furnished it. Then, having nothing else to

-do, being unable to escape from the island, he began a search for the

-radium, as told in his torn notebook. But he could not find it.

-

-Then floods came, there were several visitations of snakes, and, in

-terror, he fled to the hill, where he found the cave that he made his

-home, only going occasionally to the hut. He had been away from it

-for several days when Noddy and his companions took up their abode

-there. So despondent and gloomy was Mr. Bentwell over his plight that

-he withdrew to the cave altogether, and stayed there, living on scanty

-food. He did not come out, and so did not see the airship making trips

-over the island.

-

-“But now I am saved!” he cried. “Let us get away from this awful place!”

-

-“I am willing,” agreed the professor. “I have my valuable toad.”

-

-“But we haven’t the radium,” said Jerry.

-

-“I do not believe it is here,” said Mr. Bentwell. “I searched all over

-for it, and found not a trace.”

-

-“Yes, we saw your notes,” spoke the professor. “I saved what were left

-of them for you.”

-

-The weather soon became pleasant again, and the river went down. But

-the boys in their airship remained on the hill, as they liked it better

-there. Jerry asked for three days more in which to search for the

-radium treasure, and the others agreed to this.

-

-“Well, I give up,” admitted Jerry, on the afternoon of the third day,

-when, after a wearying search, he and his two chums were returning to

-the _Comet_. “We’ll start for home to-morrow morning. Mr. Bentwell is

-well enough to travel now.”

-

-“I sort of hate to go back empty handed,” spoke Ned regretfully. “It’s

-the first time we ever had a real failure.”

-

-“We can’t always be successful,” commented Bob. “Whew! I’m tired. I’m

-going to have a rest.”

-

-He sat down on a grassy spot. Just below them was the _Comet_, which

-had been fully repaired, and was all ready for the homeward trip. Ned

-and Jerry walked on a little way, and then took a seat on a log, for

-they, too, were weary. They talked over their adventures, agreeing

-that, even though they had not found the radium treasure, they had had

-a good vacation.

-

-Bob suddenly jumped up, and rubbed his thigh.

-

-“What’s the matter; sit on a thorn?” asked Ned with a laugh.

-

-“Something like that,” answered the stout lad. “Or else a bee stung me.

-Well, come on. It’s all over.”

-

-They were packing up that night, ready for the trip home in the

-morning, when Bob complained of a burning sensation in his leg.

-

-“Better let me look at it,” suggested the professor, who knew something

-of medicine. “You may have been poisoned by some insect.” But, when he

-had looked at a peculiar red spot on Bob’s leg he cried out:

-

-“Boys, that’s the most wonderful thing I ever heard of! Bob has solved

-the riddle for us!”

-

-“What riddle?” demanded Jerry eagerly.

-

-“The radium riddle! That’s a blister caused by emanations from radium!”

-went on the professor. “Look at it, Mr. Bentwell, and see if you don’t

-think so!”

-

-The castaway, who had had his hair cut, and who had shaved himself,

-being attired in a spare suit of the professor’s, looked at the red

-spot.

-

-“That is undoubtedly a radium burn,” he said quickly. “How did it

-happen?”

-

-“It must have been when I sat down to rest,” explained Bob. “On the

-hill out there. I felt something sting me, and----”

-

-“It was the radium!” cried Mr. Bentwell. “Where is the place? Let us go

-to it at once!”

-

-“We can’t find it in the dark,” objected Jerry, but the professor and

-the castaway hurried out on the deck of the airship leading Bob with

-them.

-

-“Point out, as nearly as you can, where it was,” begged Uriah Snodgrass.

-

-Bob raised his hand, and, as he did so, he uttered a cry.

-

-“Look! Look!” he gasped. “The ghosts! The ghosts again!”

-

-There, floating down toward the airship, were tall whitish objects,

-wrapped in a bluish haze, like the tall forms of willowy beings

-shrouded in mist.

-

-“The ghosts!” cried Bob.

-

-“Yes, radium ghosts!” fairly shouted Professor Snodgrass. “I understand

-it now. I wonder I didn’t guess it the first time. The ghosts we saw

-before were vapors, caused by radium. It is the same now. Boys, we have

-at last found the radium treasure! We will get it in the morning!”

-

-They were up at dawn, after an almost sleepless night. Bob pointed out

-the spot where he had rested, and digging there, under a thin layer of

-sod, was found the peculiar hornblende rock mixed with pitchblende,

-which contained the radium. It needed but a simple test to demonstrate

-this.

-

-“And the peculiar thing about it is this,” said Professor Snodgrass.

-“Usually it takes tons of rock to produce even a grain of radium, but

-in this case there is almost pure radium in this sample. We must be

-careful of it, for, not only is it very valuable, but it may seriously

-harm us if left exposed.”

-

-Accordingly the first sample was put in the lead receptacle prepared

-for it, and the work of digging the rock for more was begun.

-

-But if our friends hoped to find an enormous fortune of radium on

-Snake Island they were disappointed. For, after they had dug a little

-distance down, the rock disappeared, and there was no more of it.

-Search as they did, there was only a comparatively small quantity. But

-that was of great value, sufficient to more than compensate them for

-the trip, for the radium, being almost pure, commanded an exceptionally

-high price.

-

-“But there must be some where we first saw the strange ghosts,”

-suggested Bob. They went to the place, but found nothing. As there was

-a deep hollow, where before there had been none, they concluded that

-the flood had washed the precious radium away.

-

-“But we have enough to satisfy almost anyone,” said Jerry, one evening

-a few nights later.

-

-In the days following Bob’s unexpected discovery of the precious stuff

-they had searched diligently, but no more was located.

-

-“I think we have all there is here,” was the professor’s opinion, and

-Mr. Bentwell agreed with him. There was no longer any use in remaining

-in that desolate place, and so they arose, and left behind Snake

-Island, and the rushing river cutting its way through the mighty chasm,

-a mile below the surface of the earth.

-

-Then, with her nose pointed toward Denver, the return trip began.

-Little worth mentioning occurred on it. Mr. Bentwell continued to

-improve and after a short stay in Denver, at the Montrose home, nearly

-all traces of his terrible year on the lonely island disappeared.

-Of course the story of the boys caused much comment, and they were

-regarded as heroes.

-

-They received many offers for their radium, but they refused nearly all

-of them, giving a share of the stuff to Mr. Bentwell, some to Professor

-Snodgrass, and a portion to Mr. Montrose. The latter was interested in

-a Denver hospital that very much wanted some of the precious metal for

-medical purposes.

-

-As for their portions the boys kept some for themselves for future use,

-and some they gave to the academy they attended. The rest they sold for

-a large sum.

-

-Nothing more was heard from Noddy Nixon, save that he and Bill got

-safely home, after much hardship. As for the renegade professor he and

-Noddy quarreled, and separated.

-

-“Let’s go all the way home by airship,” proposed Bob as they were about

-to leave Denver. “We can have the auto shipped to Cresville, and it’s

-much easier to get meals in the _Comet_ than at hotels.”

-

-“Bob, if you mention eating again, until we get home, we’ll put you on

-a bread and water diet,” threatened Ned, and Bob went off to the galley

-in a huff. But he was soon heard whistling as he made himself some

-sandwiches.

-

-The airship trip was voted the best, and accordingly, it was

-undertaken. All went well, and in due time they were near their home

-town. At his request, Mr. Bentwell was allowed to leave the ship at a

-place where he could get a train to his home, for he did not want to

-take his new friends out of their way. He had telegraphed, at the first

-opportunity, to his relatives, telling them of his rescue. To say that

-they, and the world at large, were surprised by his wonderful story, is

-putting it mildly.

-

-“Well, we got the radium treasure, after all,” remarked Jerry, one day

-a week or so later, when they were all assembled at his house.

-

-“And I caught the two-tailed toad,” added the professor. “My college

-has conferred additional honors upon me for that. I am indeed a lucky

-individual.”

-

-“I wonder what you’ll look for next?” spoke Bob.

-

-“And I wonder what we’ll do?” added Ned.

-

-Those of you who care to know, may learn by reading the next volume of

-the series, which will be called “The Motor Boys on the Border; Or,

-Sixty Nuggets of Gold,” a strange tale of the Far West and of Canada.

-

-“Well,” remarked the professor, “I think I will----” He stopped

-suddenly, sprang to a small table, and clapped his hand down on it so

-suddenly that he upset a pitcher of lemonade, which spilled all over

-Bob.

-

-“Ouch! Ugh!” gasped the fat lad. “What’s the matter?”

-

-“I just caught a most rare specimen of a red-winged fly,” answered the

-professor, pulling out a specimen box and imprisoning the luckless

-insect.

-

-“But--l-l-look at me!” gasped Bob. “I’m all wet!”

-

-“Never mind, it’s a hot day, and you aren’t the only lemon in the

-house,” laughed Jerry, as he helped his chum dry himself.

-

-Of course Professor Snodgrass apologized, and made amends by helping

-squeeze more lemons. And then, sitting about, he and the boys discussed

-their adventures on the trip after the radium treasure. And now, for a

-time, we will say good-bye to them.

-

-

-THE END

-

-

-

-

-A New Line By the Author of the Ever-Popular

-

-“Motor Boys Series”

-

-

-The Racer Boys Series

-

-by CLARENCE YOUNG

-

-Author of “The Motor Boys Series”, “Jack Ranger Series”, etc. etc.

-

-Fine cloth binding. Illustrated. Price per vol. 60 cts. postpaid.

-

-The announcement of a new series of stories by Mr. Clarence Young is

-always hailed with delight by boys and girls throughout the country,

-and we predict an even greater success for these new books, than that

-now enjoyed by the “Motor Boys”. The stories are in Mr. Young’s best

-vein, full of vim and vigor from start to finish, and of a high moral

-order. They are in the same style that has made “The Motor Boys Series”

-the most popular young people’s line on the market.

-

-

-  The Racer Boys

-  or The Mystery of the Wreck

-

-This, the first volume of the new series, tells who the Racer Boys were

-and how they chanced to be out on the ocean in a great storm. They

-rescue another boy in a wrecked motor-boat and take him to their home

-only to discover later that the stranger has lost his mind and cannot

-remember who he is or where he comes from. Adventures follow each other

-in rapid succession, and the Racer Boys finally solve the mystery in a

-manner that only our author, Mr. Young, can describe.

-

-

-  The Racer Boys At Boarding School

-  or Striving for the Championship

-

-When the Racer Boys arrived at the school they found everything at a

-stand-still. The school was going down rapidly and the students lacked

-ambition and leadership. They lacked even the heart to take part in

-any athletic contests. The Racers took hold with a will, and got their

-father to aid the head of the school financially, and then reorganized

-the football team. Much to the astonishment of everybody, the school

-won the championship of the league.

-

-

-  The Racer Boys To The Rescue

-  or Stirring Days in a Winter Camp

-

-Here is a story filled with the spirit of good times in winter--skating,

-ice-boating and hunting. How the lads went out after big game, how they

-stumbled upon a queer trail and made a great discovery, and how they

-came to the rescue of a crippled boy who was virtually held a prisoner

-in a wilderness cabin, are related in a manner to chain the attention

-of the reader from beginning to end.

-

-

-  Other Volumes to Follow

-

-  CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers      NEW YORK

-

-

-

-

-The Webster Series

-

-By Frank V. Webster

-

-[Illustration]

-

-

-Mr. Webster’s style is very much like that of the boys’ favorite

-author, the late lamented Horatio Alger Jr., but his tales are

-thoroughly up-to-date. The stories are as clean as they are clever, and

-will prove of absorbing interest to boys everywhere.

-

-Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated. Stamped in various

-colors. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.

-

-  Only A Farm Boy

-    or Dan Hardy’s Rise in Life

-

-  Tom The Telephone Boy

-    or The Mystery of a Message

-

-  The Boy From The Ranch

-    or Roy Bradner’s City Experiences

-

-  The Young Treasure Hunter

-    or Fred Stanley’s Trip to Alaska

-

-  Bob The Castaway

-    or The Wreck of the Eagle

-

-  The Newsboy Partners

-    or Who Was Dick Box?

-

-  Two Boy Gold Miners

-    or Lost in the Mountains

-

-  The Young Firemen of Lakeville

-    or Herbert Dare’s Pluck

-

-  The Boy Pilot of the Lakes

-    or Nat Morton’s Perils

-

-  The Boys of Bellwood School

-    or Frank Jordan’s Triumph

-

-  Jack The Runaway

-    or On the Road with a Circus

-

-  Bob Chester’s Grit

-    or From Ranch to Riches

-

-  Airship Andy

-    or The Luck of a Brave Boy

-

-  The High School Rivals

-    or Fred Markham’s Struggles

-

-  Darry The Life Saver

-    or The Heroes of the Coast

-

-  Dick The Bank Boy

-    or A Missing Fortune

-

-  Ben Hardy’s Flying Machine

-    or Making a Record for Himself

-

-  Harry Watson’s High School Days

-    or The Rivals of Rivertown

-

-  Comrades of the Saddle

-    or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains

-

-  The Boys of the Wireless

-    or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep

-

-

-  CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers,      NEW YORK

-

-

-

-

- Transcriber’s Notes:

-

- --Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_); text in bold

-   by “equal” signs (=bold=).

-

- --Printer, punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently

-   corrected, except as noted below.

-

- --Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.

-

- --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.

-

- --Variant spellings of Pittsburg for Pittsburgh (PA.) and Allegany

-   for Allegeny (River) have been retained as these have been used

-   consistently throughout the book.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-End of Project Gutenberg's The Motor Boys After a Fortune, by Clarence Young

-

-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE ***

-

-***** This file should be named 47417-0.txt or 47417-0.zip *****

-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:

-        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/7/4/1/47417/

-

-Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed

-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

-

-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will

-be renamed.

-

-Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright

-law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,

-so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United

-States without permission and without paying copyright

-royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part

-of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm

-concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,

-and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive

-specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this

-eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook

-for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports,

-performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given

-away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks

-not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the

-trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.

-

-START: FULL LICENSE

-

-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

-

-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free

-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work

-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full

-Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at

-www.gutenberg.org/license.

-

-Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-

-1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to

-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property

-(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all

-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or

-destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your

-possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a

-Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound

-by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the

-person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph

-1.E.8.

-

-1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be

-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who

-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few

-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See

-paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this

-agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.

-

-1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the

-Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection

-of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual

-works in the collection are in the public domain in the United

-States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the

-United States and you are located in the United States, we do not

-claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,

-displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as

-all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope

-that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting

-free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm

-works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the

-Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily

-comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the

-same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when

-you share it without charge with others.

-

-1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern

-what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are

-in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,

-check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this

-agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,

-distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any

-other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no

-representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any

-country outside the United States.

-

-1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

-

-1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other

-immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear

-prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work

-on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the

-phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,

-performed, viewed, copied or distributed:

-

-  This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and

-  most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no

-  restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it

-  under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this

-  eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the

-  United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you

-  are located before using this ebook.

-

-1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is

-derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not

-contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the

-copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in

-the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are

-redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply

-either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or

-obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm

-trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

-

-1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted

-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution

-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any

-additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms

-will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works

-posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the

-beginning of this work.

-

-1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this

-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.

-

-1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this

-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without

-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with

-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm License.

-

-1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,

-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including

-any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access

-to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format

-other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official

-version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site

-(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense

-to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means

-of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain

-Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the

-full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

-

-1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,

-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works

-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

-

-1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing

-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-provided that

-

-* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from

-  the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method

-  you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed

-  to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has

-  agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project

-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid

-  within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are

-  legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty

-  payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project

-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in

-  Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg

-  Literary Archive Foundation."

-

-* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies

-  you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he

-  does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-  License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all

-  copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue

-  all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm

-  works.

-

-* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of

-  any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the

-  electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of

-  receipt of the work.

-

-* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free

-  distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.

-

-1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than

-are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing

-from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The

-Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm

-trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

-

-1.F.

-

-1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable

-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread

-works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project

-Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may

-contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate

-or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other

-intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or

-other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or

-cannot be read by your equipment.

-

-1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right

-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all

-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal

-fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT

-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE

-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE

-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE

-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR

-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH

-DAMAGE.

-

-1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a

-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can

-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a

-written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you

-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium

-with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you

-with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in

-lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person

-or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second

-opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If

-the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing

-without further opportunities to fix the problem.

-

-1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth

-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO

-OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT

-LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

-

-1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied

-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of

-damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement

-violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the

-agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or

-limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or

-unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the

-remaining provisions.

-

-1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the

-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone

-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in

-accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the

-production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,

-including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of

-the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this

-or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or

-additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any

-Defect you cause.

-

-Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of

-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of

-computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It

-exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations

-from people in all walks of life.

-

-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the

-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's

-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will

-remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure

-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future

-generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see

-Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at

-www.gutenberg.org

-

-

-

-Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

-

-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit

-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the

-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal

-Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification

-number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by

-U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.

-

-The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the

-mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its

-volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous

-locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt

-Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to

-date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and

-official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact

-

-For additional contact information:

-

-    Dr. Gregory B. Newby

-    Chief Executive and Director

-    gbnewby@pglaf.org

-

-Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg

-Literary Archive Foundation

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide

-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of

-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be

-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest

-array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations

-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt

-status with the IRS.

-

-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating

-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United

-States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a

-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up

-with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations

-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND

-DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular

-state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate

-

-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we

-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition

-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who

-approach us with offers to donate.

-

-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make

-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from

-outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

-

-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation

-methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other

-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To

-donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate

-

-Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works.

-

-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be

-freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and

-distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of

-volunteer support.

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed

-editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in

-the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not

-necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper

-edition.

-

-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search

-facility: www.gutenberg.org

-

-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,

-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to

-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.

-

+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 47417 ***
+
+[Illustration: JERRY SENT THE CHASER DIRECTLY AT THE COMET.]
+
+
+
+
+                            THE MOTOR BOYS
+                            AFTER A FORTUNE
+
+                                  Or
+
+                        The Hut on Snake Island
+
+                                  BY
+                            CLARENCE YOUNG
+
+                               Author of
+         “The Racer Boys Series” and “The Jack Ranger Series.”
+
+
+                              ILLUSTRATED
+
+
+                               NEW YORK
+                        CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+BOOKS BY CLARENCE YOUNG
+
+
+=THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES=
+
+12mo. Illustrated.
+
+Price per volume, 60 cents, postpaid.
+
+  THE MOTOR BOYS
+  THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND
+  THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS
+  THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC
+  THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC
+  THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS
+  THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES
+  THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING
+  THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE
+
+
+=THE JACK RANGER SERIES=
+
+12mo. Finely Illustrated.
+
+Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid.
+
+  JACK RANGER’S SCHOOLDAYS
+  JACK RANGER’S WESTERN TRIP
+  JACK RANGER’S SCHOOL VICTORIES
+  JACK RANGER’S OCEAN CRUISE
+  JACK RANGER’S GUN CLUB
+  JACK RANGER’S TREASURE BOX
+
+
+  Copyright, 1912, by
+  CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY
+
+
+THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                     PAGE
+      I. TO THE RESCUE                          1
+     II. THE SAVING OF NODDY                   11
+    III. NODDY BEGINS PLOTTING                 22
+     IV. PLANNING A FORTUNE HUNT               33
+      V. NODDY’S PLOT DEVELOPS                 40
+     VI. OFF FOR PITTSBURG                     51
+    VII. IN DANGER                             58
+   VIII. DOWN THE ALLEGHANY                    69
+     IX. OFF IN THE AUTO                       77
+      X. HELD UP                               85
+     XI. NODDY IN ADVANCE                      92
+    XII. DISAPPOINTMENT                       104
+   XIII. THE PROFESSOR’S LUNCH                115
+    XIV. THE WRECK OF THE LIMITED             121
+     XV. THE EXPRESS AHEAD                    129
+    XVI. THE AIRSHIP GONE                     138
+   XVII. AN UNEXPECTED OFFER                  144
+  XVIII. ON THE TRAIL                         152
+    XIX. A DESPERATE RACE                     159
+     XX. A GAME IN THE AIR                    168
+    XXI. OFF FOR THE CANYON                   174
+   XXII. OVER THE GREAT CHASM                 182
+  XXIII. THE BOAT IN THE RAPIDS               189
+   XXIV. STRANGE GHOSTS                       196
+    XXV. A NEST OF SERPENTS                   205
+   XXVI. LIVE WIRES                           212
+  XXVII. THE TRANSPORTING OF NODDY            217
+ XXVIII. THE RISING FLOOD                     224
+   XXIX. IN THE CAVE                          230
+    XXX. THE RADIUM TREASURE--CONCLUSION      238
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+DEAR BOYS:--
+
+I wonder if any of you are superstitious, or if you believe in “signs”?
+I, myself, do not, but as this happens to be the thirteenth book in the
+Motor Boys series, I just thought I’d mention it, more as a joke than
+anything else.
+
+You know some persons think thirteen is unlucky. I do not, and I am
+sure you do not, either. So I venture to hope that I have been lucky
+enough to write for you, in this thirteenth volume, a book you will
+like better than any of the preceding ones that I have been happy to
+pen.
+
+Certainly, Jerry, Ned and Bob, when they went after the radium treasure,
+on Snake Island, in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, had a chance to
+believe in “signs” if they were so inclined. But when they saw the
+strange “ghosts” they were not a bit frightened, and, later on, they
+discovered the cause of them.
+
+This story, though a complete tale in itself, is linked with the others
+in the series. It tells how the Motor Boys, hearing through Professor
+Snodgrass, of a place where radium was supposed to be located, set off
+to find it. They had many adventures, and were in not a little danger.
+Then, too, they had to proceed against Noddy Nixon, who had unlawfully
+taken their motorship.
+
+I venture to hope that you will like this story, and that you will
+care for more about the boys, whom I have come to regard as very good
+friends of mine. I should dislike, very much indeed, saying good-bye to
+them.
+
+So, wishing you all the pleasure possible in the reading of this story,
+I remain,
+
+Yours cordially,
+
+CLARENCE YOUNG.
+
+
+
+
+THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+“But, Professor, do you really think it’s true?” asked Ned Slade,
+looking at the elderly gentleman, whose bald head glistened in the
+sunlight, as he sat leafing the pages of a scientific book.
+
+“Is what true, Ned?” inquired Jerry Hopkins, who had crossed the room
+to look out of a window.
+
+“What Professor Snodgrass was telling just now, about a fortune in
+radium being on a lonely little island in the Colorado River, somewhere
+in the Grand Canyon.”
+
+“Radium!” gasped Bob Baker, turning slowly in a big chair.
+
+“Yes, radium,” answered Ned, at whose house the other motor boy chums
+had called to meet their old friend, the professor, who was paying a
+short visit to Mr. Slade. “Radium, Bob. Do you get the idea, or are you
+still trying to figure out how long it will be until lunch time?”
+
+“Aw, quit it,” begged the fat lad. “I guess I can think of something
+besides grub, once in a while. But I wasn’t listening very closely.
+What is it about radium? That’s the stuff they use to set diamonds in,
+instead of gold; isn’t it?”
+
+“Say, what’s the matter with you, Bob?” cried Jerry, a tall, and
+well-built lad, as he wheeled around from the window. “Set diamonds in
+radium? You’re thinking of platinum, I guess.”
+
+“Oh, that’s right!” admitted Bob.
+
+“Radium!” broke in Ned. “I guess they’d be more likely to set radium in
+a diamond, if they could; eh, Professor?”
+
+“Well,” admitted the little scientist with a smile, “it’s valuable
+enough to be set in diamonds, but I’m afraid it would be too dangerous
+to carry around that way. It can’t be exposed carelessly, you know.”
+
+“Dangerous?” asked Bob. “How’s that?”
+
+“Radium, that wonderful metal, as it is sometimes called, and about
+which so much has been written, yet about which even the greatest
+scientists admit that they know very little, can cause very severe
+burns if brought near a person, and not protected in some way.
+
+“The rays, or emanations from it, pass through almost all substances,
+you know, and not only does it cause burns, but also forms of mental
+diseases. It is a dangerous, as well as very valuable, metal.”
+
+“But what’s this Ned said about some being on an island in the Grand
+Canyon of the Colorado?” persisted Bob. “That sounds interesting. Maybe
+there’s a chance for us to take a trip, and get some. Let’s hear more
+about it, Professor, please.”
+
+“Well, I don’t know that I can say much,” came from the scientist. “I
+just happened to see a mention of radium in this book I was looking at,
+and I just told Ned that there was said to be a valuable deposit of it
+on this island--Snake Island, I believe it is called--though I don’t
+know why. Probably from some Indian name.”
+
+“And I asked him if he believed it was true,” added Ned.
+
+“As to that I can’t say,” resumed Uriah Snodgrass. “All I know is that
+some years ago a scientific expedition from Hartwell College set out
+to learn if the rumor about the radium was true. They had the story,
+I understand, from some prospectors who were searching for gold. The
+prospectors landed on this island, because their boat was wrecked, and
+one of them picked up a piece of stone, whether it was hornblende or
+pitchblende I can’t recall, but you know radium is often found in those
+substances.
+
+“At any rate, one of the prospectors kept this piece of mineral,
+and when he and his friends left the island he took it with him, not
+knowing what it was. Later he gave it to a scientist, as a curiosity,
+and the latter at once recognized what it was, and learned where it
+came from.
+
+“It was sent to Hartwell College, with which the scientist was
+connected, and aroused a great deal of interest. An expedition was at
+once fitted up, and about a year ago started for Snake Island.”
+
+“Did they get there?” asked Bob eagerly. “And did they get any gold?”
+
+“They did not, I regret to say,” replied the professor rather solemnly.
+“As for gold, they would scarcely have picked it up, had there been
+any, if there was radium to be had, for there is no comparison in the
+values of the two. With radium at ten thousand dollars, or so, an
+ounce, you can easily figure what a little bit would be worth.
+
+“At any rate, the expedition never even got to Snake Island. They
+started down the Colorado in a boat, but it was wrecked, and the party
+barely escaped alive. This so discouraged them that they returned, and
+as far as I know, no one since has set foot on the place where the
+radium is supposed to be. Yes, it was a sad piece of business.”
+
+“Why sad?” asked Jerry Hopkins. “Because science missed the chance to
+get the radium?”
+
+“Well, yes, in a way, but one of the searching party was lost.”
+
+“Drowned?” asked Ned.
+
+“As to that no one ever knew. He fell into the water when the boat
+was wrecked, and none of his friends ever saw him again. They had a
+watch kept on the river below, but the body was never seen. The man
+disappeared completely. He was quite a friend of mine, too, in a way,
+for we corresponded, and exchanged scientific books, though I only saw
+him a few times. Hartley Bentwell was his name, and he was one of the
+best authorities on radium that I ever heard of. I often wonder what
+became of him. He gave his life up in the interests of science.”
+
+“And do you really believe there is radium there?” asked Ned, after a
+pause.
+
+“Yes, I think I do,” answered the professor quietly. “I had the
+good fortune to see the piece of mineral, containing some, that
+the prospector picked up years ago. There was no doubt but that it
+contained radium, for all the manifestations were present. And if there
+was one bit of radium on that island, there must be more.”
+
+“Unless it’s all evaporated by this time,” put in Bob.
+
+“Radium doesn’t evaporate,” said the professor with a smile. “The
+smallest piece you can imagine, will give off what you might call
+‘rays’ or ‘sparks’ for thousands of years, and, at the end of that
+time, the most delicate scales would show no loss of weight. It’s the
+same way with pure musk. A grain of it has been known to scent, say
+a box, or chest of drawers, for fifty years, and, at the end of that
+time, the whole grain of musk was still there.”
+
+“That’s strange,” murmured Jerry.
+
+“Oh, that’s not nearly all the strange facts about radium,” went on Mr.
+Snodgrass. “I could talk to you for hours about it and not half finish.”
+
+“Tell us more about Snake Island,” suggested Ned.
+
+“That’s all I know,” and the professor closed the book that had started
+the conversation. “I only heard what I have told you. It was because
+I was interested in Mr. Bentwell, and felt his loss so much that the
+tale impressed me. I often thought I would like to have a try for
+that radium myself, not because of the fortune, but because of the
+scientific value of the metal, or mineral, whichever you choose to call
+it. But I never seemed to get the time, and I had so many other things
+to do, gathering----”
+
+The professor suddenly stopped talking, and made a dive for a certain
+spot on the carpet. He came down on his hands and knees, holding his
+palms together.
+
+“I got it!” he cried triumphantly. “Ned, please get my smallest insect
+case. It’s in my right hand coat pocket,” and the scientist remained on
+his knees, a look of joy on his face.
+
+“Did you fall?” asked Bob innocently.
+
+“No, indeed, I jumped,” replied the professor. “As I was speaking I
+happened to see a new variety of pink-winged moth fluttering on the
+carpet, and as this moth----”
+
+“Moths in my carpet!” cried Mrs. Slade, entering the room at that
+moment. “Oh, Professor! Let me kill it at once! Where is it?”
+
+“I have it safe,” answered Mr. Snodgrass with a smile. “As for killing
+it, I’ll do that, but it must be carefully done, so as not to crush it.
+Have you the box, Ned?”
+
+“Yes, here it is,” and the lad drew out a small, glass-topped case from
+the professor’s pocket.
+
+“Well, as long as you have the moth, I suppose it can’t eat holes in my
+new carpet,” said Mrs. Slade. “I must put some cedar oil around, and
+kill the horrid things.”
+
+“Oh, I beg of you, if you see any more to save them for me!” implored
+the professor. “There you are, my little pink beauty!” he exclaimed, as
+he put the moth in the case where it soon died, for the box contained
+cyanide of potassium, the fumes from which are almost instantly fatal
+to insect life. “That is worth many dollars to my college collection,”
+went on the scientist. “I would not have missed that for the world.
+This has been a lucky day for me. Let me see, what was I talking
+about?” and he looked at the boys through his powerful spectacles,
+while he absent-mindedly brushed the dust from his trousers.
+
+“It was radium, and you said you’d like to go to Snake Island,”
+suggested Ned.
+
+“Oh, yes, and I had told you about how my friend lost his life seeking
+the place. Indeed I would like to go, but I am afraid it is out of the
+question. However, I suppose some one will get the fortune some day,”
+and the professor carefully put the insect box in his pocket, looking
+the while, carefully over the carpet for more specimens.
+
+“Well, that surely was a queer yarn,” remarked Bob. “I say, Ned, what
+do you say if we have something to eat on it. I’m hungry, and----”
+
+“You don’t care who knows it!” finished Jerry with a laugh.
+
+“That’s all right,” put in Ned good-naturedly, for the chums were
+almost like brothers, and made themselves perfectly at home in each
+other’s houses. “I guess it must be almost lunch time. I’ll go see if
+it isn’t ready. I reckon we can all eat some, even Professor Snodgrass,
+if he can spare the time from his specimens.”
+
+“Oh, yes,” laughed the scientist. “I am ready----”
+
+At that moment there came an interruption in the shape of a small boy,
+very excited, and out of breath, who dashed up on the porch, on which
+opened the library windows of the room where the three chums and the
+professor had been talking.
+
+“Whoop!” yelled the small lad.
+
+“Andy Rush!” cried Ned.
+
+“Wow!” yelled Andy, getting his second wind. “Come on,
+fellows--’sawful--dam’s busted--river’s got loose--houses being washed
+away--people in the water--dogs--chickens--boats--fearful--terrible
+excitement--come on--don’t lose a minute--the whole place may go--big
+flood--whoop--come on--don’t wait--wow!”
+
+For a moment the three chums gazed at the excited small lad. Then Jerry
+asked, sternly:
+
+“Andy, is this true, or are you joking?”
+
+“True? Of course it’s true! Come on--rescue--big damage--dam’s
+busted--save lives!”
+
+“Fellows, I guess we’d better go!” cried Jerry, and, followed by his
+chums, and the professor, he rushed from the room, Andy coming after,
+and giving vent to excited whoops at every other breath.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE SAVING OF NODDY
+
+
+“How did it happen, Andy?” asked Jerry, as he ran along.
+
+“Yes, tell us more about it,” urged Bob.
+
+“Is it the big reservoir dam that’s broken?” asked Ned. “If it
+is, there’ll be a lot of damage, and yet I don’t hear any great
+excitement,” and he paused a moment to listen if he could catch the
+roar of rushing waters. But there came no unusual sound from the
+direction of the river which bordered the town of Cresville, where the
+boys lived.
+
+“I don’t know--didn’t see it!” panted Andy. “Old Pete Bumps told
+me--said it was the dam--terrible--everything washed away--come
+on--wow!”
+
+“Oh, if it was old Pete Bumps, our hired man, who told you, it can’t
+be so bad,” returned Bob Baker. “Pete always makes a big fuss over
+everything. Let’s take it easy, fellows.”
+
+“You can’t tell,” interposed Jerry. “Something must have happened. I
+see a lot of fellows running toward the river,” and he nodded toward
+a side street, through which could be had a glimpse of a thoroughfare
+parallel to the one on which our friends were, both extending to the
+stream. “Come on,” finished the tall lad. “We’ll see what it is,” and
+he increased his pace, his companions doing likewise.
+
+While I have just a few moments before the boys reach the river, and in
+which time they are doing nothing but running, and wondering what has
+happened, I will take the opportunity to tell you something about the
+chums, and the various books, previous to this one, in which they have
+figured.
+
+The first volume of the series entitled, “The Motor Boys,” told how
+the chums got together, and entered a bicycle race. Later on they got
+motor-cycles, and then an automobile in which they had many adventures.
+They took a long trip overland, got possession of a gold mine, and
+later went to Mexico, where they were in great danger. But they managed
+to escape, and, on a long trip across the plains they rescued the
+hermit of Lost Lake.
+
+After these adventures, our heroes decided that motor boating would
+suit them, and they succeeded in getting a fine craft. In the volume
+named, “The Motor Boys Afloat,” is told how the lads cruised in the
+_Dartaway_, and succeeded in finding the robbers who had broken into
+Mr. Slade’s department store.
+
+The lads liked motor boating so well that they took a cruise on the
+Atlantic, during which they solved the mystery of the lighthouse, and,
+later on, they went to the strange waters of the Florida Everglades.
+
+Naturally, after their adventures on the Atlantic, they turned their
+attention to the other ocean, the Pacific, and there they succeeded in
+locating a lost derelict.
+
+By this time the science of navigating the air was becoming better
+known, and aeroplanes and dirigible balloons were being perfected.
+It could not be expected that such lads as the motor boys could be
+kept from this field of activity, and with the assistance of an old
+balloonist of experience, Rupert Glassford, Bob, Ned and Jerry built a
+motorship. In the book called “The Motor Boys in the Clouds,” I told
+how they made a great trip for fame and fortune, and, some time later
+they went over the Rocky Mountains, and solved the mystery of the air.
+
+Thrilling indeed were the adventures that happened next, for when
+they made their voyage over the ocean they succeeded in rescuing
+from mid-air a certain Mr. Jackson, who was trying out a new kind of
+balloon. He and his crew were rendered unconscious by escaping gas,
+but they were brought around all right after hard work.
+
+In the next book, “The Motor Boys on the Wing,” I told how the three
+chums sought and found the bank robbers, and recovered the stolen
+money. They had been home from this trip some little time, when the
+incident narrated in the first chapter of the present volume took place.
+
+I might add that the three chums lived in the town of Cresville, not
+far from Boston. Their names you are already familiar with. Bob Baker,
+the fat lad, was the son of Mr. Andrew Baker, a well-known banker. Ned
+Slade’s father was Aaron Slade, a wealthy department store owner, while
+Jerry Hopkins was the son of a rich widow, Mrs. Julia Hopkins. The
+three lads were about the same age, full of fun, grit and the love of
+adventure.
+
+Many times, though, their fun was spoiled by a mean, bullying lad of
+the town, Noddy Nixon by name, and his crony, Bill Berry. But the motor
+boys generally managed to get the best of Noddy in the end. In this
+they were sometimes aided by Andy Rush, the excitable little chap, who
+had given the alarm about the bursting dam. Andy was always excited,
+and sometimes by the slightest cause.
+
+Professor Uriah Snodgrass was a well-known scientist. He often went
+with the boys on their trips, and he was continually on the lookout for
+rare bugs, or other specimens. He was employed by a well-known college,
+to get various articles for its museum, and often the professor would
+do odd things for the sake of getting a choice insect or reptile.
+He was a great friend of the boys, and often visited them at their
+houses. He had spent some time with Mr. Slade, who was one of the
+trustees of the college to which the professor was attached, and Mr.
+Snodgrass was about to return to his duties when, in a talk with Ned,
+the conversation turned to radium, as I have mentioned. But now all
+thoughts of that, and of Snake Island, were forgotten in the alarm
+raised by Andy.
+
+“What do you think can have happened, anyhow?” asked Ned, as he raced
+along beside Jerry.
+
+“I give it up; but it’s something, anyhow,” was the tall lad’s answer,
+“and that, in spite of the fact that you’ve usually got to discount
+what Andy says. Look at the crowd!”
+
+As Jerry spoke he and the others reached the end of the street, and
+came in sight of the river. They could see that something out of the
+ordinary was taking place, but the stream did not seem to be unusually
+high, though it had risen somewhat on account of heavy spring rains.
+
+“The big dam hasn’t burst, or we’d hear the roar of waters,” declared
+Ned.
+
+“Yes, and we’d see ’em, too,” added Bob.
+
+“Well, something busted, because Pete Bumps told me!” insisted Andy.
+“Maybe the bottom dropped out of the river--water may be all running
+away--ground sunk in--we’ll all fall through--whoop!”
+
+“Andy!” cried Jerry. “Stop, or you’ll burst! Cool down; can’t you?”
+
+“I can’t seem to,” answered the small lad. “Hey!” he cried, “there goes
+one house, anyhow,” and he pointed to a structure floating down the
+stream.
+
+“That’s so!” agreed Bob. “It’s a boathouse, too. I wonder what’s up?”
+
+They saw a moment later. Just above where the street on which they were
+running came out on the river front, was a small stream that joined the
+main one. This little stream had been dammed up, to provide a flow of
+water for an old-fashioned iron mill that used a turbine wheel. Part of
+this mill-dam had given way because of the heavy rains, and the waters
+that were held back had suddenly been released, to flow into the river
+proper.
+
+There was quite a crowd collected on the both banks of the river, and
+employees from the mill were endeavoring to repair the break in the
+dam, by putting timbers in it, and filling in the gap with stones, sod
+and earth.
+
+“Say, this isn’t such an awful flood!” cried Jerry as he took in the
+scene. “I thought you said the whole town was being washed away, Andy?”
+
+“And you said houses were being carried down,” added Ned.
+
+“Well, there’s one house washed away, anyhow,” declared the small,
+excitable chap, as if to justify himself.
+
+“That’s so!” cried Bob, “and it’s Noddy Nixon’s boathouse. It’s been
+washed away, and it’s going right down the river.”
+
+“It didn’t take much to wash it away,” said Jerry. “It was built too
+far out in the water, anyhow, and the piles it stood on weren’t much
+bigger than clothes poles. I always thought it would wash away if the
+water got high, and now it has.”
+
+Noddy Nixon had recently built a new boathouse on a piece of land near
+the river. It was just below the mill dam, and, naturally, when the
+rush of waters came, the structure was carried away, for it was not
+securely built. It was now floating down the stream, careening from
+side to side in the rushing waters.
+
+“Somebody ought to save that boathouse!” cried Andy.
+
+“Let Noddy do it then,” answered Jerry. “It isn’t worth an awful lot,
+and it will be worth less when this flood gets through with it.”
+
+“Look!” suddenly exclaimed Ned. “Some one is in the boathouse!”
+
+He pointed toward it, and, at the same time a cry arose from the crowds
+on either bank.
+
+“Some one’s in the house!” was the shout. “He’ll be drowned!”
+
+“It’s a man!” yelled Andy.
+
+“It’s Noddy himself!” cried Bob.
+
+The figure on the narrow platform in front of the floating boathouse
+could now be plainly seen. It was that of Noddy, as Bob had said, and
+the bully who had been endeavoring, by means of a long pole, to push
+his house toward shore, now threw up his hands, and cried for help.
+
+“It’s time he did that before,” commented Ned. “The current’s got him
+now, and he’ll never get that house to land.”
+
+“Where was he all this while?” asked Bob. “I didn’t notice him at
+first.”
+
+“Guess he must have been on the other side, out of sight,” spoke Jerry.
+
+Noddy was now frantically rushing up and down, calling at the top of
+his voice:
+
+“Help! Help!”
+
+“Say!” suddenly cried Ned. “The rapids! He’ll be down in them soon, and
+they’re dangerous with the water as high as it is now! That house will
+be knocked to pieces!”
+
+“That’s so!” agreed Jerry. “Noddy ought to swim ashore while he has the
+chance. Otherwise he may be hurt! I forgot about the rapids.”
+
+The “rapids” were really not very dangerous at low water, but when
+the river rose, and dashed over the jagged rocks, about a mile below
+town, they formed eddies and whirlpools that were exceedingly risky to
+navigate. In fact no boats dare risk them with the stream at flood.
+
+It was toward these rapids that Noddy’s boathouse, torn away by the
+waters, was rapidly drifting. The crowd soon realized this and began
+shouting advice.
+
+“Swim ashore!”
+
+“Get a boat and save him!”
+
+“Jump off!”
+
+“Throw him a rope!”
+
+These were some of the expressions called to Noddy, but he paid no heed
+to them, continuing to race up and down on the platform, waving his
+hands, and yelling for help.
+
+“Say, something ought to be done to help him,” remarked Ned in a low
+voice.
+
+“Yes,” agreed Jerry. “It’s Noddy Nixon, and he’s been pretty mean to
+us, but I suppose----”
+
+“Our motor boat!” interrupted Bob, pointing to a fine boathouse a
+little distance up the stream. It was where the boys kept their craft,
+and was above the point where the swollen mill stream joined the river,
+and so, consequently, was in no danger.
+
+“I guess it’s up to us to save him,” said Jerry slowly. “Nobody else
+seems to have sense enough to do it. There aren’t any other motor boats
+near by.”
+
+“Where’s Noddy’s, I wonder?” asked Mr. Snodgrass, for he knew that the
+bully owned a power craft.
+
+“He had a collision with the dock the other day, and sprung a leak,”
+explained Andy Rush, who had cooled down somewhat. “His boat is laid up
+for repairs.”
+
+“Like our auto,” put in Ned, for the machine of our heroes was across
+the river, in a distant town, being overhauled.
+
+“Well, if we’re going to save Noddy Nixon, we’d better be getting a
+move on!” cried Jerry. “Come on, fellows!”
+
+He raced toward their boathouse, followed by his two chums, the
+professor and Andy Rush. It was the work of but a few minutes to
+unchain the motor boat, run it out into the stream, start the engine
+and steer down after the floating boathouse with the frantic figure
+racing about on the platform.
+
+“Hurrah!” yelled the crowd, when they saw our heroes start out. “The
+motor boys to the rescue! Noddy’ll be saved now, all right!”
+
+“Help! Help!” yelled the bully, as his boathouse careened dangerously,
+almost throwing him into the water.
+
+“The flood’s getting higher,” said Ned in a low voice, as he looked
+over the side of the boat. They were opposite the dam now, and in the
+grip of the rushing waters.
+
+“Yes, there goes another slice of the dam!” cried Bob, as they saw a
+large portion of it slip into the water. The men on top, who had been
+endeavoring to stop the gap, had to race for shore.
+
+“Say, we’re going to have our work cut out for us saving Noddy!” cried
+Jerry as he held the wheel in a firmer grasp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+NODDY BEGINS PLOTTING
+
+
+“Ned, give me a little richer mixture!” cried Jerry, as the motor boat
+shot down the current, pitching and rolling in the waves caused by the
+influx of the mill stream. “I need all the power I can get. Cut down
+the air a bit, and turn on a little more gasolene!”
+
+Ned bent over the carburetor, and adjusted it, while Jerry watched his
+own steering to see that he did not run the boat into the many floating
+logs and boards that had been carried into the river by the flood.
+
+“Need any help?” sung out Bob.
+
+“Not up here, but I wish you’d sit on the other side, Chunky,” replied
+the steersman, giving Bob the nickname that had been applied to him
+because of his stoutness. “That will trim the boat better, and she’ll
+ride easier. Professor, would you mind moving up nearer the stern. I
+want to get the bow as high as I can.”
+
+“Just a moment!” exclaimed the scientist. “I thought I saw a new kind
+of water spider. Yes, there it is! Hold the boat back a moment, Jerry.”
+
+“Can’t do it!” cried the tall lad. “This current is fierce!”
+
+The professor suddenly made a lunge over the side with outstretched
+hands, and the boat careened dangerously.
+
+“Look out!” cried Jerry.
+
+“I’ve got him!” answered the professor. “Oh, it’s a fine specimen!
+I never had one so good. Where’s my spider-box?” and with one hand
+tightly clasped, holding the water insect, the scientist, with the
+other, began searching in his pockets for the box to contain his prize.
+
+“I’ll get it for you,” volunteered Bob.
+
+“It’s in my left hand coat pocket,” said the professor.
+
+The insect was soon in captivity and then, as the boat shot ahead under
+increased power, due to the change in the gasolene mixture, all on
+board gazed at the floating boathouse, and the unfortunate owner of it,
+who was still rushing about, unable to do anything to help himself.
+
+“Look!” cried Andy. “It’s going to flop over!”
+
+It did seem as if the structure would turn turtle, but a swirl in the
+current righted it, and once more it floated on a level keel, so to
+speak.
+
+“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his hands at the boys in the motor
+boat.
+
+“We’re coming!” shouted Ned. “Keep cool!”
+
+“Wow! Steady! We’ll save you--don’t jump--it’s all right--not as bad as
+it might be--hold fast!” excitedly cried Andy Rush.
+
+“Keep still!” ordered Jerry. “You’ll have him jumping overboard next,
+Andy.”
+
+“All right,” agreed the little lad, sitting down on the cushions, and
+holding to the rail to keep his nerves in control.
+
+The motor boat was now well down the flooded river, and aided by the
+current and her engine, was rapidly approaching the floating boathouse.
+The latter structure was whirling about, careening from side to side,
+now on one edge of the stream, and now on the other.
+
+“It’ll soon be in the rapids,” spoke Ned in a low voice.
+
+“We’ll get there before that,” said Jerry confidently.
+
+“How you going to get him off?” asked Bob. “Run along side and have him
+jump, or make fast?”
+
+“I’m certainly not going to make fast to that house,” replied Jerry.
+“It would pull us over the rocks, I’m afraid. I guess Noddy will have
+to jump, and swim for it. Then we can pick him up. Ned, stand ready
+with that life preserver, and see that it’s fast to the rope.”
+
+“Aye, aye, sir!” answered Ned, seaman fashion.
+
+He made ready the cork ring, with its accompanying line, and took his
+place in the bow, ready to cast it when Jerry should give the word for
+Noddy to jump. The lad on the boathouse platform was standing, and
+looking at the approaching motor craft, waving his hands frantically,
+and occasionally calling for help.
+
+“Why doesn’t he keep still?” spoke Jerry. “We’re coming as fast as we
+can.”
+
+“Better not go much nearer,” advised Ned. “I can hear the roar of the
+rapids. They’re just around that turn.”
+
+“I’m going to tell him to jump now,” said Jerry. “He’s a pretty good
+swimmer, and he can keep afloat until we can pick him up. Get ready
+with that ring, Ned.”
+
+“All ready!”
+
+Jerry stood up, and, bracing one knee against the wheel, to aid his
+hands in holding it steady, he shouted:
+
+“Jump, Noddy! Jump! We’ll pick you up! Jump!”
+
+“I--I’m afraid to,” whimpered the bully.
+
+“You’ve got to!” yelled the tall steersman determinedly.
+
+“I--I----” Noddy looked as though he were going to slump down on his
+knees, but a sudden swirl of the current saved him the necessity of
+jumping, for he was thrown off the slanting platform into the water.
+
+“There he goes!” cried Bob.
+
+“The ring! The ring! Throw him the ring!” shouted Jerry.
+
+As Noddy went under the swirling waters, Ned leaped out on the bow deck
+of the boat, with the ring in his hand, watching for the reappearance
+of the bully.
+
+“There he is!” cried Andy Rush.
+
+With sure aim Ned sent the life preserver toward Noddy. It fell true,
+almost over his head, and, a moment later, he had grasped it with a
+desperation born of despair.
+
+[Illustration: WITH SURE AIM, NED SENT THE LIFE PRESERVER TOWARD NODDY.]
+
+“Pull him in!” ordered Jerry, and Ned and Bob began hauling on the
+line. A few seconds later, half unconscious, pale, and with closed
+eyes, Noddy was pulled on board.
+
+“He’s dead!” cried Andy.
+
+“Nonsense!” exclaimed Jerry, as he began to turn the boat toward shore.
+“He wasn’t in the water more than three minutes. He’s fainted, I guess.”
+
+“Better get him to shore as soon as possible,” suggested Professor
+Snodgrass. “He may have been injured.”
+
+“I’m heading for that dock over there,” remarked Jerry, pointing to
+one on the Cresville side of the river. “We can lay him out there, and
+give first aid to the injured, and, if he’s swallowed any water, we can
+drain it out of him. Keep his head low and his feet high, fellows,” he
+said to Bob and Ned, who were holding Noddy. The rescued lad had not
+opened his eyes.
+
+It was a hard fight against the powerful current of the flooded river
+to gain the dock, but Jerry made it, for the engine of our heroes’
+craft was a fine one.
+
+“Get him out now!” cried the tall lad, as he made the boat fast on the
+lower side of the dock, where the swirl of the river would not affect
+it. “Use artificial respiration.”
+
+The motor boys knew how to do this, and in a little while they saw
+that Noddy was breathing more strongly. It developed later that he had
+been hit on the head by a piece of driftwood, rendering him partly
+unconscious, so that he swallowed more water than he would ordinarily
+have done.
+
+“I guess he’s coming around all right now,” said Ned, as he noticed a
+fluttering of Noddy’s eyelids.
+
+“Here comes Dr. Preston!” added Bob, as he saw a young man, accompanied
+by a small throng of persons, racing toward the dock. “He’ll know what
+to do.”
+
+Dr. Preston, who had been summoned by some one of the crowd who had
+witnessed the rescue, was soon working over Noddy.
+
+“He’s out of danger now, though he’s not fully conscious yet,” said the
+doctor, after a few minutes. “It’s a wonder he had strength enough to
+hold on to the ring as you pulled him in.”
+
+“Well, when Noddy gets hold of a thing, he hates to let go,” remarked
+Ned. “Say, fellows,” he added to his two chums, “a lot has happened
+since we started to talk about that radium deposit on Snake Island, in
+the Colorado canyon; hasn’t there?” he asked. “It seems like a week,
+but it hasn’t been half an hour.”
+
+“That’s right,” agreed Bob. “I want to hear more about that radium.
+Let’s go back home, and the Professor can tell us. Noddy’s all right
+now. If we could go to Snake Island and get some radium----”
+
+“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed Jerry, nudging his chum.
+
+“What’s the matter?” demanded the stout youth.
+
+“No use talking about that, where every one can hear you,” went on
+Jerry in a low voice. “Besides, Noddy is coming to, now. His eyes are
+open.”
+
+The rescued lad was much better now, and was sitting up, held by the
+doctor, who was administering a stimulant.
+
+“That’s so, I guess I had better keep quiet,” admitted Bob in a low
+voice.
+
+Quite a crowd had collected on the dock, and one man, who had a
+carriage, offered to take Noddy home. This was decided on, and soon,
+in the care of the physician, the bully was taken away. He had not
+recovered sufficiently to thank his rescuers, but the motor boys felt
+that the less they had to do with Noddy the better for them. They had
+done their duty, and were content to let it go at that.
+
+“Think we can go up against the current?” asked Ned of Jerry.
+
+“I’m not going to try it. The river will soon go down, for the water
+in the mill pond will all be out by night. We’ll just leave our boat
+tied up here. No use taking any chances on hitting a floating log, and
+stoving a hole in the _Dartaway_. We’ll come down and get her to-night.”
+
+The motor boys made their way out of the crowd, from the members of
+which came murmurs of praise at the plucky act of our heroes. Noddy’s
+boathouse disappeared around the bend of the stream, and, a little
+later, was pounded to pieces in the rapids.
+
+The three chums, with the professor and Andy Rush, made their way back
+to Ned’s house, talking on the way of what had happened.
+
+“Well, it’s all over,” remarked Ned, as they came opposite the broken
+dam. “See, the pond is almost emptied. They can mend the break now.
+That was an exciting time while it lasted.”
+
+“That’s right,” agreed the others.
+
+“Let’s get that lunch we were starting on when Andy interrupted us,”
+suggested Bob.
+
+“Chunky, you’re hopeless!” cried Jerry. “You’d eat if the world was
+coming to an end, I believe.”
+
+“I would if I had time,” admitted the fat lad. “But there’s no use
+letting the lunch spoil; is there, Ned?” and he appealed to his other
+chum.
+
+“No, I guess not,” agreed the merchant’s son. “Come on, Andy, have a
+bite with us, but don’t you get excited or you may choke on a piece of
+custard pie.”
+
+“And while we’re eating maybe Professor Snodgrass will tell us more
+about the radium on Snake Island,” suggested Bob.
+
+“I think I’ve told you all that I know,” replied the scientist, “but
+you may ask me any questions you like,” and, shortly afterward, while
+still at the table, the little man was fairly bombarded with inquiries
+about radium, its general properties, and in particular about the kind
+that was to be found on Snake Island.
+
+Meanwhile, Noddy was taken home, and nursed. He was weak and ill,
+but this did not prevent him, as he lay in bed, from doing some hard
+thinking.
+
+“Radium; that was what those motor boys were talking of,” he murmured
+to himself, as he felt of the bandage on his head. “Radium on some
+place in a canyon. Canyon--canyon--Grand Canyon. I wonder where
+that is? Radium; I know that stuff. It’s worth millions--but that
+canyon--Oh, I know--the Grand Canyon of the Colorado! That’s it. Snake
+Island! That must be a place in the river. I wonder if I could find it?”
+
+Noddy dozed off for a moment. Suddenly he sat up in bed.
+
+“I’m going to do it!” he exclaimed. “There’s no reason why they should
+have it! I’ll get ahead of them! I’ve got as good a right to it as they
+have!”
+
+He was in deep thought for a minute.
+
+“That college professor knows about it,” he resumed. “And if he knows,
+other scientists know too. Radium is used in colleges for experiments.
+I’ll do it! I’ll get Bill Berry, and we’ll find some other college
+professor, and start after that radium ourselves. I’ll get ahead of
+the motor boys for once in my life! Radium! It may be worth millions!”
+and Noddy’s eyes gleamed as he unfolded to himself the plot he was
+hatching against our heroes.
+
+“I’ll start as soon as I can,” he went on. “It isn’t very far to that
+Colorado canyon. That’s what I’ll do. Me and Bill will get that radium.
+I guess I can find Snake Island as well as Jerry, Ned or Bob. They
+didn’t think I heard them, but I did. I just kept my eyes shut. Oh,
+I’ll fool ’em!”
+
+And, mean bully that he was, forgetting that the motor boys had saved
+his life, Noddy Nixon began making plans for going to Snake Island
+after the deposit of radium, which was worth such a fortune.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+PLANNING A FORTUNE HUNT
+
+
+“Well, I feel better now,” remarked Bob with a sigh of satisfaction, as
+he pushed back his chair from the table.
+
+“You look better, too,” spoke Jerry, with a laugh. “You haven’t that
+worn and hungry appearance you had a while ago, and I guess the rest of
+us can have a little peace now.”
+
+“Peace? What do you mean?” demanded the stout youth indignantly.
+
+“I mean that you won’t continually be talking about something to eat.”
+
+“I guess you were hungry, too,” went on Bob. “I notice that your plate
+is empty.”
+
+“Here, you two quit scrapping,” advised Ned good-naturedly. “I guess we
+were all hungry. It was the excitement over rescuing Noddy that caused
+it.”
+
+“That’s right!” chimed in Andy Rush. “Whoop! That was exciting
+all right. Let’s go back and see if they’ve got the busted dam
+mended--maybe there’s a lot of men drowned--maybe we can see where
+Noddy’s boathouse went to pieces in the rapids--wow--some excitement
+all right--I’m going--come on, fellows!”
+
+“No, we’ve got business on hand,” answered Ned, a bit soberly. “But
+don’t let us keep you, Andy.”
+
+“All right, I’m going--I like excitement--maybe they’ll let me help
+mend the dam,” and taking Ned’s words as a sort of gentle hint, the
+excitable little lad arose from the table and was soon hurrying down
+the street.
+
+“I guess they’ll keep him away from the dam if they know what’s good
+for it,” remarked Jerry, as he watched Andy hurrying away. “He might
+talk so much that he’d put another hole in it. But what business did
+you mean, Ned?” and he looked across at his chum.
+
+“The radium business, of course,” returned Ned promptly. “You fellows
+don’t mean to say you’re going to let a chance like this slip!”
+
+“What!” cried Bob, “do you intend to go after it, Ned?”
+
+“Well, I’m willing, if you and Jerry are, and if the professor would
+like to go along----”
+
+“Go where?” asked Uriah Snodgrass, looking up from a scientific book he
+had started to read as soon as the meal was over. “Where do you want me
+to go?”
+
+“After the radium on Snake Island,” put in Jerry. “Ned thinks we can
+get it, but I don’t know that it’s possible, after what you have told
+us about how hard it is to get down into the Grand Canyon.”
+
+“It _is_ hard,” said the professor seriously. “I haven’t in the least
+made up my mind to go on the expedition, but whoever does go, ought
+not to risk going in a boat, as the other scientists did. It is almost
+certain death. I really don’t know how one could make the descent into
+the canyon. The island, as I understand it, is in the middle of the
+river, near a place where there are dangerous rapids and whirlpools.
+The cliffs on either bank of the stream are impossible to scale.
+
+“Of course at certain points it is possible to make a descent into that
+great canyon. I remember reading an article on it and it stated that
+there were several trails that could be used, Bright Angel Trail is
+one, and then there are Bass’s, Boucher’s, Berry’s and the Red Canyon
+Trail. Berry’s is near Grand View, as it’s called, and Snake Island
+lies somewhere between that point and Bright Angel Trail. Oh, a boat is
+out of the question, I think.”
+
+“Then what’s the matter with our airship?” asked Ned quickly.
+
+“That’s it!” cried Bob eagerly. “Why didn’t we think of that before?
+We’ll go in the airship, fellows, and get that radium! It will be
+just the thing! Here it is almost vacation time, school will close in
+a couple of weeks, and that will be our summer outing--to go after the
+radium fortune in our airship.”
+
+“You forget that the airship is in Denver,” put in Jerry. “You know we
+loaned it to Mr. Glassford to give an exhibition at the international
+aero meet, and in his last letter he said he has won several prizes
+with it.”
+
+“But the meet is over; isn’t it?” asked Ned, who seemed unusually
+excited over the prospective trip.
+
+“Yes, and I suppose Mr. Glassford will soon be sending our motorship
+back,” admitted Jerry. “But----”
+
+“Oh, don’t go to finding a lot of objections,” broke in Bob. “What’s
+the matter with leaving the airship out in Denver?”
+
+“And walk out there to use it?” inquired the tall lad sarcastically.
+
+“No, motor out there. Our auto will soon be out of the repair shop, and
+we could have a fine time going West in it. Say, things couldn’t happen
+better; could they, Professor?” and Bob began pacing up and down the
+room.
+
+“What has happened?” asked the scientist suddenly, for he had again
+become absorbed in his book, and had paid no attention to the talk of
+the boys. “Is anything the matter?”
+
+“We’re still talking radium,” explained Ned. “Trying to get Jerry
+enthused enough to go to Snake Island.”
+
+“Oh, I’ll go if the rest of you do,” agreed the widow’s son. “Only it
+doesn’t sound feasible. Our airship isn’t at hand, the motor is laid up
+for repairs, and----”
+
+“But we have the motor boat,” broke in Ned. “We can use that.”
+
+“On dry land!” laughed Jerry. “Say, you fellows have great
+ideas--great!”
+
+“Give us some of yours then,” suggested Bob.
+
+“Well, my notion is----”
+
+“I’ve got it! I’ve got it!” fairly yelled Professor Snodgrass, leaping
+from his chair, and holding the book above his head. “I’ve got it!”
+
+“What is it this time?” asked Jerry. “A pink-eyed toad or a blue-nosed
+grasshopper?” for the scientist was continually on the lookout for
+strange and rare insects or reptiles.
+
+“Neither one,” answered Mr. Snodgrass, “but I have just found, in this
+book, an article telling about a strange double-tailed toad, very rare,
+which is said to be a native of New Mexico. It is a species of the
+horned toad, but very different. For years I have been investigating,
+trying to get on the trail of this sort of toad, and now, most
+unexpectedly, I come upon a clew. Boys, this has indeed been a
+fortunate day for me. I shall start right away for New Mexico. I must
+telegraph the college president at once that I can get a most valuable
+specimen to add to our collection. Oh, this is indeed fortunate!”
+
+The professor was rapidly making notes from the article in the book.
+The boys looked at one another. Then Ned spoke.
+
+“Fellows,” he said, “this just fits in. New Mexico is on the way to the
+Grand Canyon--or at least it won’t be much out of our way to go there.
+We can have a try for the radium fortune and at the same time the
+professor can look for his tailless toad. How about it?”
+
+“Two-tailed toad! Two-tailed!” cried the little scientist. “Don’t
+make that mistake, Ned. But I think that will be a good plan. I was
+undecided about it before, but, since you are going, I will go with
+you, and I’ll do all I can to help you get to Snake Island.”
+
+“And we’ll help hunt the two-tailed toad,” added Bob. “Now, how about
+you, Jerry?”
+
+“Oh, I’m game. I’ll go along, but we’ve got to straighten out about our
+auto and motorship. First we’ll write to Mr. Glassford, asking him to
+hold the _Comet_ in Denver for us. Then we must hurry the repairs on
+the auto.”
+
+Mr. Glassford, as my old readers probably remember, was the man who
+first helped our heroes to construct their motorship. He had recently
+borrowed their latest and largest craft for exhibition purposes.
+
+“Well, get busy,” advised Ned. “Here is some paper. Take my fountain
+pen and write some letters. It’s decided then; we’ll have a try for the
+radium, and we’ve got to get a move on to get ready.”
+
+“Here comes the postman,” spoke Bob. “I’ll get the mail, Ned.”
+
+The stout lad came back with several letters. One was for Ned Slade. He
+quickly tore it open, and, as he read it he gave a startled cry.
+
+“What’s the matter--bad news?” asked Jerry.
+
+“Sort of that way,” replied his chum. “This letter is from the man who
+was repairing our auto. He says he discovered a flaw in the back axle,
+and, in order to have a new one properly fitted in he sent the car to
+Pittsburg, where there is a firm that makes a specialty of such things.
+Our auto is in Pittsburg!”
+
+“Then it’s all up with using it on the trip west!” exclaimed Jerry.
+“We’ll have to go by train I guess.”
+
+“No we won’t!” cried Bob eagerly. “Fellows, I’ve got a plan.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+NODDY’S PLOT DEVELOPS
+
+
+There was a moment of silence following Bob’s announcement. Then Jerry
+remarked:
+
+“Well, go ahead, Chunky, and let’s see what you’ve got up your sleeve.
+Are you going to suggest a wireless airship ride, or a motorless auto?”
+
+“Neither one,” said Bob. “But I was going to say I didn’t see why we
+couldn’t go in our motor boat as far as Pittsburg, pick up the auto
+there, when it’s finished, go on in that to Denver, get the airship and
+then keep on to Snake Island. I think----”
+
+“Say, that’s all to the ice cream!” burst out Ned. “Bob, you have got a
+head on your shoulders after all. That’s a fine idea, I think.”
+
+“So do I,” agreed Jerry. “But can we go all the way to Pittsburg by
+water?”
+
+“Sure,” declared Bob. “Where’s a map? Ned, hunt up a geography.” One
+was soon found and then the boys, bending over it, saw that by using
+the river that flowed past their town for a number of miles, getting
+into a little lake, and thence into another river, they could, by means
+of a small canal get into a small river flowing into the Alleghany.
+
+“We’d have to have the boat carted about five miles, but all the rest
+of the way we can go by water,” explained Bob. “As soon as we hit the
+Alleghany we’ll be all right. What do you say, Professor?”
+
+“Anything you boys decide on will suit me,” answered the scientist, who
+was still busy making notes. “I want to get that two-tailed toad, and
+I’ll do anything in reason to secure a specimen. It strikes me that
+Bob’s plan is a good one.”
+
+“It won’t be monotonous, at any rate,” commented Ned. “A motor boat, an
+auto and an aeroplane and dirigible balloon combined, ought to furnish
+a variety of travel that would suit almost any one. I think it’s just
+the cheese, myself.”
+
+“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “I’ll write to Mr. Glassford, and
+the auto firm right away, and we can mail the letters on our way home,
+Bob. I’ve got to be going soon. I told mother I’d go calling with her
+this afternoon, but I’ve been here nearly all day.”
+
+The letters were soon written, and then Jerry and Bob taking leave
+of Ned, started for their homes. Professor Snodgrass also sent word
+of the prospective trip to the college authorities by whom he was
+engaged. The scientist arranged to stay at Ned’s house until the time
+of starting.
+
+“Let’s go have a look at the broken dam,” proposed Bob when Jerry had
+dropped the letters in the box. Accordingly they went a short distance
+out of their way, down to the river. The excitement of the morning had
+passed, and there was only a small crowd watching the mill men at work.
+The waters had now subsided, but it would be some time before the dam
+would be in shape to again hold back the stream, and provide power for
+the turbine.
+
+“It was a hot time while it lasted,” remarked Jerry.
+
+“It sure was,” agreed his chum. “I wonder how Noddy is getting on?”
+
+“Oh, all right, I guess. He’s so tough it takes a good deal to hurt
+him. I suppose we’ll hear from his folks.”
+
+The motor boys did, a few days later, Mr. Nixon sending Bob, Ned and
+Jerry a formal note of thanks for what they had done for his son. Noddy
+was getting on all right, his father said, and would soon be out of
+bed. From Noddy himself no word came.
+
+“I don’t wish him any bad luck,” spoke Ned, “but I hope he stays in bed
+a couple of weeks.”
+
+“Why?” asked Jerry.
+
+“So he won’t have a chance to interfere with us. I’d like to get
+started on our radium trip before he’s up and nosing around.”
+
+“Why, he doesn’t even know we’re thinking of it,” put in Bob. “How can
+he interfere?”
+
+“Well, somehow or other, he has always, more or less, made trouble for
+us whenever we go off on trips,” went on Ned. “I don’t know how it is,
+but it generally happens. Maybe this will be an exception.”
+
+“How soon before we can start?” asked Bob.
+
+“Not for a couple of weeks,” replied Jerry. “School closes a week from
+to-day, and then it will take us a week to get ready after that. We
+haven’t much time now, on account of examinations. I’ve got to do some
+hard studying to pass.”
+
+“So have I,” admitted Bob. “Well, then, we’ll say in a couple of weeks.
+Maybe Noddy won’t be around by then, and we’ll be all right. Did you
+hear from Mr. Glassford, Jerry?”
+
+“Yes, and he says he’ll have the _Comet_ all ready for us. He won’t
+be there himself, as he has to come east, but he’s paid a man to take
+charge of the motorship for us. The auto will be ready in two weeks,
+also, for I had a letter from the factory where they’re repairing it. I
+wrote to ’em to make a few changes in it, to bring it up to date. Our
+motor boat, the _Dartaway_, needs a little overhauling, and then that
+will be in shape.”
+
+Following the smashing of the original _Dartaway_ in the freight wreck,
+the boys had bought a much larger and finer craft, with a cabin, and
+had named it after their first boat.
+
+Their auto I have described in previous books. It was a large touring
+car, with plenty of room for the passengers and also compartments where
+food and supplies could be carried, and also a small tent with folding
+cots, so that in case they desired they could camp out wherever night
+overtook them. Recently a closed body had been put on the car, so that
+it was very comfortable to travel in, even during a storm.
+
+The motorship _Comet_ I have also described in other books, so I will
+only mention it briefly here. It was a combination of an aeroplane and
+dirigible balloon, and could be used as either or both.
+
+The gas used in the bag was manufactured on board, as needed, and there
+was a comfortable cabin, sleeping berths and an engine room, fairly
+filled with motors, dynamos, air pumps, a gas generator and many other
+mechanical contrivances. The motorship could be kept aloft a number of
+days, and plenty of food and supplies could be carried, in addition to
+several passengers. It was an ideal craft of the air.
+
+In the days that followed the motor boys were kept busy. When they were
+not “boning” away over their lessons they were getting the _Dartaway_
+in readiness for the trip. Professor Snodgrass remained as the guest of
+Mr. Slade, and the scientist spent most of his time wandering about the
+woods and fields looking for rare bugs.
+
+“I’m just as anxious to start as you boys are,” he said to them one
+day, when he had paid a visit to the dock where the boat was tied up,
+and where Bob, Ned and Jerry were cleaning the engine, and overhauling
+the mechanism.
+
+“Well, it won’t be long now,” remarked Jerry. “To-morrow ends school,
+and then--for the best vacation we ever had!”
+
+“And the radium fortune!” added Bob.
+
+“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed the tall lad.
+
+“What’s the matter? Did you see Noddy Nixon?”
+
+“No, but there’s his crony, Bill Berry, in that boat,” and Jerry nodded
+toward a rowing craft which a shabbily dressed man was propelling up
+stream. “He’s pretending to be fishing,” went on Jerry in a low voice,
+“but I believe he’s just spying around here to see what we’re up to.”
+
+“That’s so,” admitted Bob. “I must keep quiet. But I’m glad it wasn’t
+Noddy. I guess he isn’t out of bed yet,” and the boys kept on with
+their work, the professor strolling off to see if he could get any
+specimens, while Bill Berry rowed around a bend of the river, and so
+out of sight.
+
+But Bob was mistaken about Noddy not being out of bed. That bully had
+gotten up for the first time that day, and, even while our heroes were
+talking of him, he was sitting in the parlor of his father’s house,
+trying to evolve in his mind a plan for learning more about the radium,
+said to be located on Snake Island.
+
+“I’ll need some one to help me,” mused Noddy. “I can take Bill Berry,
+of course, but I need some scientific fellow who will know radium when
+he sees it, for I don’t, and Bill certainly couldn’t tell it from a
+lump of coal. I wonder what I can do?”
+
+At that moment the door bell rang, and, as the servant happened to be
+out, Noddy answered it. He saw, standing on the steps, a tall, lank
+man, whom the word “sleek” seemed to describe better than any other.
+The caller wore a long black coat, a flowing black tie, and had a tall
+hat, while he carried a small valise in his hand.
+
+“Ah, good afternoon,” began the stranger, smiling at Noddy. “I believe
+I am speaking to the owner of the house?”
+
+“No, my father owns it,” replied Noddy, not a little proud of being
+taken for the head of the home. “But I can do any business, I guess. I
+often help my father. His name is Nixon--I’m Noddy Nixon.”
+
+“Oh, yes, I have heard of you. Your father is known to me by
+reputation, and I have called to see him, as I have in the case of a
+number of the most prominent men in town. But I fear I will have to see
+Mr. Nixon personally.”
+
+“Won’t I do?” asked Noddy. “I know a lot about my father’s affairs.”
+
+“Well, I’ll tell you, and you can judge for yourself,” went on the
+man, as he entered the parlor and sat down. “I am Dr. Kirk Belgrade,
+head of the Mortaby Scientific School, a very important institution of
+learning. I am traveling about, seeking to enlarge the scope of our
+work, and, naturally I came to Mr. Nixon. I understand that he was
+one of the endowers of a number of colleges, and I thought perhaps he
+would give us a contribution. We confer degrees on those who aid us
+financially, and there are a number of scholarships available. Perhaps
+you yourself might be interested in taking up a new line of study.”
+
+“I don’t know,” replied Noddy. “I go to a boarding school now, but it
+isn’t very good. I might change. Where is your school?”
+
+“Well--er--that is--well, to be frank we have no fixed place or
+headquarters,” said Dr. Belgrade. “The Mortaby Scientific School is a
+sort of correspondence institution. Our pupils are located all over the
+world, and they get their lessons by mail, and also recite by mail.
+There is a good profit in it, and I’m sure if your father invested he
+would get a large return for his money. Some of the other prominent men
+in town have given me encouragement.”
+
+“Did you go to Mr. Slade, or Mr. Baker--or to Mrs. Hopkins--she’s a
+rich widow?” asked Jerry.
+
+“I did call on Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker, but I regret to say that
+they--er--they turned me down,” replied the educator with an oily
+smile. “They said they did not believe in my methods. But I assure you
+that they are most up to date. I will call on Mrs. Hopkins, at your
+suggestion, however.”
+
+“Better not,” advised Noddy with a grin. “She and the Slades and Bakers
+are all alike. They don’t want anything new. I know ’em. But maybe my
+father would invest. He’ll soon be home, and you can wait if you like.”
+
+“Very well, I will. I’ll show you some of our literature. I am one
+of the principal instructors. In fact I may say that I am the whole
+school, for all the other instructors come to me for advice. Just to
+show you how up to date we are, I will mention that we have a small
+laboratory----”
+
+“Oh, say,” interrupted Noddy eagerly. “Do you happen to know anything
+about radium?”
+
+“Radium?” replied the visitor. “Of course I do--a great deal. Why, to
+show you how advanced my college course is, let me say that we have a
+small quantity of radium for experimental purposes.”
+
+“You have!” exclaimed the bully, with increased eagerness. “The real
+article?”
+
+“Radium, I do assure you, the genuine article,” said Dr. Belgrade. “I
+do not care to state just how I came into possession of it, but it is
+in our laboratory.”
+
+“But I thought you said you had no school building,” said Noddy,
+suspiciously.
+
+“Well, the laboratory is in my house, next to the bath room,” explained
+the instructor. “It is not a very large laboratory, but I hope to
+extend it soon. I need money, and I hope----”
+
+“Radium!” interrupted Noddy. “Radium is worth money; isn’t it?”
+
+“I should say it was, Mr. Nixon.”
+
+“Would you like to know where to get some?”
+
+“Would I? I would give up my present plans, turn my students over to an
+assistant, and travel a long way if I knew where to find some. Why do
+you ask?” and the man looked eagerly at Noddy.
+
+“Do you know radium when you see it?” asked the bully.
+
+“Indeed I do. I have made a special study of it, and I can detect it
+in any form. I am not boasting when I say that there are few who are
+any better informed about radium than I am. But what do you mean? Is it
+possible that you have some radium?”
+
+“I haven’t it,” said Noddy in a low voice, “but I know where there is
+some. I’m glad you happened to call. I’ll tell you all about it, and
+maybe we can go together.” Noddy got up and closed the parlor door,
+shutting himself in the room with the sleek educator. Next he quickly
+unfolded to him the plot he had formed, after having overheard what our
+heroes had said about Snake Island.
+
+“Is it possible!” gasped Dr. Belgrade, when Noddy had finished. “Is it
+possible!”
+
+“It must be, or those fellows wouldn’t plan to go after it,” replied
+Noddy. “But I’m going to get ahead of them, if you’ll help me. Will
+you?”
+
+“Will I? Well, I guess I will! Now let’s make some plans. With your
+father to finance our expedition, we may all become millionaires!” and
+the head of the correspondence college rubbed his hands together and
+smiled at Noddy encouragingly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+OFF FOR PITTSBURG
+
+
+“So we start to-morrow,” observed Professor Snodgrass one evening, when
+the three chums were gathered about a table in the library of Ned’s
+home. “It seems like a month ago that we decided to make the trip.”
+
+“And yet it was only about two weeks,” returned Jerry. “We have had a
+lot to do in the meanwhile, though.”
+
+“But everything is in good shape,” remarked Bob. “We’ve got enough grub
+aboard to last until we get to Pittsburg, I think.”
+
+“Oh, of course!” laughed Jerry. “You can trust Bob to look out for the
+‘eats’ every time. I think we’ll make him the permanent commissary
+general.”
+
+“Well, I notice you always come around when the dinner bell rings,”
+remarked the fat lad significantly.
+
+“He’s got us there,” admitted Ned. “But it’s a good thing Bob does look
+after the food, for we’re always sure to have enough. Now let’s see
+where we’re at. Hand me that list, Bob, and we’ll check things off. If
+we’re going to start to-morrow we will have to get any last things we
+need to-night.”
+
+The three chums went over the list together, the professor poring
+deeply into a scientific book, making occasional notes, and at times
+thinking of the two-tailed toad he hoped to get as a result of the trip.
+
+“Well, so far Noddy hasn’t bothered us any,” remarked Ned, when they
+had completed the checking of the list, and found that everything
+needed was on the boat, or in readiness to stow away.
+
+“He’s out and around,” remarked Jerry. “I saw him down the street this
+afternoon.”
+
+“You did! And did he speak to you?” asked Bob.
+
+“Just sort of nodded and thanked me for the way we fellows pulled him
+out of the water. He wasn’t very enthusiastic over it, though, and he
+looked rather thin and pale, I thought.”
+
+“Maybe he was hurt worse than we imagined,” suggested Bob. “Well, if he
+doesn’t make any trouble for us, I’ll be satisfied. But I guess it’s
+time I went home. I want to get plenty of sleep, for I’m going to get
+up early.”
+
+“Same here,” said Jerry. “I guess everything is in shape. We’ll meet at
+my house, as that’s nearest the river, and then we’ll get started as
+early as we can.”
+
+“It’s all settled then; is it?” asked Professor Snodgrass.
+
+“Everything,” replied Ned. “We’ll go by motor boat to Pittsburg, get
+our auto there, and ride across to Denver, and from there make the rest
+of the trip by airship. I guess that’s the best way to get down into
+the Grand Canyon.”
+
+“It’s really the only way,” said Mr. Snodgrass. “Boats are almost out
+of the question, and to follow the trails down the sides of the big
+chasm wouldn’t help us much, for Snake Island is far off from any of
+the places by which you can get down to the river’s edge. But with an
+airship we can descend as well as if we were in an elevator. Yes, I
+think you boys have made the best possible plan.”
+
+Bob and Jerry left Ned’s house soon after this, and, on the way to
+their homes they went past the Nixon residence. Bob, looking up,
+exclaimed:
+
+“Noddy’s sitting up late to-night. There’s a light in his room.”
+
+“So I see,” replied Jerry. “Well, if he stays up late he’ll sleep late,
+and we’ll get off before he knows it.”
+
+“Why, are you worried about him?” asked the stout lad.
+
+“Yes, I don’t mind telling you that I am.”
+
+“Why?”
+
+“Well, because I’ve seen Bill Berry hanging around lately. You know
+how thick he and Noddy are, and I shouldn’t be a bit surprised but what
+Bill was trying to find out where we are headed for this time.”
+
+“Why would he do that?”
+
+“Oh, just so he and Noddy could make trouble for us. It wouldn’t be the
+first time they have camped on our trail.”
+
+“No, that’s right. But I guess we’ll fool ’em this time.”
+
+But if Bob and Jerry could have looked into Noddy’s room at that
+minute, they would have been made aware that they had plenty of cause
+for suspicion.
+
+For, as our two heroes passed on to their homes, glancing back
+momentarily at the light in Noddy’s window, that bully was in close
+conversation with a certain sleek individual, who, for the present,
+chose to masquerade under the name of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.
+
+“Do you think you can find out when they go, and where they are headed
+for--I mean exactly?” asked the correspondence school man.
+
+“Sure I can,” declared Noddy. “I’ve had Bill Berry on the watch for
+the past week. They’re going to start in their motor boat to-morrow
+morning.”
+
+“To where?”
+
+“Well, that I don’t know exactly. I’ve tried to find out but I can’t.
+Bill sort of fell down on that job. But I’ll get wind of it somehow.
+I know where their auto was sent to be fixed, and the man there knows
+my father. He’ll tell me where they are headed for, I’m sure. But even
+if we don’t find out, we can go West on our own hook, and locate Snake
+Island. The rest will be easy, and we’ll get that radium before they
+do.”
+
+“I hope so,” spoke the educator. “I certainly need the money, and I
+have given up everything for this chance. The Mortaby Scientific School
+will have to get along without me for a time, but when I come back,
+with a fortune, I will build a real college.”
+
+“First we’ve got to get the radium, and beat the motor boys!” exclaimed
+Noddy, as he grinned in anticipation of the trick he expected to play.
+
+“You don’t like them, then?”
+
+“I hate ’em all!” snarled the bully, “even if they did pull me from the
+river. If they hadn’t, someone else would.”
+
+“Well, I hope we can soon start West,” went on the sleek individual.
+“When will your father give me some money?”
+
+“To-morrow or the next day,” replied Noddy. “He is willing that I
+should undertake the trip. I told him I needed it for my health.”
+
+Then the two talked over the details of their plot, sitting up until
+late in the night, while our heroes peacefully slumbered, and dreamed
+of strange adventures on Snake Island in the Grand Canyon of the
+Colorado.
+
+Bright and early the next morning Bob and Ned, with the professor,
+assembled at Jerry’s house. The last preparations had been made,
+good-byes had been said, and the motor boat looked over for the last
+time. She was pulling uneasily at the mooring lines, which held her
+fast to the dock, for there had been a heavy rain, and the river was
+much swollen. It was as if the boat was anxious for the boys to come
+aboard.
+
+“All ready?” asked Jerry.
+
+“All ready,” replied Ned, and then, waving good-byes to Mrs. Hopkins,
+they started for the pier. It did not take them long to put their
+handbags aboard, and, once the professor was comfortably settled aft,
+in the open cockpit, he began scanning the water for rare insects.
+
+“All aboard!” cried Jerry, as he took his place at the wheel.
+
+“All aboard,” answered Ned.
+
+“Then let her go,” ordered the steersman, and Ned turned over the fly
+wheel to start the motor.
+
+There was a cheer from the little crowd that had gathered on the dock
+to see our heroes start. Andy Rush was among them.
+
+“That’s the stuff!” cried the excitable little chap. “Off you go--wish
+I was along--never say die--blow up the boiler--whoop--off for
+Pittsburg!”
+
+“Say, I wonder if he ever will calm down?” remarked Bob, helplessly.
+
+“I’m afraid not,” commented Ned.
+
+“I wish he hadn’t said that last,” said Jerry in a serious tone.
+
+“Why not?” asked Ned, as the _Dartaway_ swung out from the dock.
+
+“Because I’d just as leave everyone wouldn’t know where we are going.
+It might get to the ears of----”
+
+“Look!” cried Bob in a low, tense voice.
+
+“What is it?” asked Ned.
+
+“There’s Bill Berry, and Noddy Nixon is with him,” went on the stout
+lad, pointing across the water, to where, a short distance away, there
+floated a rowboat, containing the two enemies of the motor boys.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+IN DANGER
+
+
+Jerry, Ned and Bob were gazing straight into the faces of Bill Berry
+and Noddy Nixon. The two cronies, in turn, returned the stare, and
+to our friends it seemed as if there was an insolent look on Noddy’s
+face--a sort of half smile of triumph, as if he had divined their
+plans, and was going to try to frustrate them.
+
+“Mind your wheel!” suddenly called Ned sharply to the tall steersman.
+“There’s a rock just ahead of you, Jerry!”
+
+“That’s so, I forgot about that,” and Jerry twisted the rudder about so
+that the _Dartaway_ swung toward the middle of the stream, missing the
+rock by a narrow margin.
+
+“Too close for comfort,” murmured Bob.
+
+“That’s right,” agreed Jerry. “I don’t know why I should have stared so
+at Noddy.”
+
+“It looks as if he and Bill came out on purpose to see us off,”
+commented Ned, as the motor boat rapidly opened up a gap between
+herself and the rowing craft. “I wonder if he heard what Andy said
+about Pittsburg?”
+
+“I’m afraid so,” said the tall lad. “Sounds carry very clearly over
+the water, you know, and Andy has rather a loud voice. Well, it can’t
+be helped, and I suppose the only thing for us to do is to be on our
+guard.”
+
+“That’s all,” agreed Ned, and by this time they had gone around a bend,
+losing sight of the rowboat, and the dock from which they had started.
+The last glimpse they had of Andy Rush was when that excitable chap was
+dancing up and down, waving his hands to them, and doubtless letting
+off all sorts of explosive expressions.
+
+Professor Snodgrass, during this episode, had taken no part in the
+conversation, remaining quietly in his place, scanning the water for
+a glimpse of some rare aquatic insect. At times he would dip into the
+river a small net he carried, and, bringing it up filled with mosquito
+wrigglers, or other forms of life, he would gravely examine his catch
+through a magnifying glass.
+
+“Ah, here is a rare one!” he would occasionally cry. “A triple-jointed
+worm. But I don’t understand how it got into the water, as it is a form
+of land life. This is very puzzling. I must make notes on this. Perhaps
+the worm, having lived on land all its life, is going to become
+aquatic in his habits, as the whale did centuries ago. It is very
+strange.”
+
+“Let’s see the worm, Professor?” requested Ned, when he had adjusted
+the motor to work smoothly, and while Jerry was steering in and out to
+avoid floating logs.
+
+“There it is,” said the scientist, lifting the specimen out of one of
+the glass-topped boxes. “A beautiful creature! Most perfect! And yet I
+cannot account for it being in the water. I shall devote a good deal of
+space in my new book to this find. Perhaps I am the first to discover
+it, and, if so, I shall be made an honorary member of the Society for
+Advanced Scientific Research. A most beautiful and perfect specimen!”
+
+“Why, it’s an angle worm--a fish worm!” cried Bob, as he caught sight
+of the wriggling creature. “A common, ordinary angle worm!”
+
+“Of course it is,” agreed the professor. “I know that. It is, as you
+say, an angle worm--_angulus vermis_ it might be called or even _vermis
+lophius piscatorius_. The first Latin words being merely indicative of
+angle and worm, while the latter, which I prefer, indicates the curious
+fish known as the angler, and which is said to catch other fish by
+angling for them with some attachment to its head, which resembles a
+baited hook. Of course it’s an angle worm, Bob, but the funny part of
+it is how did it get in the water?”
+
+“Easily enough,” spoke Ned. “The river is much higher than usual, and I
+suppose it has overflowed some bank, and washed the poor worms out. I’m
+afraid, Professor, that you can’t claim to be the discoverer of a new
+kind of worm.”
+
+“Oh pshaw! I guess you’re right!” exclaimed Uriah Snodgrass in
+disappointed tones. “That accounts for it. Well, I don’t want the
+specimen then,” and he tossed it back into the water. There was a
+little swirl, amid the muddy waves, and something grabbed the floating
+worm.
+
+“Fish!” cried Bob. “There are lots of fish around here, fellows. I’m
+going to catch some for dinner.”
+
+“There he goes again!” cried Ned with a laugh. “We’ve just had
+breakfast, and yet he’s thinking of the next meal. Oh, Bob! You’re
+hopeless.”
+
+“All right, you don’t have to eat the fish,” retorted the stout lad, as
+he got out his line and some bait he had thought to bring along. “I’ll
+catch ’em, and Jerry and I and the professor will eat ’em. You can live
+on canned sardines.”
+
+“You won’t catch any with the water as high and as muddy as it is
+to-day,” predicted Ned.
+
+“Just you watch,” was all Bob replied.
+
+He cast in, as Jerry steered the boat, the tall lad having to give his
+whole attention to it, for the stream was filled with floating débris
+that had been carried down by the rising water, and it required skill
+to avoid collisions. But Jerry knew his business, and rarely did a log
+scrape the _Dartaway_ ever so gently.
+
+Bob went out on the little after-deck to fish, while the professor also
+took his place there to look for more valuable specimens than angle
+worms. Ned busied himself about the engine, and got out some packages
+of food, and the dishes that would be needed for the mid-day meal.
+
+Bob did have pretty good luck fishing, and, when noon came, he had a
+number of good-sized specimens. In order that Jerry could enjoy his
+meal without having to eat with one hand and steer with the other, the
+boat was tied up in a little cove and there Bob proceeded to get dinner
+on the gasolene stove that was in a small galley off the main cabin.
+
+“Um! But this is good!” murmured the stout lad with his mouth fairly
+well filled.
+
+“It’s a bad habit for cooks to praise their own broth,” remarked Ned.
+
+“Well, isn’t it good?” demanded Bob.
+
+“Of course it is,” put in Jerry. “It’s a good meal, Chunky, and Ned is
+only jealous. Don’t mind him.”
+
+“I don’t intend to,” declared the stout lad, helping himself to more
+fish.
+
+They started off again after dinner, and making good speed, aided by
+the current of the river, they found themselves that night on a small
+lake into which the stream emptied. They tied up near shore, and, the
+collapsible bunks being let down, they retired, after sitting up for a
+while, talking over the events of the day.
+
+“This sure is sport,” declared Ned, as he pulled the blankets over him,
+for, while the day was warm it was cool at night on the water.
+
+“It’s the right way to spend a vacation,” agreed Bob.
+
+“And when we get in the auto, and the airship, we’ll have more fun
+yet,” predicted Jerry. “I’m anxious to get to Snake Island.”
+
+“I hope that place doesn’t get its name from the fact that it’s filled
+with snakes,” commented Ned, in sleepy tones. “I hate the things.”
+
+“I hope there are a lot of the reptiles,” spoke the professor. “I may
+be able to get a few specimens. And I certainly do want to get that
+two-tailed toad.”
+
+“And I want some radium,” added Jerry.
+
+The next day’s trip was without incident, and by night they had crossed
+the lake to its outlet, down which they expected to proceed for about a
+hundred miles.
+
+The first part of this trip was delightful, but on the third day it
+rained hard, and they had to stay cooped up in the cabin, which was not
+much fun. But the storm could not last forever, and the sun finally
+came out, to the satisfaction of all.
+
+“Well, we’ll soon have to take a little land journey,” remarked Ned, at
+the close of the fifth day of their trip.
+
+“How’s that?” asked the professor. “Are you going to desert the boat?”
+
+“No,” spoke Bob, “but by to-morrow noon we’ll come to the end of water
+travel, for a short space. That is, we’ll need to have the boat hauled
+over land to the canal that connects with the river by which we will
+get on the Alleghany. I wrote to a man who is going to move the boat,
+and he promised to be on hand with a big truck, and some helpers. We’ll
+run the _Dartaway_ up on the truck, drive over to the canal, and float
+her again. Then it will be smooth sailing to Pittsburg.”
+
+“And we haven’t seen a sign of Noddy Nixon,” remarked Ned.
+
+“I hope we don’t--the whole trip,” spoke Jerry earnestly.
+
+It was a little before noon when they had gone as far as was practical
+up the stream on which they were then motoring.
+
+“The dock where the truck is to meet us must be around here somewhere,”
+said Ned, who was steering.
+
+“There’s a man just ahead, who seems to be waving to us,” put in Jerry.
+
+“That’s the place!” cried the merchant’s son. “Now we’re all right.”
+
+It was no easy work to get the _Dartaway_ out of the water, and upon
+the truck, but finally it was accomplished by means of tackle and
+windlass.
+
+“Are you boys going to walk, or ride on the truck to the canal?” asked
+the teamster, as he gathered up the reins of the four powerful horses.
+
+“Guess we might as well ride,” decided Ned. “We’ll be there as soon as
+you are then.”
+
+Accordingly the boys climbed up on the truck, and seated themselves in
+the cabin of their boat. The professor accompanied them, and the men
+who were to help unload the boat dispersed themselves about the big
+vehicle.
+
+It was about a two hours’ ride to the canal, with so heavy a load, as
+part of the distance was up hill. When about half of the journey had
+been accomplished one of the men discovered that the boat was slipping
+down toward the end of the truck, and a halt had to be called to shift
+it forward.
+
+“We don’t want it sliding off, and trying to navigate in the dust!”
+exclaimed the truckman with a laugh.
+
+Professor Snodgrass grew restless at the delay and finally climbed down
+off the vehicle, with an insect net.
+
+“I’m going to walk on ahead,” he remarked. “I may be able to catch a
+few rare bugs. I think I can find the way to the canal all right, in
+case you don’t overtake me.”
+
+“It’s a straight road,” called Ned, who had provided himself with maps
+of their journey.
+
+The professor walked on, swinging his net from side to side in an
+endeavor to catch a butterfly or bug.
+
+“Has he been that way long?” asked one of the men of Jerry, as there
+came a pause in the work of shifting the boat.
+
+“What way?”
+
+“Cracked, you know. Crazy--bug-house? Does he get violent?”
+
+“Oh!” laughed the tall lad. “He’s not crazy,” and then he explained
+what a scientist Mr. Snodgrass was.
+
+“Um,” said the man apparently unconvinced. “It does take queer forms,
+sometimes. I had a cousin who always wanted to sleep with his shoes on.
+No accounting for their notions. Come on, now, all together! Heave!”
+
+Jerry gave up the attempt to make the man understand, and, a little
+later, the boat was shifted back to its place, and the journey resumed.
+
+They were almost at the end of it, and were going down a slight hill,
+when suddenly a dog, running out from a farmhouse, dashed at the off
+forward horse, and nipped its leg. The frightened animal reared,
+crowded its mate, and, a moment later, dashed ahead, breaking one of
+the reins. The next instant the team of four powerful steeds was in a
+wild gallop down the hill, the truck swaying from side to side in the
+road, and the motor boat creaking and groaning as it strained at the
+ropes that held it fast.
+
+“Stop the horses!” yelled one of the men.
+
+“We’ll have a smash-up in another minute if you don’t!” added Bob.
+
+“The boat is slipping back again!” cried Ned. “Jerry--Bob--help hold
+her on! If she slips off into the road she’ll be smashed!”
+
+The lads braced themselves against their craft to prevent it sliding
+off. Some of the men helped them, but, in spite of this, the terrific
+speed of the truck threatened to bring about the danger they were
+trying to avoid.
+
+“Stop those horses, Bill!” yelled one of the men.
+
+“I can’t!” cried the truckman. “One line is busted, and if I pull on
+the other I’ll run them into the ditch, and then we _will_ be in a
+mess. I’ve got to let ’em run it out.”
+
+“They’ll run us into the canal if they keep on much longer!” cried
+someone.
+
+“Brace, everybody!” gasped Ned, as he felt the boat slipping nearer and
+nearer to the end of the truck.
+
+“Put on the brakes!” suggested Bob.
+
+“Got ’em on, but that’s all the good it does,” responded the truckman.
+“I’m afraid we’re goners, boys! Get ready to jump when you see the
+water. Whoa, there! Whoa!” he called in vain to the horses, who were
+still madly galloping down the hill.
+
+“I guess it’s all up with the _Dartaway_,” murmured Jerry, as he
+pressed his shoulder against the craft.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+DOWN THE ALLEGHANY
+
+
+The truckman was bracing himself in his seat, with his foot on the
+brake, trying his best to check the speed of the big wagon. As for the
+horses, he could do nothing with them, since, as he said, to pull on
+the unbroken rein would only be to send the steeds floundering into the
+ditch that bordered the road on either side. That is, providing the
+animals answered the pull.
+
+“Can you hold the boat?” cried the truck-owner, giving a glance over
+his shoulder at the men and boys.
+
+“We’re--trying!” gasped Bob, whose face was red from the effort he was
+making. Ned and Jerry, too, as well as the men, were doing their best.
+
+“There’s the canal, just ahead!” observed one man.
+
+Jerry had a glimpse of water sparkling in the rays of the sun. The road
+was now almost level, but the horses had not slackened their speed.
+Just where the canal came to an end, the highway curved abruptly, and
+it was not hard to guess what would happen if the runaways were not
+checked.
+
+Either they would swing around the curve with force enough to overturn
+the truck, or, in their fright, they would plunge, boat, wagon and all,
+into the water. There was not much choice between the two dangers.
+
+“Get ready to jump!” yelled the truckman on his seat.
+
+The boys were in despair. They saw their plans for a fine summer outing
+partly spoiled, and their fine boat about to be wrecked.
+
+Suddenly, from the bushes that lined the road, there ran out to the
+middle of the highway, and a little distance ahead of the galloping
+horses, a small man. At the sight of him Jerry cried:
+
+“Look! It’s the professor!”
+
+“He’d better get out of the way,” said the truckman grimly, in a
+low voice. “Nothing can stop these animals now, until they wreck
+everything. Look out!” he yelled to Mr. Snodgrass.
+
+But the little, bald-headed professor did not have any such intention.
+That was evident. There seemed to be something in the road that he
+wanted. His net came down with a swoop, and he knelt in the dust.
+
+“Look out!” came in a chorus from the men on the wagon.
+
+Then, for the first time, Professor Snodgrass seemed to be aware of the
+approaching vehicle, with the boat for a load.
+
+Up he jumped to his feet, holding his long-handled butterfly net, and
+staring at the approaching runaways through his big glasses.
+
+“Get out of the way!” yelled the truckman.
+
+The professor ran forward, waving his arms. In one hand he held his
+broad-brimmed hat, while the other flourished the big, green net.
+
+“Stop!” he cried, loud enough to be heard above the thunder of the
+wagon wheels. “Stop! Stop! Don’t come on any farther. You’ll smash it!”
+
+“Huh! We know that!” yelled the truckman. “But you can’t make these
+horses stop by just inviting ’em to. Look out, or you’ll get hurt!”
+
+But the professor came on, running straight at the runaways. Now he was
+almost under their feet, but with a wild yell he still advanced.
+
+Suddenly he threw his hat in the face of one of the leading horses,
+and, with another quick motion, he crashed his long-handled net across
+the eyes of the other. Then, nimbly leaping to one side, the professor
+caught the broken, dangling rein, and braced back with all his might.
+Though a small man, he was powerful, and his weight told.
+
+“That’s the stuff!” cried the truckman. In an instant he began pulling
+on the unbroken rein which he still held, and thus, with the professor
+on one side, being dragged along, and the driver sawing on the
+other line, the horses were pulled up evenly, a thing that had been
+impossible before.
+
+“By Jove! I believe they’re going to stop!” cried Jerry, as he noticed
+a slackening in the speed of the horses.
+
+“It’s about time, too!” added the truckman, as he looked at the waters
+of the canal, not far distant. He continued to pull on one line. The
+professor still clung to the other, and the brakes were jammed on.
+Add to this that the road was level, and that the truck was heavily
+loaded, and it can easily be seen that the horses, tired as they were
+from their run, did not need much more to stop them. They came down to
+a trot, then to a walk, and finally stopped. The truckman leaped from
+his seat, after a glance to make sure that the boat was in no immediate
+danger of slipping off, though it had slid back quite a way.
+
+“Say, that was a plucky stop!” the man cried, holding out his hand to
+the professor. “I’ve caught some runaways in my time, but never better
+than that. You saved us from a bad smash-up.”
+
+“Um! Well, perhaps I did,” admitted Uriah Snodgrass slowly, “but I
+must confess I wasn’t thinking of that at the time. I wanted you to
+stop before you got too far, that was all.”
+
+“And didn’t you want to save us?”
+
+“Oh, yes, of course. But you see I was just capturing a new and very
+rare specimen of a yellow grasshopper when you came along. I almost had
+him in my net, but he jumped under a stone, and I was afraid if the
+horses came along they might step on the stone, and crush the insect or
+run a wheel over him. That’s why I wanted to stop you. I’m glad I did,
+though I’ll have to put a new handle on my net, for it’s broken. But I
+must see if I have the grasshopper.”
+
+He ran to a flat stone in the road, carefully raised it, and made a
+grab for something underneath.
+
+“I’ve got him! I’ve got him!” he cried. “Oh, you little beauty! You’re
+worth at least fifteen dollars. Oh, I’m glad I stopped the runaways!”
+
+“Well, you are a queer one,” murmured the truckman as he proceeded to
+tie the broken rein, and then he and his men made the slipping boat
+secure, to hold until they could cover the short remaining distance to
+the canal. “Stopping a runaway to save a grasshopper! That’s the limit!”
+
+“But it’s a yellow grasshopper, and very rare,” put in the professor
+with a smile, as he placed the insect in one of the cases he always
+carried. “I doubt if any college but mine will have a specimen like
+this. How did the runaway happen?”
+
+The others told him about the dog that had scared the horses, and then
+the boys, having expressed their appreciation of what the professor had
+done, helped the men steady the boat for the rest of the trip.
+
+The horses were quiet enough now, and soon had the truck at the edge
+of the canal. There the work of getting the _Dartaway_ into the
+water again was speedily accomplished, and, having paid the men, and
+called the professor away from an ant hill he was examining through a
+magnifying glass, the motor boys once more got underway.
+
+“Talk about excitement, it’s with us almost from the start,” remarked
+Ned.
+
+“Yes, I thought our boat was a goner there, one spell,” added Jerry.
+“It took all my nerve to hold on.”
+
+“Mine too,” added Bob. “I think I’ll have to make a cup of coffee, and
+take some sandwiches to quiet down.”
+
+And this time neither Ned nor Jerry laughed at their fat chum.
+
+Their trip along the quiet canal was uneventful, and in a few days,
+after tying up nights along shore of the river into which the canal
+opened, they swept out on the waters of the Alleghany, and were headed
+for Pittsburg.
+
+“I hope our auto is all ready for us, and that we don’t have to wait,”
+remarked Ned one evening, as they got ready to retire for the night.
+
+“Well, we’ll know by this time to-morrow,” spoke Jerry. “We ought to be
+in Pittsburg then.”
+
+“What are you going to do with the boat?” asked Bob.
+
+“I’ve arranged to store it until we get back,” replied the tall lad.
+“We’ll have to spend at least a day here, trying out the auto, and
+laying in some supplies. In that time we can see that the boat is
+properly put away.”
+
+Professor Snodgrass sat up rather late that night arranging and
+classifying some specimens he had caught, and it was nearly midnight
+when he turned in. The boys were sound asleep, and the little scientist
+was soon in the same blissful state.
+
+What time he was awakened Jerry did not know, but he sat up suddenly in
+bed, for he heard someone moving stealthily about on the after-deck.
+Then the door of the cabin was cautiously tried:
+
+“Who’s there?” cried the tall lad suddenly.
+
+There was no answer, and reaching out his hand Jerry sought for the
+switch that would turn on the electric lights which were operated by
+a storage battery. As he felt the button, he heard a boat scraping
+against the side of the _Dartaway_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+OFF IN THE AUTO
+
+
+“What’s the matter?” cried Ned, as he heard Jerry’s voice.
+
+“Anything wrong?” demanded Bob sleepily. “Has anything happened, Jerry?”
+
+“Not yet,” was the tall lad’s answer. “I fancy I was too quick for
+them. But I thought I heard someone on board, and I’m certain that a
+boat scraped against our side. I’m going to have a look.”
+
+“Better be careful,” advised Ned, as he pulled on some garments. “They
+may be river thieves.”
+
+“Thieves! Thieves!” cried Uriah Snodgrass, sitting up suddenly. “Are
+they after my specimens! Don’t let them get anything, boys! Those
+specimens are more valuable than gold! Oh, where are my glasses? I
+can’t see a thing.”
+
+“Switch off all the lights!” whispered Ned to Jerry. “They can see us
+in here, and we can’t get a glimpse of them. Turn ’em off!”
+
+Jerry did so, and at once there came another sound as if someone was
+out on the small after-deck.
+
+“Who’s there?” challenged Ned.
+
+There was no answer. Once more came the noise of a boat rubbing against
+the side of the _Dartaway_, and a cautious voice could be heard
+whispering:
+
+“Come on! Can’t do anything now!”
+
+“Who are you? What do you want?” demanded Jerry, but he received no
+answer.
+
+With a quick spring Ned was at the cabin door that opened out into
+a sort of cockpit, and thence, by a short companionway to the deck.
+Throwing the portal open, Ned flashed on a small searchlight. As he
+played it about the river he picked up a small boat, containing two
+persons, who were rowing quickly away.
+
+“What did you want? Were you on our boat?” demanded Ned, and then, as
+the two in the small craft maintained a silence, Ned flashed the light
+full in their faces. As he did so he gave a cry that brought Jerry and
+Bob out to him.
+
+“What’s the matter?” cried the tall lad. “Are you hurt, Ned? Did they
+attack you?”
+
+“No, I’m all right. But look at that boat! See who’s in it!”
+
+Jerry and Bob gazed across the stretch of black and swirling water,
+illuminated by the shaft of light from the search lantern. It threw
+into bold relief the boat and the occupants.
+
+“Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry, as he saw the face of the bully.
+
+“But who’s with him?” asked Bob. “I’ve never seen him before, that I
+know of.”
+
+“He’s a stranger, I guess,” said Ned. “Noddy must have hired him to
+help get ahead of us.”
+
+“But what were they doing here?” asked Bob.
+
+“Trying to sneak up while we were asleep, to see what they could get, I
+suppose,” remarked Jerry.
+
+“My specimens!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass, who had come out to join
+the boys. “That’s what they were after. That yellow grasshopper is what
+they wanted!”
+
+“I don’t believe so,” said Jerry in a low voice, as he watched the two
+rowing rapidly away--Noddy and a tall man, the latter with a sleek
+appearance, as though he was always trying to figure out the easiest
+way of getting something for nothing.
+
+“Hello you, Noddy!” suddenly called Ned. “What did you want here?”
+
+The bully and his companion kept silent.
+
+“If you come around again I’ll turn the hose on you,” threatened Bob.
+
+There was no reply, and a moment later the rowboat went around the end
+of a projecting dock, and was out of range of the light.
+
+“Well, if they weren’t after my specimens what did they want?” inquired
+the professor.
+
+“I’ll tell you what I think,” went on Jerry as they returned to the
+comfortable cabin, for it was cool in the night air, and they were
+lightly clad. “I believe they sneaked on board to see if they could get
+any clews as to where we are bound for.”
+
+“You mean Snake Island?” asked Bob.
+
+“Yes. You see Noddy doesn’t know the exact location, even if, in some
+way, he has guessed, or overheard, some of us saying that we were going
+to the Grand Canyon. He needs to know more definitely just where we’re
+going, so he can sneak along, and try to get ahead of us.”
+
+“Do you mean he was looking for a map?” asked Ned.
+
+“Yes, or something like that. Maybe he thought we would be leaving our
+traveling directions lying around loose.”
+
+“Say, maybe it would be a good scheme to fix up a fake map, and leave
+it where he could get it,” suggested Bob.
+
+“Hardly,” decided Jerry. “He’d get on to the fact that it was a fake,
+for he knows we wouldn’t be as careless as that. I think the best way
+is to do just as we have been doing--make no map or sketch of where
+we’re heading for. In fact we can’t, for we’ve got to prospect around
+ourselves to find Snake Island.”
+
+“Then we’ve got to be on our guard against Noddy,” suggested Ned.
+
+“All the while I’m afraid, since he’s taken to trailing after us,”
+resumed Jerry. “I’d like to know who that fellow was with him. He looks
+like a sleek rascal.”
+
+“Like Bill Berry, only different,” was Ned’s opinion. “I wonder where
+Bill is?”
+
+“Oh, probably hanging around somewhere,” came from Bob. “He and Noddy
+generally travel together.”
+
+There was nothing more that could be done that night, save to see to
+it that the cabin doors and windows were securely fastened. Jerry left
+the searchlight aglow, as he thought this would discourage any further
+attempt to board the motor boat. And, as a matter of fact, our friends
+were not disturbed again that night.
+
+They made an early start for Pittsburg the next morning, keeping a
+watch for Noddy, but they did not see him. By noon they had tied up at
+the wharf where their boat was to be hauled out for storage.
+
+“Now for the auto!” exclaimed Jerry, when the craft had been safely put
+away, and such stores as they needed, together with their clothing,
+weapons and other things, had been piled up ready to be put in the
+motor car.
+
+They found that the repairs to their machine were almost completed, and
+that the car had been greatly improved. A new body had been put on,
+giving more room, so that, if necessary, they could sleep on board. And
+a small gasolene stove had been fitted up, so that a simple meal could
+be prepared. You can easily see that this was Bob’s idea.
+
+“Well, we can start in a couple of days,” announced Jerry after a visit
+to the auto shop.
+
+“And we’ll need that time to give her a try-out,” added Ned.
+
+“And buy what grub we will need!” put in Chunky.
+
+“Oh, forget the everlasting ‘eats’!” begged Jerry. “We don’t need to
+take much. We can buy it as we go along, and it will be fresher.”
+
+“I meant a few things like sandwiches, pickles and cake,” went on Bob.
+“To eat between meals, you know. I often get hungry before it’s meal
+time.”
+
+“Oh, we know it! You needn’t tell us,” cried Ned with a laugh.
+
+They tried their auto the next day, having put up at a hotel near the
+repair works. The car made good speed, and seemed to have more power
+than before.
+
+“She’s great!” cried Jerry. “Now for a long trip West!”
+
+Their preparations were complete. Almost at the last minute, though,
+the professor nearly backed out. He found a curious bug in the hotel
+where they stayed, and he wanted to remain a week or more, to hunt for
+others.
+
+“You’d better come on and look for that two-tailed toad, Professor,”
+advised Jerry.
+
+“Yes, I think I had,” agreed the little scientist. “But on our way back
+we’ll stop here, and I can have another look for more of those rare
+bugs.”
+
+The auto, well filled with the goods of our friends, and themselves,
+was ready for a start, and, having inquired the best route on from
+Pittsburg, the boys, with Jerry at the wheel, set off one fine morning.
+What lay before them they little realized.
+
+On and on they went, over fairly good roads, until they came to the
+open country. Then, having fixed the spark and gasolene levers to carry
+them at a moderate pace, Jerry settled back to enjoy the scenery.
+
+They had covered perhaps ten miles, and Bob was wondering whether he
+dare mention cooking a light lunch, as they whirled along, when Ned,
+who had looked back, uttered a cry.
+
+“What’s up?” asked Jerry.
+
+For answer Ned took a pair of powerful field glasses from a pocket
+inside the car. He focused them on an auto that was coming rapidly
+along behind the car of our friends.
+
+“They’ve been following us for some time,” spoke Ned, “and I want to
+see who they are.” He was silent a moment, and then he exclaimed:
+
+“I thought so! Noddy Nixon again, and this time Bill Berry is with him,
+as well as that other man! Fellows, he’s on our trail!”
+
+“Well, here’s where he gets off!” cried Bob, as he reached his hand
+in his pocket, and pulled out a small wooden box. He opened it, and
+scattered something out on the road.
+
+“What’s that!” cried Jerry.
+
+“Big tacks!” answered Bob. “I thought something like this might happen,
+so I got ready for Noddy. Some of those tacks will stick point upward,
+and maybe something will happen. They’re good and sharp, and rather bad
+for pneumatic tires,” he added with a laugh.
+
+He tossed the empty box away, and he and Ned looked at the car coming
+on behind them.
+
+“Think they’ll hit ’em?” asked Ned.
+
+“I hope so,” replied the stout lad.
+
+Suddenly there was a commotion, and the pursuing auto was seen to
+swerve to one side.
+
+“There they go!” cried Bob. “Two tires to the bad, I think! I guess
+they won’t follow us right away. Speed her up, Jerry!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+HELD UP
+
+
+“That’s the way to do it, Bob!” exclaimed Ned.
+
+“I never imagined you were such a plotter,” complimented Jerry. “How’d
+you come to think of it, Chunky?”
+
+“Oh, it just sort of came to me,” explained the stout lad, as he looked
+back to see Noddy and his companions leap from their auto, and examine
+the burst tires. “I figured that after the way Noddy’d been spying on
+us that he’d try to follow us, so I got ready for him. I thought it out
+that tire trouble was the easiest for me to bring about, and it would
+hold him back as well as if it was something else. So I bought the
+tacks.”
+
+“And made good use of ’em!” chuckled Jerry. “You’re all right, Bob!”
+
+Noddy Nixon straightened up from an examination of his stalled auto. He
+shook his fist at our friends who were rapidly drawing away.
+
+“I’ll--fix--you--for--this!” yelled the bully in a loud voice.
+
+“Well, you’ll have plenty of time to do it in,” remarked Bob with
+a laugh. “You’ll have to use new shoes, and inner tubes too, I’m
+thinking. Speed her up, Jerry.”
+
+“All right,” and the tall lad turned on more gasolene, until the big
+car was going along at a rapid pace.
+
+“Not too fast,” cautioned Ned. “We don’t want to be taken in for
+speeding, you know.”
+
+“Not much danger,” returned Jerry. “It’s rather a lonely stretch of
+country for several miles yet.”
+
+“How do you think he managed to get after us so quickly?” asked
+Professor Snodgrass, who, wonderful to relate, was neither looking at
+his specimens, making notes about, nor seeking to capture others. He
+had been too much interested in the chase and its sudden termination.
+
+“Oh, he must have heard Andy Rush say we were going to Pittsburg,”
+spoke Jerry, “and he merely came on here ahead of us, by train, while
+we traveled by boat. Then he simply got his auto ready, and lay in wait
+for us. But you put a spoke in his wheel, Bob.”
+
+“Two or three,” chuckled Ned.
+
+As they sped on they talked of Noddy, and speculated on what his plan
+might be in regard to following them.
+
+“It’s all guess work,” declared Jerry. “No matter what we do he may
+turn up on our trail sooner or later. The only thing to do is to fight
+him when we see him, be on our guard all the while, and not to worry.”
+
+“I agree with Jerry,” said Uriah Snodgrass. “Now, as long as we’re so
+far ahead, Jerry, can’t you go a little slower?”
+
+“Why, does the speed make you dizzy?” asked the steersman, for indeed
+the pace was very rapid.
+
+“No, but I’d like a chance to look for insects on the bushes as we
+pass. You never can tell when you may come across a rare specimen,” and
+through his big glasses the professor anxiously scanned the bushes on
+either side of the highway, for Jerry obligingly slackened the speed of
+the big car.
+
+“Are we going to sleep in the car or a hotel to-night?” asked Ned, as
+the afternoon drew to a close, finding them about a hundred miles away
+from Pittsburg.
+
+“I vote for the car,” spoke Jerry. “We haven’t tried it in some time.
+Besides, we can do as we please, and won’t have to bother with fixing
+up, as we would at a hotel.
+
+“Another thing. If we go to a hotel, Noddy may find it out, and he can
+thus keep closer tabs on our movements. Whereas, if we sleep in the
+car, on some country road, we can start off before daylight, breakfast
+when we please, and no one will be any the wiser.”
+
+“All right, the car it is,” agreed Ned. Anything suited the professor.
+
+“Another good point about the car,” said Bob, “is that we can----”
+
+“Eat whenever we want to,” finished Jerry with a laugh.
+
+“I wasn’t going to say so,” retorted Bob. “I was going to say we could
+sleep better here, for it will be quieter out under the trees than in a
+hotel.”
+
+“That’s the time he had you, Jerry,” laughed Ned.
+
+“Well, pick out a good place as you go along,” advised the tall lad,
+“and we’ll pull up there and stop.”
+
+“That hill looks to be in a good location,” suggested Bob, pointing to
+a rise in the distance. “There is a grove of trees there, and we can
+pull into them for the night. Speed up, and make it, Jerry.”
+
+The lad at the wheel was about to pull over the gasolene lever, and
+adjust the spark, when, out from a little country lane, just in front
+of the auto, leaped a man, with a shining badge on his coat, a club in
+one hand and a revolver in the other. He held out his arms to obstruct
+their passage, at the same time crying in loud tones:
+
+“Halt! Hold on there! You can’t go any further! I’m the law, an’ I says
+so. You’ve got to come with me!”
+
+Jerry looked quickly at the speedometer, and saw that it registered
+only about six miles per hour. He was glad he had not sent the car
+racing ahead.
+
+“Come on now! No tricks! Stop that car!” commanded the evident
+official. “You’ve got to come with me.”
+
+“What for?” asked Jerry. “Not for speeding evidently, for we were going
+like a snail.”
+
+“I didn’t say nothin’ about no speedin’,” replied the man. “It’s a more
+serious charge than that. I’ve been on the lookout for ye a long time,
+an’ I got ye, by heck! Come along!”
+
+By this time Jerry had easily brought the car to a stop not far from
+the grizzled man.
+
+“What right have you got to stop us?” demanded the young steersman.
+“Who are you, and what is the charge against us?”
+
+“I’m Constable Enberry Snook,” was the answer, “and this here is
+my authority,” and he tapped his badge with the club. “I derive my
+authority from th’ selectmen of Huckleberry Township, an’ these
+likewise is th’ main instruments that I use,” and he glanced from his
+club to his revolver, and back at the party in the auto. “Now be ye
+goin’ t’ come along peaceable like, or have I got t’ use force?”
+
+“But I don’t understand,” said Jerry, while a puzzled look came over
+the faces of the others. “We haven’t been speeding, and we haven’t
+assaulted any one that I know of.”
+
+“Of course not!” declared Ned.
+
+“Well, I’ve been instructed t’ arrest ye,” went on Constable Snook,
+“an’ I’m goin’ t’ do my duty, by heck! Now will ye come along
+peaceable, or have I got t’----”
+
+He did not finish the sentence, for with a cry that was startling in
+its suddenness Professor Snodgrass, who had been sitting in front with
+Jerry, fairly leaped from his seat, and dashed at the constable.
+
+“Don’t move! Don’t stir!” cried the excited scientist. “I’ve got it!
+It’s on you! Don’t move! I’ve been looking for it ever and ever so
+long!”
+
+A moment later he had hold of the constable’s coat.
+
+“Here! Let me go! Onhand me! This is treason! Ye’re assaultin’
+an officer in th’ performance of his office, an’ it’s ten years’
+imprisonment fer that offense. Let me go, I tell ye! Don’t ye dare t’
+strike me! I’ve got assistants with me. Help! Help! He’s chokin’ me!
+He’s chokin’ an officer of th’ law!”
+
+Mr. Snook, dropping both his club and revolver, sought in vain to pull
+away from the grasp of Professor Snodgrass, and then the constable,
+finding that the scientist had too firm a hold, pulled out a whistle,
+and blew a shrill blast. A moment later two men, evidently farmhands,
+each armed with a pitchfork, leaped out of the bushes at the side of
+the road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+NODDY IN ADVANCE
+
+
+There was a moment’s pause, during which all the actors in the little
+rural comedy looked at each other. And, as for the professor and the
+constable, they did more than look, for the scientist still had a firm
+hold of the other’s coat, and the man was pulling desperately to get
+away.
+
+“Are ye there, Sim an’ Jake?” gasped the constable.
+
+“Thet’s what we be!” cried the taller of the farmers, evidently Sim, as
+he advanced with ready pitchfork.
+
+“Me too,” put in Jake. “What’s up, Enberry? Have them highwaymen
+attacked ye?”
+
+“Attacked me? I should say they had!” cried the constable. “That’s why
+I whistled for help. Jab ’em!”
+
+“Hold on!” cried Jerry, fearing the professor might get hurt. “Come on,
+boys,” he urged Ned and Bob. “We’ve got to take a hand in this!”
+
+“But what in the world does it all mean?” asked Ned.
+
+“And what makes the professor act so queer?” Bob wanted to know.
+
+“Don’t stop to ask questions!” cried Jerry, vaulting from his seat.
+“Come on!”
+
+The three boys advanced toward the group of men who now surrounded
+Uriah Snodgrass. The scientist still retained his grip of the constable
+with one hand, while with the other he was making cautious advances
+toward the coat collar of the farmer-officer.
+
+“Let me be!” cried the constable. “Jab him, Sim an’ Jake! Jab him!”
+
+“Keep still,” ordered Professor Snodgrass. “I’ll have him in another
+minute!”
+
+“Ye’ve got me now, consarn ye!” snapped the constable, trying in vain
+to pull away. “If ye lay another hand on me I’ll have ye sent t’ jail
+fer life! Let me go, I tell ye!”
+
+“Look out with those pitchforks!” cried Jerry, as he saw Sim advance
+the prongs dangerously close to the professor’s legs.
+
+“There! I’ve got it!” suddenly exclaimed the little scientist. His hand
+made a descent on the farmer’s collar, and then, with something tightly
+clasped in his fist, Mr. Snodgrass leaped back. Sim and Jake closed up
+alongside of the man who had summoned them by whistle.
+
+“What’d you take offen me?” demanded Mr. Snook suspiciously. “My badge?
+Ef ye have----”
+
+“I only took one of the most beautiful specimens of a green spider I
+have ever seen,” was the answer of the professor. “I saw it on your
+coat collar, and I was so afraid it would get away. I had to act
+quickly. The only way was to grab you, for if you had felt the spider
+on your neck, it might have tickled you, and you would have brushed
+it off. Then it would have been lost for ever. Ah, but I have you, my
+little beauty!” and the professor peered in between a crack in his
+fingers to make sure that the spider had not escaped. A moment later he
+had popped it into one of his specimen boxes.
+
+“A--a spider?” gasped Mr. Snook, as if he had not understood.
+
+“A _green_ spider,” corrected Mr. Snodgrass. “A most perfect specimen.
+It was on your coat collar. A moment later it would have crawled on
+your neck.”
+
+“An’ if it had, I’d have squashed it, sure!” cried Mr. Snook. “I sure
+would have squashed it! A green spider! Why I’d a squashed it, if it
+had been a red, white an’ blue one! I hate ’em! Ye must be crazy t’
+want ’em!”
+
+“I want them for scientific purposes,” said Uriah Snodgrass, and then
+he briefly explained that he traveled for a college that wanted all
+the specimens he could collect.
+
+“A college perfesser,” murmured Sim. “Say, Jake, it’s a good thing we
+didn’t jab him.”
+
+“I guess it is. An’ t’ think of any mortal man wantin’ such things as
+bugs!”
+
+“Well, everybody to their notion,” said Mr. Snook grimly. “If ye want
+spiders ye’re welcome t’ ’em. But that don’t alter th’ fact that you
+folks have got t’ come along with me.” He was less excited now.
+
+“But I don’t understand,” spoke Jerry. “What is the charge, and who
+makes it? Were you waiting here for us?”
+
+“That’s what I was,” declared the constable. “I got a telephone t’
+be on the lookout for ye. I was warned ye’d be desperit, an’ try t’
+escape, so I swore in Sim an’ Jake as my special deputies. It looks
+like I’d need ’em, too. Jake, stand by on this side of me, an’ Sim, you
+git on th’ other. If they starts t’ run, jab ’em. Now, I arrest ye in
+th’ name of th’ law,” and in turn he laid his hand on the shoulders of
+Jerry, Bob, Ned and the professor. “Are ye comin’ along peaceable, or
+shall I have t’ use force?” he asked again.
+
+“If this is a regular arrest, by a regular officer we certainly will
+come along peaceably,” replied Jerry. “But who makes the charge?”
+
+“That I can’t tell ye. I got my authority from Judge Amos Blackford.
+Ye’ll have t’ appear before him. It were him as were telephoned t’, an’
+he passed it on t’ me.”
+
+“And you really have the authority to arrest us?” asked Ned, still
+doubting.
+
+“There’s th’ warrant, sworn t’, all reg’lar an’ in due form, according
+t’ law,” said the constable, pulling out a paper with a flourish. “Ye
+kin look at it.”
+
+Jerry read it quickly. It was merely a short form of bench warrant,
+“sworn to on information and belief,” wherein the judge himself
+appeared as the accuser, the real party’s name not being mentioned.
+
+“If ye don’t believe that, ye kin ask Jake an’ Sim here if I ain’t th’
+regular constable fer this township,” added Mr. Snook proudly.
+
+“That’s what he is!” chorused the two farm hands.
+
+“Well, then I suppose we will have to go with you,” admitted Jerry,
+“though I don’t understand it. Come along, boys. Do you want to ride
+with us?” he asked, turning to the two farm hands and the constable.
+
+“Not for me,” spoke Sim, and Jake, too, shook his head. “I wouldn’t
+ride in one of them gasolene wagons fer a month’s wages,” added Sim.
+
+“Then I guess we can find room for you, Mr. Snook,” went on Jerry.
+“That is if you’re not afraid of the machine, and don’t imagine that
+such desperate characters as we are will do away with you.”
+
+“Oh, I guess I kin trust ye,” said the constable with a sheepish grin.
+“Th’ judge’s house is about a mile down th’ road. He kin hold court
+there, an’ fine ye, I suppose.”
+
+“But I don’t see what for,” said Jerry. “However, come along.”
+
+They were soon in the auto, and had started off, the two hired men,
+with their pitchforks, standing in the road with open-mouthed wonder as
+the car shot away. Ned noticed that Mr. Snook grasped the sides of the
+seat with nervous hands, as if he expected something to happen at any
+moment. Chunky was a bit nervous, and Jerry was clearly puzzled. As for
+the professor he was too much occupied in making notes about the green
+spider to care whether he was arrested or not.
+
+It was not a long run to the house of Judge Blackford, who lived in a
+comfortable residence. He himself proved to be a genial, old-fashioned
+gentleman.
+
+“Well, Enberry,” he observed with a twinkle in his eyes as the auto
+drove up, “you got the desperadoes, I see.”
+
+“Yep,” answered the constable shortly.
+
+“Did they abuse you much; have much trouble in capturing them?”
+
+“Nope. They come along peaceable enough, though at one time----” and
+then, thinking that he had not proved himself much of a hero in the
+spider episode, the constable stopped.
+
+“Out with it!” cried the judge with a laugh. “I’ll find it out sooner
+or later.”
+
+“I’ll tell ye later,” promised Mr. Snook nervously.
+
+“May I ask what this is all about?” inquired Jerry. “The constable says
+we are charged with assault and battery. By whom?”
+
+“By Noddy Nixon!” was the unexpected answer of Judge Blackford.
+
+“Noddy Nixon!” cried Jerry. “Is he here?”
+
+“No. I’ll tell you how it was,” went on the magistrate. “I received a
+telephone this noon, from Judge Lawton, of Middleville township. He
+said a party of autoists had come to him, and had sworn that another
+party of autoists, naming and describing you, had caused them to burst
+two tires. And, as the tires burst, Mr. Nixon and his party were thrown
+to one side of their car, painfully bruising and contusing them, as the
+warrant says.
+
+“So Judge Lawton, before whom the original warrant was sworn out, asked
+me to issue a supplementary one, and to intercept you as you came
+through here. Which I had to do, it being my duty. Now you can consider
+yourself charged with the crime, and how do you plead. I’ll hold court
+right here. Did you or didn’t you?”
+
+“Well, I guess I did it,” answered Bob. “I threw the tacks in the road.
+But it was to prevent Noddy from following us.”
+
+Thereupon the judge was told as much of the story as Jerry and his
+chums thought necessary to explain of their conduct, no mention
+being made of the radium on Snake Island. He was told how Noddy had
+repeatedly tried to take a mean advantage.
+
+“Hum. That makes it different,” spoke Judge Blackford. “I reckon that
+Nixon chap didn’t tell this to my friend Judge Lawton. Otherwise he
+wouldn’t have asked me to issue a warrant. Now this is how the matter
+stands.
+
+“I was requested to apprehend and hold you for examination. That I
+must do. This Nixon fellow promised to be here in the morning, at nine
+o’clock, to give his evidence. I don’t believe he’ll come and face you.
+But I must hold you until then. I ask you, in the meanwhile to be my
+guests. Then, in the morning, if he does not appear, I shall discharge
+you, and explain matters to Judge Lawton. I know he will approve of it.
+Will you stay and dine with me? I’ll be glad of your company, and you
+needn’t consider yourselves prisoners. You’re out on bail, so to speak.
+Supper will soon be ready. Will you stay?”
+
+“I--yes--of course we will!” cried Bob so quickly that both his chums
+laughed, and Mr. Blackford looked at them curiously.
+
+“Then the court is adjourned,” went on the magistrate. “Come in, boys,
+after you leave your auto in the barn. You needn’t wait, Enberry.”
+
+“All right,” answered Mr. Snook, who hurried off, looking over his
+shoulder as if he feared he might see more spiders.
+
+The boys found Judge Blackford to be a most congenial host. It
+developed that he and Professor Snodgrass had once attended the same
+preparatory school, and the pair exchanged pleasant memories.
+
+The judge explained how Noddy had probably proceeded.
+
+“After his tires were repaired,” he said, “the Nixon fellow must
+have hurried on, following you. He figured out that you would
+have to pass through here, as this is the main road. Then he went
+to Middleville, swore out a warrant, which he had no right to do
+under the circumstances, and the rest you know. I am sorry you were
+inconvenienced.”
+
+“Oh, it’s all right,” said Bob. “We’ll probably have a better meal
+than if we ate in the auto; eh, fellows?”
+
+“Say, Chunky, you are the limit!” cried Jerry, and then he had to
+explain to the judge their chum’s failing.
+
+The magistrate, however, took quite a liking to Bob, and soon there was
+a merry party gathered at the table. The evening was spent pleasantly,
+and there were plenty of comfortable beds in the judge’s big,
+old-fashioned house, where he and his wife lived with some old servants.
+
+Nine o’clock came next morning, but Noddy Nixon did not appear.
+
+“He only did this to delay us,” declared Jerry, and the others agreed
+with him.
+
+“Well, if he isn’t here by ten I’ll formally discharge you, and send
+the warrant back to Judge Lawton with an explanation,” said Judge
+Blackford.
+
+Ten o’clock brought no change in the situation, and holding court in
+his library, the magistrate discharged the “prisoners.” Constable Snook
+was on hand, and looked rather disappointed when he saw that he was not
+to have the pleasure of taking the boys and the professor to jail.
+
+“But we have strict laws agin’ speedin’ here,” he warned them, as Jerry
+got out the car to resume the trip. “If I catch ye’ speedin’ I’ll have
+t’ take ye in.”
+
+“We won’t come this way soon again,” replied Jerry. Then, good-byes
+having been said to the judge and his wife, our friends started on
+their journey.
+
+“I wonder what happened to Noddy?” spoke Ned, who had taken his place
+on the front seat with Jerry.
+
+“Oh, he has either turned back, or else he’s waiting until we get far
+enough ahead of him so that he can follow as he pleases,” replied the
+tall lad.
+
+They had turned off the main road to reach the home of the judge, and
+were now coming out of a sort of long country lane, thickly bordered
+with trees, to reach the main highway again. As they were about to
+swing around a turn they all heard the chug-chug of an auto.
+
+“Someone’s coming,” remarked Ned.
+
+“Yes. I guess we’ll let ’em get ahead of us, so we won’t have to take
+so much dust,” decided Jerry. “We can wait here in the shade.”
+
+He stopped the car, behind a screen of trees and bushes, not far from
+the main road. A moment later a car shot past, and, as it did so, Ned
+uttered a low exclamation.
+
+[Illustration: A MOMENT LATER A CAR SHOT PAST.]
+
+“Did you see that?” he asked Jerry.
+
+“I sure did!” replied the tall lad.
+
+“What was it?” inquired Bob, who was in the rear with the professor.
+
+“Noddy Nixon!” answered Jerry. “He’s ahead of us now, and that’s
+where we want him. He can’t follow us now. I guess, Noddy, you’ve
+over-reached yourself,” and Jerry smiled grimly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+DISAPPOINTMENT
+
+
+“What do you suppose his game is?” asked Bob, as the auto containing
+Noddy and two others shot around a curve in the main road, leaving a
+cloud of dust behind.
+
+“His game was to delay us long enough to catch up to us, I think,”
+explained Jerry. “You see he lost time when he had to stop to fix his
+tires, and he’s depending on us to show him the way to Snake Island,
+since he failed to get any clews as he sneaked around. But he spoiled
+his own chances. We’re behind him now, and he’ll have his own troubles
+tracing us.”
+
+“Are you going to let him get a long way in advance?” asked Ned.
+
+“I think so. The more trouble we can give him to pick us up the
+better--for us. I’m even going to get off the main road, if I can, and
+take a less-used route.”
+
+“The nerve of him charging us with assault and battery, just because
+he happened to run over a few tacks!” exclaimed Bob, with an air of
+virtuous indignation.
+
+“Well, I suppose it did batter them up a bit,” remarked Jerry with a
+smile. “The auto stopped rather suddenly, you remember.”
+
+“It sure did,” agreed Ned. “But say, I wonder who that other chap is
+with Noddy. I saw Bill Berry plainly enough, but I can’t imagine who
+the other fellow is.”
+
+“I had a glimpse of his face,” said Professor Snodgrass, looking up
+from his note book. “I have seen him before, somewhere, but I can’t
+recollect where. I never forget a face, but the association sometimes
+escapes me. However, I may recall it later. I think--hold on, Jerry,
+don’t move!” he exclaimed suddenly, for the tall lad had reached
+forward to start the car. “There’s a fine, big yellow-backed toad at
+the foot of that stump. I must get it. It isn’t as valuable as the
+two-tailed one, but it is a very good specimen,” and the scientist
+leaped out and was soon in possession of the toad, which he clapped
+into a box.
+
+“All ready now?” asked Jerry, with his hand on the gear lever.
+
+“All ready--unless I see something else,” answered Uriah Snodgrass, and
+the auto rolled slowly forward. Noddy had been given enough start so
+that there was no danger of catching up to him unless he halted, and
+he was not likely to do that, Jerry thought. At the first farmhouse
+they stopped to inquire their way on some less frequented road, and,
+learning it, they took another highway, which, while not so good to
+travel on, made it less likely that they would meet or pass the bully.
+
+For three days they traveled on, having fine weather on all but
+one--the day after their “arrest.” Then it rained from morning until
+night, and they progressed through water and mud, which cut down their
+speed.
+
+They were dry and fairly comfortable, however, for the closed car was
+as snug as a bungalow, and they could cook and sleep inside. Then the
+weather cleared, and, save for muddy roads, there was no discomfort.
+
+“And we seem to have given Noddy the slip,” remarked Jerry, one day,
+for they had neither seen nor heard anything of their enemy or his
+companions. “We’re having fine luck.”
+
+They had been traveling by auto over a week, and were getting close to
+Denver, whence they would make the rest of the trip by airship, when
+there came a turn in the good fortune that had, so far, accompanied
+them.
+
+They were going down a hill, one evening into a little town when the
+foot brake unexpectedly broke, and they started off at a rapid pace.
+Jerry, however, quickly threw in the emergency, and brought the car up
+before any harm had resulted.
+
+“Hum! This is a nice pickle!” exclaimed the tall lad. “Now we’ve got to
+lay over until this is fixed.”
+
+“Maybe we can have it fixed over night,” suggested Ned. “There’s a
+combined blacksmith shop and garage just ahead,” and he pointed to it.
+“If we pay extra we can have the man work all night on the brake, and
+have it ready for us in the morning. There must be some sort of a hotel
+here, where we can put up.”
+
+“Fine!” cried Bob. “Then I won’t have to cook supper.”
+
+“No, but you’ll eat it,” said Jerry. “But I guess Ned’s plan is a good
+one.”
+
+The blacksmith, who also did auto repair work, agreed, for an extra
+fee, to put in the night fixing the brake, and the car being left at
+his shop, the boys went to the only hotel in the village of Lafayette.
+
+“Here’s the register,” spoke the landlord, handing over the book to the
+boys and the professor. “Supper’ll soon be ready.”
+
+“That’s good,” murmured Bob, and his chums laughed as they advanced
+to sign their names. As Jerry put his down first, he uttered a cry of
+surprise, and pointed to the signatures just above where theirs were to
+go.
+
+“Great Scott!” exclaimed Ned, looking over his chum’s shoulder. “Noddy
+Nixon, and Bill Berry! They were here a couple of days ago!”
+
+“And that must be the mysterious man who was with them,” added Jerry,
+pointing to the signature of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.
+
+“Kirk Belgrade! Kirk Belgrade!” murmured Professor Snodgrass, as he saw
+the signature. “Where have I heard that name before? Where have I seen
+that face?” He was in deep thought for a moment, and then he exclaimed:
+
+“Oh, I have it! Belgrade. Yes, he was an instructor at my college a
+few years ago. A smart man, but he did some underhand work, and he
+was asked to resign. The last I heard of him he had started a sort
+of mushroom correspondence school. Poor Belgrade! He was a brilliant
+scholar, but he wanted to live by his wits, instead of working.”
+
+“What can he be doing with Noddy?” asked Ned.
+
+“Give it up,” murmured Bob. “I wonder when supper will be ready, and
+what we’ll have to eat?”
+
+Jerry was in deep thought.
+
+“Professor Snodgrass,” he asked suddenly, “what branch of science did
+this Dr. Belgrade teach in college?”
+
+“Well, his specialty was electricity, and I remember when radium was
+first discovered that he took a great interest in it. He even wrote
+a paper on it, that was considered very good. Another thing, though
+perhaps I should not speak of it. Our college had a small specimen
+of radium, that one of the founders bought, and presented to the
+laboratory. One day it disappeared, and it was the same day Belgrade
+was asked to resign.
+
+“There was talk that he might know something about it, but the faculty
+considered that he had disgraced our school enough by something else he
+did, so they did not press the radium matter. Belgrade sold examination
+papers to some of the students. He was too brilliant, I’m afraid, for
+his own good. And now to think he is in with Noddy Nixon!”
+
+“Yes, and I believe I know what for!” exclaimed Jerry. “Noddy has taken
+him along as an authority on radium, for Noddy wouldn’t know it from a
+lump of clay. I begin to see things now. Fellows, we’ve got to be on
+our guard. I wish Noddy was behind us instead of ahead of us!”
+
+“Why, do you think he’ll get to Snake Island before we do?” asked Ned.
+
+“He may,” replied Jerry grimly. “But he’ll have his work cut out to
+beat us. I wish that brake hadn’t smashed. I’d like to be traveling
+now.”
+
+But there was no help for it. They had to wait until morning, and then
+they took to the road again. For two days more they traveled on and
+then, unexpectedly running out of gasolene one night they had to lay
+over again for a half hour while the garage dealer supplied them. He
+was out, too, but the tank wagon, with a supply was on its way, he said.
+
+“Had another auto here, a while ago, and they took my last gallon,”
+explained the garage attendant. “Fellow by the name of Blixen, or
+something like that. Mighty fresh, too. He wanted to beat me down on my
+price.”
+
+“Wasn’t it Nixon, and not Blixen?” asked Jerry quickly.
+
+“Well, that might have been it. I didn’t pay much attention. His auto
+was badly in need of repairs, and I sort of asked if he didn’t want
+me to fix it. He said he didn’t as they were only going on a little
+farther.”
+
+“A little farther,” remarked Jerry, for it was still some distance to
+Denver, where Noddy was undoubtedly headed for. It was common knowledge
+that the _Comet_, the airship of our heroes, was in Denver, for the
+papers had contained many accounts of how it had broken records at the
+big meet. Noddy could not have helped seeing them, and, naturally, he
+would suspect that the motor boys were going to pick up their craft.
+
+“Well, he said he and his crowd were going to take a train the rest of
+the way,” went on the garage man. “They were going to Belmont station,
+and take the train there. Here comes the gasolene. I’ll soon have your
+tanks filled.”
+
+“Fellows, we’ve got to do something!” exclaimed Jerry to his
+companions, as the gasolene was being put in. “Noddy may get ahead of
+us after all, and reach Denver first, if he takes a train.”
+
+“What can we do?” asked Ned.
+
+“Leave the auto, and take a train ourselves,” replied the tall lad.
+
+“That’s it!” cried Bob. “Beat him at his own game!”
+
+“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “How far is it to Belmont?” he asked
+of the garage man, as he paid for the gasolene.
+
+“About twenty miles.”
+
+“Can you get a through train there for Denver, Colorado?”
+
+“No, only locals stop there. But if you want to go to Denver, I can
+tell you a better way. Why don’t you go to Meldon station. That’s only
+ten miles farther on, and the Denver Limited stops there. You can make
+it I guess,” and he looked at his watch. “She leaves there at nine
+o’clock to-night, and it’s one of the few stops until she hits Denver.
+You can only get locals at Belmont. The Limited beats them all to
+pieces.”
+
+“We’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on, fellows! On to Meldon!”
+
+“You’ve got to travel pretty fast,” the man warned them. “And the roads
+aren’t very good--especially at night.”
+
+“We can do it!” cried Jerry. “Meldon for ours, and we’ll beat Noddy on
+his local!”
+
+They were soon chugging down the road, in the gathering darkness. Bob
+started to get supper, when Jerry stopped a little later to light the
+powerful gas lamps, and then they went on at increased speed. Jerry
+drove the car as fast as was safe, but their bad luck pursued them, for
+they took the wrong turn at a point five miles from Meldon, and went
+eight miles out of their way.
+
+“Oh hang it!” cried Ned when they were set right by a truck farmer on a
+load of produce. “Can we make it, Jerry?”
+
+“I guess so,” and the tall lad threw the gasolene lever over a couple
+more notches, and advanced the spark full.
+
+The big car fairly bounded along, and it seemed as if they would get to
+Meldon in time to catch the Limited. But they struck a stretch of sand
+that held them back. However, Jerry drove on like mad, and soon the
+lights of the station came into view.
+
+“What are you going to do with the car?” cried Ned above the noise of
+the motor.
+
+“Leave it with the agent, and have him store it for us,” replied Jerry.
+“I guess we’re in plenty of time, fellows,” he cried with a look at his
+watch. “I thought it was later.”
+
+He stopped the car with a screech of brakes at the station, and jumped
+out.
+
+“You fellows get out the baggage, and I’ll see to the tickets!” he
+cried.
+
+“Don’t leave any of my specimens!” cried the professor.
+
+Jerry rushed up to the ticket agent behind his little barred window.
+
+“Four tickets through to Denver!” exclaimed the tall lad. “On the
+Limited! We’ve got quite some baggage and I’d like to leave our auto in
+your care. We’ll pay you well.”
+
+“The Limited pulled out of here about an hour ago,” said the man.
+“You’re too late.”
+
+“Too late? Why it isn’t nine o’clock yet!” and Jerry looked at his
+watch.
+
+“Guess you must be wrong, friend,” spoke the agent. “That clock is
+standard time for this section of the country.”
+
+Jerry looked at his watch and gave a low whistle.
+
+“By Jove! She’s stopped,” he cried. “That’s it. I forgot to wind my
+watch last night. Oh, what a chump!”
+
+“Then we’ve missed the Limited,” said Ned.
+
+“And Noddy Nixon is ahead of us,” added Bob.
+
+“I’m afraid so,” admitted Jerry, a look of disappointment on his face.
+“Has the local from Belmont gone?” he asked.
+
+“Some time ago,” replied the agent. “She doesn’t stop here. The Limited
+will have passed her by now, though.”
+
+The boys said nothing. They did not know what to do. Their enemy was
+ahead of them, and they were stranded. The professor was calmly looking
+for bugs on the wall of the depot.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE PROFESSOR’S LUNCH
+
+
+“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Ned, after a long and rather
+gloomy pause.
+
+“I don’t know,” answered Jerry.
+
+“Might as well go on in the auto,” suggested Bob. “We’ll get to Denver
+to-morrow or next day, won’t we?”
+
+“Oh, yes,” agreed the tall lad, “but Noddy will be a good deal ahead of
+us, even if he is on a slow local. Hang it! Why didn’t I think to wind
+my watch. I meant to, but we had so many things to think about that it
+slipped my mind.”
+
+“Well, there’s no use crying over spilled milk,” consoled Ned. “The
+thing now is to decide what’s best to do. We might have looked at our
+watches.”
+
+The station agent had gone outside to attend to some of his duties,
+leaving the boys and the professor alone in the depot. The scientist
+seemed to have shaken all cares from his shoulders, as he walked about,
+peering through his powerful spectacles for any stray specimens he
+might be able to capture.
+
+“Well, the only thing I see,” spoke Jerry, “is to take the Limited
+to-morrow. We can stay here in town to-night. I guess we’ll go to a
+hotel, for I want to stretch out in bed. Then I can arrange with some
+garage man myself, about looking after the auto, instead of leaving it
+for the station agent to do. But I certainly am sorry we missed that
+train. We’d be ahead of Noddy by this time.”
+
+“It wasn’t your fault any more than it was ours,” spoke Ned. “We ought
+to have looked at our watches, too.”
+
+Bob said nothing. He had strolled over to the far side of the depot
+where there was a lunch counter. But the place was closed by glass
+partitions, through which the food could be seen.
+
+“Just look at Chunky,” said Ned in a low tone.
+
+“Here, come away from there!” called Jerry in a loud voice to his chum.
+“Hands off!”
+
+Bob started.
+
+“Can’t I look at it if I want to?” he asked. “I was seeing if they had
+any nicer stuff than we did in the auto. If they did we might better
+eat here instead of going to the hotel. Supper’ll be over there,
+anyhow.”
+
+“Come away, or you’ll get wireless indigestion,” advised Jerry. “Oh,
+say, I wish I knew what to do,” he added impatiently.
+
+“Guess the only thing is to go to bed and take the first train in the
+morning,” advised Ned.
+
+At that moment a young woman came into the depot. She walked with a
+business-like air, and, advancing to the lunch room, opened the door
+leading into it. Then she began taking down the glass windows that
+closed it off. Bob, who had walked back toward his chums, started for
+the counter again.
+
+“Would you look at Chunky!” remarked Ned again. The stout lad was
+eagerly looking over the collection of food, at the same time casting
+stray glances at the young woman--she was little more than a girl.
+
+“Are--are you going to serve lunch?” asked Bob.
+
+“If anybody wants it--and I hope they do,” was her reply with a bright
+smile, showing two rows of white, even teeth.
+
+“I--I guess I do,” went on Bob, with a half-ashamed glance at his chums.
+
+“Here, Bob! You come away from there!” ordered Ned in a loud voice.
+“Don’t go to bothering the young lady. You mustn’t mind him, miss,”
+went on the joking Ned. “He’s harmless. We’re taking him back to the
+asylum. He just got out to-day--escaped. He thinks he’s always hungry.
+Did he annoy you?” and with a half-fierce air Ned started for Bob.
+
+“No--no, sir, he didn’t say anything out of the way,” replied the girl,
+with a startled air.
+
+“Well, he doesn’t mean anything,” explained Ned without a smile. “He
+always imagines he’s hungry. That’s his peculiar form of insanity. You
+wouldn’t believe it, but he just ate three roast chickens, not half an
+hour ago, and my partner and I have had the hardest work to prevent him
+breaking into your lunch room. Come over here, I say, or we’ll put the
+strait-jacket on you!” ordered Ned to his fat chum.
+
+For a moment Bob could only gasp, he was so surprised. Then he ripped
+out:
+
+“Well of all the nerve! I’ll fix you for that! Don’t you believe him!”
+he went on. “I’m not crazy at all, I’m only hungry.”
+
+“They all say that,” put in Jerry, carrying on the joke.
+
+“Jerry Hopkins!” cried Bob. “I--I’ll----”
+
+He did not say what he would do, for at that moment Professor
+Snodgrass, who had been unsuccessful in his search for insects,
+approached the lunch counter. The girl had started the coffee machine,
+and an aromatic odor filled the waiting room.
+
+“Ah, that smells good!” exclaimed the professor. “I believe I will have
+a cup of coffee, and some sandwiches. Will you join me, boys, as long
+as we have to wait?”
+
+“Yes, do,” urged Bob, and he glanced appealingly at his chums. They did
+not have the heart to plague him further, and with a laugh, at which
+the girl seemed much relieved, Jerry clapped his stout companion on the
+back, and linked arms with him.
+
+“I believe I can take something myself,” spoke Ned. “Bob, you do
+the ordering, and then we’ll go to the hotel, and try to forget our
+troubles in sleep.”
+
+They drew the tall stools up to the marble-topped lunch counter, and
+the girl, evidently much relieved, and pleased at so many customers at
+that hour, began setting out plates, spoons, knifes and other table
+utensils in front of them.
+
+“Chicken pies!” exclaimed Bob, rubbing his hands as he scanned the bill
+of fare. “That sounds good. We’ll start with them.”
+
+“I think I will take some fruit first,” said the professor. “Those
+bananas look tempting,” and he motioned to some under a glass cover.
+
+“Just help yourself to them, please,” invited the lunch girl. “I’ll put
+the chicken pies in the oven to heat.”
+
+Mr. Snodgrass lifted the cover off the bananas, and, as he did so he
+uttered one of his usual cries of delight.
+
+“There it is! There it is!” he exclaimed. “Oh, what a beauty, and such
+a long tail! Oh, I must get that! Look out boys! Don’t let it get away.”
+
+“Oh, what is it?” screamed the girl. “It’s a mouse, I know it is! Oh,
+a mouse! A mouse! Father, come quickly!” and she leaped upon a small
+stool, and thence to the broad shelf back of the lunch counter, while
+Professor Snodgrass clapped a specimen box down over something amid the
+bananas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE WRECK OF THE LIMITED
+
+
+The door of the station opened, and the ticket agent rushed in. At a
+glance he sized up the situation, the girl on the shelf, screaming, the
+excited professor holding his hands over the bananas and three more or
+less startled boys looking on.
+
+“What’s the matter?” demanded the agent. “Mildred, has anything
+happened? Have these people annoyed you?”
+
+“Oh, no, father. It’s a mouse--a mouse in the bananas, but the
+gentleman has captured it. But he acted so queer--he called out so,
+and--and----” She stopped, on the verge of tears.
+
+The agent took a step forward. His manner was rather threatening. Jerry
+saw that it was time to explain at once.
+
+“It’s all right,” he said in a quiet voice. “We did start to have a
+little fun with our friend,” and he nodded at Bob, “but we had no
+intention of annoying the young lady. We----”
+
+“Oh, no, they didn’t annoy me, father,” the girl said earnestly. “It’s
+only the mouse.”
+
+“It isn’t a mouse at all!” broke in the professor. “It is a very rare
+specimen of a long-tailed scorpion and----”
+
+“Oh, a scorpion!” screamed the girl. “That’s worse! Oh, daddy, get a
+poker, or something, and kill the horrid thing. I saw one once, all
+covered with long hairs--a big spider--Ugh!”
+
+“You are thinking of a tarantula, my dear young lady,” said the
+professor calmly. “This is a scorpion, which is entirely different. But
+this species is harmless, I do assure you. It wouldn’t bite a fly. I
+am very fortunate to have captured it. I saw it on the bananas as soon
+as I took off the cover, and I knew I must get it at once, or it would
+escape. There, I have it safe,” and he slid a glass cover on the box,
+and held out to view some sort of an insect, like a crayfish, with an
+extra long tail, which was squirming about under the glass.
+
+“There is the little beauty!” cried the professor with enthusiasm. “It
+is worth at least ten dollars, and I am willing to pay that much to
+whoever owns it,” and he glanced at the girl.
+
+“Ugh! Take the horrid thing away!” she cried. “Are you sure there are
+no more?”
+
+“Not a one. I wish there were,” said the professor, looking carefully
+among the bananas.
+
+“Then I’ll come down,” went on the lunch girl, as she blushingly
+descended. “I’m sorry I made a scene, but I thought it was a mouse.”
+
+“That’s all right,” spoke Jerry gallantly. “It was our fault for
+wanting lunch at this unearthly hour.”
+
+“Oh, I always serve lunch at this time,” spoke the girl. “There’s quite
+a crowd comes in from the Denver Express, and they’re ’most always
+hungry. They’ll be here in about an hour, won’t they, father? Is the
+train on time?”
+
+“About,” replied the agent. “But I don’t exactly understand. Is
+everything all right now?”
+
+“I think so,” said Jerry, and he explained how he and Ned had started
+to have fun with Bob, how they had made up their minds to have a lunch,
+and how Professor Snodgrass had discovered the scorpion amid the
+bananas. He told what a learned man the scientist was, always on the
+lookout for specimens. Uriah Snodgrass was, by this time, painlessly
+preserving his scorpion, and making notes about it, forgetting his
+desire to eat. Not so Bob, however, who was eagerly waiting for the hot
+chicken pies.
+
+The excitement soon quieted down, and matters having been satisfactorily
+explained the ticket agent became very friendly. He told the boys how he
+had secured the privilege of running the lunch counter at the station,
+and how his daughter, after the death of her mother, had taken charge of
+it. By this time the meal was ready, and even the professor sat up and
+ate.
+
+“But I don’t see why you serve meals so late,” said Jerry, for it was
+now after ten o’clock.
+
+“Oh, we have to accommodate the passengers of the Denver Express,”
+explained Miss Harrison, the lunch-girl. “At least they call it an
+express, though it doesn’t go very fast.”
+
+“And it comes from Denver?” asked Ned.
+
+“No, it goes _to_ Denver,” she said.
+
+“To Denver?” cried Jerry.
+
+“Yes, it’s the last train out of here to-night. It gets to Denver
+to-morrow noon, when it’s on time, and that isn’t very often. But there
+are always a lot of travelers who like to stop off here for lunch. The
+train waits ten minutes for a freight to clear. So I always come back
+here after supper to serve a little lunch. I won’t have much left,
+though, if you people come in often,” and with a mischievous look on
+her face she glanced at Bob.
+
+“A train to Denver!” cried Jerry. “That’s good news. I didn’t know
+there were any more. I supposed when we lost the Limited we were
+stranded here for the night. Boys, there’s a chance yet of beating
+Noddy Nixon!” he cried.
+
+“Good!” exclaimed Ned. “Then we’ll do it.”
+
+“Sure--we--blub--ugh--will,” added Bob, his mouth full of chicken pie.
+
+“Then finish up!” ordered Jerry. “We’ll arrange to have the auto left
+here, and take our baggage on with us. In Denver to-morrow noon! That’s
+fine!”
+
+“If you’re on time,” put in the agent. “I meant to tell you about
+that last train, but I had some freight matters to look after, and it
+slipped my mind. She’ll be along here pretty soon. Better get your
+tickets, and have your baggage checked if you’re going.”
+
+“Yes, and we’ve got to attend to our auto,” said Jerry.
+
+“And my specimens!” cried the professor. “I think I will express back
+to the college those I have, and begin on a new lot. Oh, how lucky I am
+to get the long-tailed scorpion!”
+
+“Oh, don’t speak of it!” cried Miss Harrison.
+
+While Ned ran the auto to the nearest garage and arranged to have it
+cared for while the boys were in the West, Jerry and Bob bought the
+tickets for Denver, and had the baggage checked. That is, Jerry did
+most of the work, while Bob paid occasional visits to the lunch counter.
+
+“Say, Bob,” asked Jerry at length. “Is it the girl or the grub that
+you’re fondest of?”
+
+“Ah--er--both!” stammered the fat lad. “Those chicken pies were fine!”
+
+There was some little time to wait after all their preparations were
+made, for the Express was late, as usual, and in the interim the boys
+and the professor struck up quite an acquaintance with Mr. Harrison
+and his daughter. Bob even insisted on buying a lot of sandwiches to
+take along on the train, for he said he might get hungry in the night
+journey to Denver.
+
+“Well, it’s better than staying in town all night,” remarked Jerry,
+when the agent informed him that their train would soon pull in. “But I
+wish we had caught the Limited.”
+
+“Well, maybe we’ll get ahead of Noddy yet,” suggested Ned.
+
+The Express pulled in, and a score of hungry passengers besieged pretty
+Miss Harrison. She waved good-bye to the boys and the professor, and
+then began handing out food. Our friends got aboard, and settled
+themselves comfortably for the trip to Denver. At last they were
+underway again.
+
+Through the night rushed the Express. Jerry and his friends had taken
+sleeping berths, and they stretched out for a long rest, as they were
+tired. There was some regret that Noddy was ahead of them, but this
+could not be helped.
+
+“What do you think Noddy will do when he gets to Denver; if he arrives
+ahead of us?” asked Ned of Jerry, who had the berth below him.
+
+“I don’t know. I hope he doesn’t find out where our airship is, and try
+to damage that.”
+
+“He wouldn’t dare!”
+
+“Oh, Noddy would do anything. Still, there’s no use in worrying until
+we have to.”
+
+“Say, will you boys get quiet and go to sleep?” begged a nervous man
+across the aisle. “I’ve got to get up early.”
+
+“Sorry we disturbed you,” spoke Jerry. “Good-night, Ned.”
+
+“Good-night.”
+
+“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.
+
+There was silence for a moment. Then, from the berth just forward of
+Jerry, came an inquiry.
+
+“Jerry, did you see what I did with that specimen of the long-tailed
+scorpion?”
+
+“Oh, mercy!” screamed a woman from somewhere in the car. “I hate bugs!”
+
+“You expressed it back to the college with the other things, Professor
+Snodgrass,” answered the tall lad.
+
+“Oh, so I did. Good-night.”
+
+“Good-night.”
+
+“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.
+
+There was silence throughout the sleeping car. The train swung on
+through the night, making occasional stops. Then came a long run.
+
+Suddenly there was a grinding of brakes. The train was halted so
+suddenly that many of the passengers slipped down to the ends of their
+berths, all crumpled up. There was a series of shrill whistles.
+
+“What’s the matter?” cried the fussy man. “Are you boys cutting up
+again? Can’t you let a man sleep in peace? I’ve got to get up early!”
+
+“Hello! Hello!” cried the professor. “What is it?”
+
+“I don’t know,” answered Jerry. “It isn’t us, anyhow,” he added, for
+the benefit of the fussy man.
+
+Just then a brakeman came hurrying through the car.
+
+“What’s up?” asked Jerry, poking his head through the curtains of his
+berth.
+
+“Wreck!” was the brief reply. “The Denver Limited, right ahead of us,
+has jumped the track. Our engineer stopped just in time, or we’d have
+been into her.”
+
+“The Limited wrecked!” gasped Jerry. “It’s a good thing, after all,
+that we missed it!”
+
+Then, from somewhere ahead, came screams and cries, and the crash of
+axes on wood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE EXPRESS AHEAD
+
+
+“Come on, fellows, tumble out!”
+
+Thus Jerry called to his two chums, but they needed no urging. The
+curtains of their berths were violently shaken as the lads drew on
+their clothes, and leaped out into the aisle.
+
+“Has anything happened?” asked the professor, hardly awake, even after
+his first question.
+
+“Not to us,” answered Jerry. “Our luck seems to have turned. But there
+must be a lot of people badly hurt on the Limited. Come on, we’ll do
+all we can to help.”
+
+Without stopping to dress fully, the three boys hurried out of the
+car. The professor and some of the other men passengers followed, the
+women remaining in frightened and tearful groups, discussing what had
+happened.
+
+Jerry saw a brakeman hurrying from the sleeping car with several tools
+under his arm--an axe, a saw and a crowbar.
+
+“Are passengers imprisoned in the wreck?” asked the tall lad.
+
+“Some of ’em,” was the quick response. “We need all the help we can
+get. There weren’t many on the Limited, and what few there are can’t do
+anything. It’s a good thing her tail lights were burning, or we’d have
+smashed into her. Come along, boys.”
+
+“Say, we’re right in the woods,” remarked Ned as he stumbled along the
+track in the darkness. Ahead of them they could see a glow of flames,
+reflected from the dark trees.
+
+“It’s on fire!” cried Bob.
+
+“That’s why we need all the help we can get to chop the people out!”
+cried the brakeman. “Here, you boys, take those tools, and run ahead
+with ’em. I’ll get more from some of the other cars.”
+
+Jerry caught up a saw, Ned the iron bar and Bob the axe.
+
+“Isn’t there anything for me?” demanded the professor, who was anxious
+to help.
+
+“You’ll find more tools up ahead!” shouted the brakeman, with a wave of
+his hand toward the blazing wreck. “Hurry!”
+
+The screams and cries of the injured could be heard more plainly now,
+and the fire was burning brighter. The three boys hastened their pace,
+and Jerry headed for one car, around which most of the rescuers were
+grouped.
+
+“Here’s work for us, fellows!” he cried.
+
+“That’s right!” shouted a brakeman. “Get busy!”
+
+The motor boys could see the havoc wrought by the wreck. The engine lay
+on its side, down a slight embankment, and one car--a combined mail and
+express coach--had followed. The other cars were on the track, with the
+exception of one, which had fallen on its side, and was partly smashed.
+It was from this coach that the cries were proceeding, but fortunately
+that was not the car that was burning. The one on fire was an express
+car.
+
+“There are people imprisoned in this car!” cried the conductor of the
+train, who was directing operations. “Chop and saw away at the windows,
+so we can get ’em out! Lively now, everybody!”
+
+“But the fire!” cried a man, pointing to the express car. “Hadn’t we
+better try to put that out?”
+
+“Can’t be done,” replied the conductor briefly. “We have no water.”
+
+“But the poor souls----” cried the man.
+
+“None in there,” was the quick answer. “The express messenger got out,
+and the stuff will have to burn. All the people in danger are in this
+car, and we’ve got to get ’em out. There’s no danger from the fire. It
+will have to burn out. Lively now!”
+
+The boys fell to with a will, as did the other passengers from the
+wrecked Limited and from the Express. Several of the unfortunates had
+already been rescued, and were being laid on the cushioned car seats,
+or carried back to the rear train.
+
+“Here’s someone under this window!” cried Jerry, as in the darkness,
+illuminated by the glow from the fire, he saw a white hand tapping on
+the glass, that had, through some strange agency, not broken.
+
+“Chop ’em out!” cried Bob, raising his axe.
+
+“Go easy there!” yelled Jerry. “You’ll do more harm than good!” The
+tall lad tapped on the pane, and a face was thrust close to it.
+
+“Protect yourself from the flying glass,” ordered Jerry. “We’re going
+to break it, and pull you out. Cover yourself up.”
+
+A few taps with the axe served to shatter the pane, after Jerry had
+noticed that the dim figure wrapped itself in a blanket, for this car
+was a sleeper. Soon the hole was big enough to haul out a fairly large
+person, and Jerry and Ned carefully scraped away the jagged points of
+glass.
+
+“Come on now!” cried Jerry, thrusting his hands down into the opening.
+“We’ll lift you out!”
+
+He caught hold of the wrist of someone, and Ned the other hand. They
+lifted, and there came into view a little girl, with light, curly hair.
+She did not seem to have a scratch on her, but she was crying from
+fright. As soon as Jerry had her in his arms she screamed out:
+
+“Oh, where is mamma--and papa?”
+
+A man came bursting through the crowd at the sound of the child’s voice.
+
+“Oh, Gladys! Thank the dear Lord!” he cried, fairly snatching her from
+Jerry. “You are saved! I thought you were gone! Your mamma is safe.
+Come. Oh, boys, I can’t thank you enough! You have saved my little
+daughter.”
+
+“And the glass didn’t cut me!” cried Gladys. “I was in a blanket. But,
+papa, I can’t go. Annabell is in there.”
+
+“What, another little girl!” cried Jerry. “Come on, boys. More work!”
+
+“Annabell is my doll!” explained Gladys, smiling now in her father’s
+arms. “But I want her. I love her.”
+
+Jerry looked in through the broken window. In a pile of blankets, on
+what had been a berth, he saw what seemed to be a tousled head of hair.
+Reaching in his arm he pulled out a big doll, minus one leg.
+
+“Oh, poor Annabell is hurt!” cried Gladys. “Oh, papa!”
+
+“Never mind, you shall have a dozen dolls. Boys, I can’t begin to
+thank you! Montrose is my name, James Montrose, of Denver. I’ll see you
+again. I want your names. Now I must take Gladys to her mother. Mrs.
+Montrose is slightly injured. Oh, what a terrible wreck!”
+
+He hurried away, and Jerry and his chums looked for more work to do.
+But, so well had the rescue operations been conducted that, as far as
+could be learned, not another soul remained in the wrecked sleeper.
+From the other cars the passengers had hastened themselves, or been
+helped, after the crash, bruises and cuts being their worst injuries.
+
+And, strange as it may seem, no one was killed outright, though several
+were grievously hurt. The wounded had been carried back to the stalled
+Express, and made as comfortable as possible. Fortunately, there was a
+doctor aboard, and a supply of bandages and medicine. The conductor of
+the wrecked Limited checked over his passenger list, and reported no
+one missing.
+
+“I think everyone is out now, gentlemen,” he said to Jerry and his
+chums, and the little group of rescuers.
+
+“Then I suppose we must wait here until the wrecking crew comes,” said
+one man.
+
+“No,” answered the conductor, “we will go back, and get aboard the
+Express, just behind us. There is a switch, not far away, and we can
+go around the wreck, and proceed to Denver, though we’ll stop at the
+nearest hospital with the worst wounded.”
+
+“On to Denver!” exclaimed Jerry. “Then we’ll beat the Limited after
+all. We’re going on ahead.”
+
+“Yes, but Noddy is still in front of us,” spoke Ned in a low voice.
+“We’ll never catch up to him.”
+
+“It can’t be helped,” remarked Bob. “Say, but we run into excitement
+and adventures when we least expect it.”
+
+“That’s better than running into a wreck,” replied Jerry. “Hello,
+here’s someone evidently forgotten!”
+
+The boys and Professor Snodgrass were walking back toward the Express,
+and were somewhat by themselves, when Jerry noticed the figure of a man
+lying on a pile of seat cushions on the railroad embankment.
+
+“Let’s carry him back to the doctor!” cried Ned, and he advanced to
+take hold of one corner of the seat, which was like an improvised
+stretcher. The man on it never moved.
+
+“We four can carry it nicely,” said Jerry. “Catch hold here, Professor.”
+
+Mr. Snodgrass used one hand to reach for the corner of the
+plush-covered seat. His left he held clenched, some distance away from
+his body. As might have been expected, with only one hand, he could
+not lift his corner.
+
+“What’s the matter?” asked Ned. “Is your hand hurt, Mr. Snodgrass?”
+
+“Hand hurt? No. Why?”
+
+“You’re not using it. Why do you hold it that funny way?”
+
+“Funny way? I--er--bless my soul! It’s my collar button. I’ve been
+holding my collar button all this while. I started to put it in my
+shirt when I heard the call for help, and I guess I was so excited and
+absent-minded that I’ve been holding it ever since. I wondered why I
+couldn’t do more work, and all the while it was because I only used one
+hand. The other held the collar button. How stupid!”
+
+He thrust the button into his pocket, while the boys could hardly
+restrain a smile. Then, with the professor’s two-handed aid, the
+sufferer on the seat was carried to the rear. He had fainted from a
+comparatively slight injury and was soon being cared for.
+
+A little later, with all the wounded from the Limited on board, and all
+the other passengers squeezed in somehow, the Express backed up, went
+around the wreck by means of a switch, and headed for Denver.
+
+The boys were beating the Limited, which they had missed, but they
+would reach the Western city considerably in the rear of Noddy Nixon
+for all that, since the Limited could not now pass the local train on
+which the bully and his cronies were riding.
+
+“Well, it can’t be helped,” remarked Jerry, as he saw Mr. Montrose,
+whose little daughter they had rescued, caring for his wife. Gladys was
+happy with her injured doll.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE AIRSHIP GONE
+
+
+Stopping in the early dawn at a good-sized city, the wounded from the
+Express were taken to a hospital for treatment. Though Mrs. Montrose
+was not seriously hurt her husband decided that she also had better
+stop off, instead of making the trip to Denver. Accordingly, after
+having bidden the boys good-bye, giving them his address in the Western
+city, and telling them he expected to see them there, Mr. Montrose got
+off the train.
+
+“And I’m much obliged to you, too,” said little Gladys. “So Annabell
+would be, if she could talk, and I guess she doesn’t mind her leg being
+off--that is, not very much, for she’s been asleep most of the time,
+and when you sleep you don’t feel any pain.”
+
+“I guess that’s right,” agreed Jerry with a smile.
+
+The Express went on, but it was much behind time, and had to proceed
+necessarily slower each hour, on account of the wreck, for all the
+railroad schedules were set awry.
+
+“But we’ll get there some time,” observed Jerry, though naturally he
+was nervous about what Noddy might do to get to Snake Island ahead of
+them.
+
+Noon saw our friends still quite a distance away from Denver, and they
+fretted over the delay. They ate dinner at a way-station lunch counter,
+and, though Professor Snodgrass looked eagerly among the bananas for
+more rare specimens, he found none.
+
+“But if I get my two-tailed toad I’ll not want anything else,” he said,
+as they got underway again.
+
+It was late that afternoon, when they reached Denver, and went at once
+to a hotel, for a good bath and a change of clothing, for they had
+brought their big valises with them on the train.
+
+“And now for a good hot meal!” cried Bob, as, much refreshed the chums
+sat together in the hotel parlor. “Railroad lunches are all right, even
+when a pretty girl serves ’em, but I want to sit down to a table where
+I can eat as long as I like.”
+
+“And as much,” added Jerry. “But I guess we’ll have to postpone our
+eating for a while, Bob,” and the tall lad winked at Ned.
+
+“Postpone it!” cried the fat youth. “Why?”
+
+“Well, we ought to go out to Buffalo Park, and look after our
+airship,” went on Jerry. The _Comet_, so Mr. Glassford had written
+them, was left at one of the hangars in Buffalo Park, where the aero
+meet had been held. The craft had not been taken apart for shipment
+back east, but had, in accordance with the instructions of the motor
+boys, been kept in readiness for a quick flight. A watchman, named
+Boise, had been left in charge, and Mr. Glassford had told him that
+Jerry and his chums would soon be on hand to claim their property.
+
+“Go to Buffalo Park!” exclaimed Bob blankly. “Why, that’s about seven
+miles out. It will take more than two hours to go there and back, and
+look at the _Comet_. That will make supper awfully late. I guess she’s
+all right. Can’t we wait until to-morrow, Jerry?”
+
+“Well, that’s what I was going to propose,” remarked the tall lad,
+after what to Bob was a painful pause. “I guess we’re all too tired to
+chase out there, and our airship will probably be all right. I tried to
+see if I could get Boise on the ’phone, but I couldn’t.”
+
+“We’ll go out there the first thing in the morning!” decided Bob, with
+a look of relief on his face. “Now, I’m going to the dining-room, and
+look at the bill of fare.”
+
+“Don’t eat it,” advised Ned with a laugh.
+
+“No danger. I’m not going to spoil my appetite,” declared the fat one.
+“I never had a better.”
+
+“Then don’t say anything about it, or they’ll raise the rate on us,”
+cautioned Jerry. “Jove, but I’m tired!” and he stretched out in an easy
+chair, while Ned took another, and Bob strolled toward the dining-room,
+to find out how soon supper would be served.
+
+“And we didn’t hear anything of Noddy,” remarked Ned, after a pause.
+
+“Nor see anything,” added Jerry. “I inquired at the station, and they
+told me the local, which Noddy and the others must have taken, got in
+early this morning. He was several hours ahead of us if he was on that,
+and he probably was.”
+
+Bright and early the next morning they were on their way to Buffalo
+Park. The place of the aero meet was deserted, and the hangars looked
+gloomy in the big expanse of open field.
+
+“Wonder which is ours?” ventured Ned, as he and his chums alighted from
+the trolley car.
+
+“There it is,” remarked Jerry, pointing to a big shed with the word
+“COMET” in large letters across the big doors.
+
+“And now for a good flight!” cried Bob. “No more train wrecks for
+ours. Off for Snake Island and the radium!”
+
+“And my two-tailed toad,” added Professor Snodgrass, looking carefully
+on the ground as he advanced for a possible rare specimen.
+
+The boys found the hangar, where their craft was housed, closed and
+locked. They pounded on the doors, and Jerry remarked:
+
+“This is odd.”
+
+“Why?” asked Bob.
+
+“Because Mr. Glassford said he had instructed Boise to just live out
+here until we came--not to go away at all. And yet he isn’t here.”
+
+“Maybe he didn’t expect us, and has gone to town for supplies,”
+suggested Ned.
+
+“In that case, as Mr. Glassford wrote, he was to have a friend on
+guard. Yet no one seems to be here.”
+
+“Maybe he’s asleep,” ventured Bob.
+
+Jerry kicked on the door, with enough force to awaken the soundest
+sleeper, but there was no response from inside. Suddenly, from the
+fields back of the boys came a hail.
+
+“Hey! What are you fellows doing at that hangar? Get away!”
+
+A man came running toward them. He seemed quite angry.
+
+“Get away!” he ordered.
+
+“Who are you?” asked Jerry, a sudden fear coming into his heart.
+
+“I’m the watchman--Boise is my name--but I’m on my way to Denver now.”
+
+“Why?” faltered Ned.
+
+“Because there’s nothing more here to watch. My job is ended. But who
+are you fellows, anyhow; and what do you want here?”
+
+“We’re the owners of the _Comet_,” replied Jerry, “and we came for our
+airship, that Mr. Glassford left with you.”
+
+“The--the owners!” gasped Mr. Boise. “Are you the motor boys?”
+
+“We are!” cried Ned. “Where is the _Comet_?”
+
+“It’s gone--gone!” faltered the watchman.
+
+“Gone; where?” Jerry wanted to know.
+
+“I delivered it to a young fellow named Noddy Nixon last night,”
+answered Mr. Boise. “He had a letter from Mr. Glassford, and one
+signed Jerry Hopkins, saying he had been sent to bring the airship to
+you--said you couldn’t get this far, as there was a wreck.”
+
+“Noddy--Nixon--has--our--airship!” gasped Jerry. “Fellows, he got ahead
+of us after all!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+AN UNEXPECTED OFFER
+
+
+Blank amazement, despair, fear and anger showed on the faces of the
+motor boys, as they looked at one another and then at the watchman,
+Boise. The latter, no less than our heroes, was startled. He saw at
+once that something was wrong.
+
+“And you let the airship go--our _Comet_?” asked Jerry, as if he could
+not believe the words.
+
+“I did. I thought it was all right. This Noddy Nixon said he was a
+friend of yours, and he had two letters. They were orders on me to give
+up the airship, and, as I was expecting you any day, I thought it was
+the thing to do. Here are the orders now,” and he pulled two pieces of
+paper from his pocket.
+
+“Let’s see ’em!” exclaimed Jerry eagerly.
+
+Bob and Ned looked over his shoulder as the tall lad read. Clearly
+enough the letters purported to be orders on Boise for the delivery
+of the _Comet_. But it needed only a glance to show that they were
+forgeries.
+
+“I never signed that letter!” cried Jerry wrathfully. “I might have
+known Noddy would be up to some trick like this.”
+
+“And that isn’t Mr. Glassford’s writing, either,” added Ned. “I have
+a letter from him in my pocket, explaining where he would leave the
+_Comet_ for us,” and he pulled out the epistle, comparing it with the
+one Boise had handed over. Though there was some similarity between
+the two signatures, the boys could easily see that the order for
+the airship had been forged. There was no question as to the letter
+purporting to be signed by Jerry. That signature was not a bit like his.
+
+“And yet these don’t look as if Noddy wrote them,” spoke Jerry, as he
+scanned the forged documents. “He couldn’t write as firm a hand as
+this.”
+
+“I shouldn’t be surprised but what that former college teacher did it,”
+suggested Professor Snodgrass. “He has probably added forgery to his
+other accomplishments. Let me take a look. I don’t know his writing,
+but I can tell an educated hand.”
+
+The professor looked carefully at the two documents, and said it was
+very evident that Dr. Belgrade had written them.
+
+“It is too finished a hand to have been penned by a lad like Noddy
+Nixon,” declared Uriah Snodgrass. “Probably Noddy did not feel equal
+to that part of the work, and got his crony to attempt it.”
+
+“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “But what did they do with the
+airship, Mr. Boise?”
+
+“Took her away, and right from in front of my face. Oh, I was a ninny
+to stand there and see ’em do it!”
+
+“It wasn’t your fault,” declared Jerry. “Almost anyone would have given
+up the craft, after receiving two such orders as these. But where did
+they go?”
+
+“That I can’t say. They seemed in very much of a hurry, and, after I
+had unlocked the big doors, and opened ’em, they wheeled the _Comet_
+out, and started her up. She ran beautifully, too, for Mr. Glassford
+had told me to keep her ready for a quick flight, and I did. There was
+plenty of gasolene in the tanks, and she was fit for a big journey.”
+
+“Were there three of them?” asked Bob.
+
+“Yes, the young fellow, who the others called Noddy, a rough sort of a
+chap, and a slick-looking man.”
+
+“Bill Berry and Dr. Belgrade, all right,” commented Ned.
+
+“Did you hear them say where they were going?” asked Jerry.
+
+“No, they didn’t talk much. Just a few words. They seemed to know how
+to work the machinery, and I never had a suspicion that anything was
+wrong. I did ask ’em where they expected to meet you boys, and Noddy
+said somewhere outside of Denver.”
+
+“I guess that part was the only true thing he said,” remarked Jerry
+grimly. “And when we do meet him, outside of Denver, or anywhere else,
+well----”
+
+He did not finish, but there was a stern look on his face.
+
+“Which way did they head, as they started off?” asked Ned, seeking for
+possible clews.
+
+“I couldn’t say,” replied Boise. “I watched ’em until they got high in
+the air, and then they got beyond my sight. I haven’t very good eyes,
+so I couldn’t say where they did head for.”
+
+“Did they take any provisions along?” Bob wanted to know, and this time
+his chums did not laugh at him, for they realized the wisdom of his
+question.
+
+“None that I saw,” replied the watchman. “And there were none in the
+airship.”
+
+“Then they can’t go very far!” cried Bob. “Fellows, we’ve got to get
+right after ’em. They’ll have to come down to feed, and that will be
+our chance.”
+
+“But how can we get after ’em?” asked Jerry. “On foot? Our airship is
+gone, and our auto is hundreds of miles away. How are we going to do
+it?”
+
+“That’s so,” agreed Bob, much downcast.
+
+“An airship is what we need,” commented Ned, “and that’s out of the
+question.”
+
+“There were plenty here a while ago,” remarked the watchman, “but
+they’ve been taken away since the meet. Oh, I’m so sorry I let those
+fellows fool me!”
+
+“You couldn’t help it,” declared Jerry kindly. “Now it’s up to us to
+get busy, and make Noddy pay for the trouble he has caused us. Come on,
+boys. We’ll get back to the hotel, and talk it over. Something has got
+to be done.”
+
+“Yes,” agreed Professor Snodgrass, “we must get to Snake Island before
+they do, or they may get the only two-tailed toad that is there.”
+
+“And, naturally, they’ll get all the radium,” spoke Ned.
+
+“I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything more for you,” said Boise. “I just
+came out this morning, after closing the hangar up last night, to get a
+few things I’d left behind. My work here is done, and I’m looking for a
+new job. If I could help you I would.”
+
+“I’m afraid you can’t,” replied Jerry, and, parting from Boise, they
+started for the trolley that would take them back to their hotel. They
+were sad and discouraged. After all their hard work and preparations,
+to be thus beaten by Noddy and his plotters! It was the worst of bad
+luck.
+
+“Gentleman here to see you,” remarked the hotel clerk when they went
+up to the desk to get the keys to their adjoining rooms. “He’s in the
+reading-room now, I think. Said he’d wait a little while for you.”
+
+“Who is he?” asked Ned eagerly.
+
+“He didn’t leave his name. Front!” he called to one of the bell boys,
+“tell that gentleman with the tall hat, in the reading-room, that the
+young gentlemen he was asking for have come in now.”
+
+“Yes, sir!” exclaimed the lad whose coat was a mass of buttons.
+
+“We’ll go in the reading-room, and talk to him,” suggested Jerry,
+wondering who their visitor could be. As the three lads entered the
+apartment they saw a familiar figure at the far end.
+
+“Mr. Montrose!” exclaimed Ned, as he recognized the father of little
+Gladys, whom they had rescued from the wreck.
+
+“Oh, boys! I’m glad to see you!” cried Mr. Montrose. “I’ve been
+inquiring at half the hotels in Denver for you. I came on with my wife
+a while ago. She is much better, and as soon as I got home with her she
+insisted that I look you up. Gladys wants to see you also, and, as I
+forgot in the excitement to ask what hotel you were going to stop at,
+though I heard you say you were coming to this city, and as I mislaid
+your cards, the only way I had to find you was to describe you to the
+different hotel clerks. But at last I found you. I’m so glad! I want
+you to come out to my house at once.”
+
+Then, as if struck by something in the lads’ faces the gentleman asked:
+
+“Why, what is the matter? Has anything happened?”
+
+“Yes, there has!” exclaimed Bob impulsively. “Our airship has been
+taken by Noddy Nixon,” and then, in a few brief words the boys told of
+what had happened.
+
+“And so he got ahead of you, after all,” commented Mr. Montrose, “and
+flew away in your airship?”
+
+“Yes, and we want to chase him, for he can’t get very far, but we
+haven’t anything to do it in,” remarked Ned.
+
+“We need another airship,” added Jerry.
+
+“Another airship!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “How big a one? Would a
+biplane, carrying three, answer?”
+
+“Would it?” cried Jerry. “It certainly would! Even if we couldn’t take
+any provisions along for Chunky. But where could we get one on such
+short notice?”
+
+“From me!” suddenly exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “Boys, I’ve been wondering
+how I could reward you for what you did for me--saving my daughter. I
+knew it would have to be something out of the ordinary. And this gives
+me just the chance I want. I’ll provide you with an aeroplane, so you
+can chase after Noddy Nixon!”
+
+“But we need it right away!” cried Jerry. “There isn’t time to have one
+made.”
+
+“Oh, that’s all right. I have one that’s in perfect order, if you can
+believe the man who made it. And it has flown recently, so it ought to
+go now. You can start this afternoon, I guess. Come and sit down, and
+I’ll tell you all about it,” and Mr. Montrose led the boys toward a
+quiet corner of the reading-room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+ON THE TRAIL
+
+
+“How in the world does it happen that you have an airship, just when
+one is most needed?” asked Jerry, as he and his chums seated themselves
+near Mr. Montrose.
+
+“I admit it does sound like a fairy story,” said that gentleman with a
+smile, “but I assure you it is all plain facts. I am not an aviator,
+nor am I a dealer in airships. I’m a banker here in Denver. The quiet
+life for mine. I’d no more think of going up in an airship than I would
+of putting on a diver’s outfit, and going to the bottom of the sea. And
+yet I own what I am told is one of the best biplanes made. You see, it
+was this way:
+
+“When we had this meet, for aeroplanes and balloons out in Buffalo
+Park, there were a number of cranks, as there always are at an affair
+of that kind.
+
+“Some of them came to me, with plans for airships that I could easily
+see would never fly. Others seemed to have good ideas. They all wanted
+money to build their craft.
+
+“There was one young fellow who seemed to have a plan for a good sort
+of airship, and I took quite a notion to him. I got an engineer to look
+over the drawings, and, on his report, I advanced the money for the
+young man to build his biplane. It was a success from the start, and he
+made several preliminary flights, and won some prizes in the meet.
+
+“Then he met with an accident, and not, as you might suppose, while up
+in the air. He was coming to the park one day to give an exhibition
+flight, when he was struck by a trolley car, and so badly injured that
+he died in a few days. That left me with a first-class airship on my
+hands, for I took it away from the grounds, and had it stored in my
+barn.
+
+“That’s how it happens that I have a biplane in good working order,
+and if it is of any service to you boys, you are welcome to her. I’d
+do anything for you, after what you did for me and I hope that you can
+make use of this craft.”
+
+“It is very kind of you to offer it to us,” spoke Jerry, “and I think
+it will be just the thing we need. Of course we don’t know anything
+about the engine, or how the biplane will sail, nor how fast. But I’m
+sure it will help us in our hunt for Noddy Nixon.”
+
+“Then suppose you come out to my place and look her over,” suggested
+Mr. Montrose. “I have my auto out in front, and it won’t take long to
+get to my house. Besides, I want you boys to pay me a visit, anyhow.
+Get your baggage from the hotel, and be my guests.”
+
+The boys could not refuse. They paid their bill at the hotel, and had
+their baggage taken to Mr. Montrose’s fine big house. As soon as the
+professor arrived there, he hurried out to a fish pond, with a small
+net, and was not seen again until night, when he came in with more
+specimens.
+
+As for the boys, their first visit was to the barn where the airship
+was stored. Mr. Montrose went with them, and he smiled in appreciation
+at what the three chums said.
+
+For perhaps two minutes they examined it carefully, Jerry paying
+particular attention to the engine. Then Bob burst out with:
+
+“Well, it’s not so bad. I see a place where we can fasten a box on to
+carry some lunch.”
+
+“Trust Chunky for that,” murmured Ned.
+
+“The engine is powerful,” was Jerry’s opinion, “and the propellers are
+well made. She has speed all right.”
+
+“And she’ll carry the three of us,” added Ned. “Of course we’ll have to
+come down after every trip of about a hundred miles, for she doesn’t
+carry gasolene for much more than that. But we can chase Noddy in
+‘century’ stretches, and gasolene is easy to get around here. I say,
+let’s take her, and have a try.”
+
+“We can stop for lunch anywhere if we happen to run short,” proposed
+Bob.
+
+“If you say lunch again, I’ll make you eat an onion!” cried Jerry,
+knowing how Bob hated them.
+
+“Do you think it will do?” asked Mr. Montrose, full of interest in the
+project of the motor boys.
+
+“Do? It’s just fine!” cried Ned. “We can’t thank you enough.”
+
+“It is I who am in your debt,” spoke the banker. “You are welcome to
+the machine. I don’t know anything about them, and you may be taking a
+big risk to run it, but I hope not.”
+
+“Oh, she’ll run all right,” answered Jerry, looking over the craft with
+a critical eye. “We’ll give it a try-out now.”
+
+The professor being engaged in capturing specimens, the boys had the
+test to themselves. They wheeled the aeroplane out in a big field,
+and, after trying the engine, and finding that it worked almost to
+perfection, got ready for a flight. Mr. Montrose and his wife, who
+could sit up in an easy chair, and Gladys, with her wounded doll,
+watched the lads from a safe distance.
+
+“Of course this isn’t like our _Comet_,” said Jerry to his chums.
+“It’s just a straight aeroplane, and if the engine stops we’ve got to
+volplane down. But I think she’ll enable us to get on Noddy’s trail.
+We’ll go up for a short flight, and then if she’s all right, we’ll
+start out, and go as far as we can before dark.”
+
+“Which way?” asked Bob.
+
+“Toward the Grand Canyon,” answered Jerry. “That’s where Noddy and his
+crew will head for.”
+
+“Get busy then!” cried Ned. “We’re on Noddy’s trail once more!”
+
+Our motor boys were too experienced hands with all forms of airships
+to have much trouble with the fine one the unfortunate young man had
+perfected. It worked perfectly, and carried the three with ease. Of
+course it was nothing like the _Comet_, and could remain aloft but a
+comparatively short time. But it was a great help in an emergency.
+
+The lads soared upward, circled around over Mr. Montrose’s house, and
+then started straight away. They covered several miles and returned.
+
+“Now for the chase!” cried Jerry grimly, as they made a descent.
+
+“Oh, what wonderful boys!” cried Mrs. Montrose. “You are so daring!”
+
+“No danger at all,” Ned assured her.
+
+It did not take them long to pack a few articles of clothing, a light
+lunch and a few other necessaries on the aeroplane, which they named
+the _Chaser_. They planned to travel as far as they could before dark,
+and then stop at some hotel or farmhouse over night. In the morning
+they would renew the pursuit of Noddy. Professor Snodgrass was to
+remain at the Montrose home, seeking specimens, and the boys promised
+to call back for him when they had succeeded in their quest, or had
+proved to their own satisfaction that they could not catch Noddy.
+
+“But we’ll get him!” cried Ned, as he and his companions took their
+places in the _Chaser_.
+
+“Come back to Annabell and me!” cried Gladys after them.
+
+“We will,” promised Bob.
+
+There was the clattering racket of the explosions in the cylinders.
+The big propellers whizzed around with terrific force. The biplane
+trembled, and then began to roll slowly across the smooth lawn on her
+bicycle wheels.
+
+“Good luck!” cried Mr. Montrose.
+
+His wife and daughter waved their hands to the motor boys.
+
+A moment later the stanch little machine rose into the air, and soared
+away over the treetops on the quest after the unprincipled bully who
+had taken away the _Comet_.
+
+“Now we’re on his trail!” cried Bob, as he looked to see that the
+lunch basket was securely fastened.
+
+“I hope we catch him soon,” murmured Jerry, as he grasped the
+steering-wheel with a firmer grip, and peered ahead for a glimpse of
+their own beloved craft.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+A DESPERATE RACE
+
+
+From Denver to that part of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado in Arizona
+where Snake Island might be located, the distance is about five hundred
+miles. Jerry had calculated this before starting, and he had told his
+chums that there was a chance of catching Noddy before the latter could
+reach the great gash in the earth that represented the canyon.
+
+“For I don’t believe Noddy is going to be very expert in managing our
+_Comet_,” commented the tall lad. “He may know how to run an ordinary
+aeroplane, but when he gets mixed up with our dirigible balloon he’ll
+come a cropper, sooner or later.”
+
+“Make it later,” advised Bob. “We don’t want him smashing our airship
+with any croppers.”
+
+“Oh, I don’t know that he’ll take a tumble,” went on Jerry, “only he
+won’t know how to run her so as to get the best speed out of her. That
+means that he’ll be longer than he thinks he’ll be in getting to the
+canyon, and we’ll have a chance to catch up to him, even if he has a
+good start.”
+
+“I wonder what he’ll do, if he does get to the canyon?” asked Ned, as,
+in response to a sign from Jerry, he adjusted the carburetor so as to
+give the engine a richer mixture.
+
+“Why, he’ll hover over it, the same as we would, I suppose,” replied
+the tall lad, “and try to pick out Snake Island. He doesn’t know
+exactly where it is, any more than we do, but I guess there aren’t many
+islands in that part of the river, and so he won’t have much trouble
+picking it out. The only thing for us to do is to get there first.”
+
+“Can we do it with this machine?” asked Ned.
+
+“Well, it’s a pretty good craft,” replied Jerry, as he turned on more
+power, and did various evolutions in the air to ascertain how the
+_Chaser_ responded to the helm. “Of course she isn’t as speedy as the
+_Comet_, but she might be, with Noddy tinkering with our machinery, and
+not getting the best out of it. We’ve got to take our chance.”
+
+The _Chaser_ was indeed a fine craft of her class, and soon the motor
+boys were high in the air, sailing in an almost direct south-western
+direction from Denver, to reach the Colorado.
+
+For several miles they proceeded in a straight line, at a height of
+about a mile, as this gave them a good view ahead, unobstructed by any
+clouds which would have hampered them had they gone higher. But the
+clear air held not a speck that might be taken for the missing _Comet_.
+The boys strained their eyes in vain. They were making good time, and
+the wind cut into their faces, for there was no protection as in the
+comfortable cabin of their own craft.
+
+“Don’t you think you might slow up a bit?” suggested Bob after a while.
+
+“Why?” inquired Jerry.
+
+“Because it’s ’most lunch time, and--er--well, you know you can hardly
+breathe if you open your mouth going at this speed, and if we try to
+eat any sandwiches we may get choked. So if you slowed up----”
+
+“All right, Chunky, enough said!” cried Ned. “Slow up, Jerry, I’m
+hungry too.”
+
+Accordingly the _Chaser_ was brought down to a speed that just kept her
+afloat, and Bob opened the lunch basket. It was no novelty for the boys
+to dine while high in the air, but it was rather more inconvenient in
+an open aeroplane than in the _Comet_. Still they managed.
+
+They spent the afternoon going straight on, or circling about at times
+to cover a wider area, but with all their looking, and peering through
+powerful binoculars, they had no glimpse of the craft they sought. It
+was beginning to get dusk, and Jerry suggested that they had better go
+down, and seek a resting place for the night.
+
+“There’s no use flying after dark,” he said, “and we can pick out a
+better landing place if we do it now, than if we wait until later.”
+
+They were flying over a rather lonesome section of the country just
+then, and no houses were in sight. But, a little later, Jerry picked
+out a small cabin in the midst of a clearing in the woods, and said:
+
+“I guess this will do as well as anything. It doesn’t look very big,
+but we can sleep out-doors if we have to.”
+
+Jerry tilted the deflecting rudder, and the craft gracefully swooped
+down toward the earth. While yet a little distance from the ground the
+boys were surprised to see a tall, lank man, followed by a woman and
+several children, rush from the cabin, and take refuge behind a pile
+of wood. Then, as the airship came to a stop, after running across the
+ground on the bicycle wheels, a rifle was poked over the top of the
+logs, held unwaveringly on the three lads, while a voice drawled out:
+
+“Hold on, strangers! I may not be able to manage one of them consarned
+flippity-flop shebangs, but I’m a tolerable good shot with this gun,
+and she goes off on a hair trigger. So if you don’t want to be made
+into coffee strainers, git!”
+
+“Why, what’s the matter?” asked Jerry. “We don’t mean anything, we only
+want----”
+
+“Ye can’t fool me!” cried the voice of the man who held the gun. As for
+himself he was hidden by the wood. “Ye can’t come none of them games on
+me. Keep hid, ’Mandy, an’ don’t let the children stick their heads up.
+I’ll drive these pirates off.”
+
+“What do you take us for?” asked Jerry, in surprise.
+
+“Kidnappers--that’s what! I’ve read about ye in the papers. Kidnappers,
+an’ bomb throwers, that’s what ye be. They had a exhibition over in
+Denver, an’ the papers told how they dropped bombs from them airships,
+an’ how they took children up in ’em. Ye can’t do that here. I’ve got
+nine, an’ I want every one. Keep hid, ’Mandy.”
+
+“I guess you’re mistaken,” spoke Jerry with a laugh, which was a bit
+forced on account of the gun that seemed pointed directly at him.
+“We are neither bomb throwers nor kidnappers. I don’t know how the
+papers could have said that anything like that was done at the Denver
+exhibition. Of course there may have been some bomb-dropping contests,
+but only harmless chalk balls were used, and, as for children, I never
+heard of any being taken up in an aeroplane.”
+
+“Ye know you didn’t read it yourse’f, pap,” interposed a woman’s voice
+from behind the wood pile.
+
+“Well, Gabe Ralston were tellin’ me about it, an’ I reckon he can
+read,” declared the man.
+
+“Now don’t be silly, pap!” went on the woman. “I’m sure them young men
+look harmless.”
+
+“I assure you we are!” cried Jerry, and he quickly told why they were
+on the wing, and how they had happened to come down. “We’d like shelter
+and a meal, and are willing to pay for it,” he concluded.
+
+At the mention of “pay,” the gun was at once withdrawn, and, after a
+moment of whispered conversation between the man and his wife, the
+former came out, looking rather ashamed of his action. He left his gun
+behind.
+
+“Well, strangers,” he said, “I guess maybe it’s all right. I have
+to be cautious, you know, livin’ all alone as I do, with a wife an’
+nine children t’ protect. Come out, ’Mandy,” he called, and a woman,
+followed by the nine youngsters, ranging in sizes like a “pair of
+stairs,” came from behind the wood pile.
+
+The children, once they saw that no immediate harm was intended,
+gathered about the airship, as did the man and his wife. Soon there
+was a feeling of confidence and friendship, and the woman at once set
+about getting a meal. Jerry and his chums told how the craft worked,
+and the solitary farmer was much interested. He admitted that all he
+knew about airships was what Gabe Ralston had told him.
+
+“An’ Gabe can’t read over’n above well,” the man added.
+
+There was hardly room for the boys to sleep in the small cabin, and so,
+after a generous supper, they were given blankets, and made their beds
+out of doors. The night was a fine one, and they slept well. Jerry’s
+generous payment for the accommodation brought a storm of protest from
+the man and his wife the next morning. But the tall lad said:
+
+“Oh, that’s not too much, but if you think it is----”
+
+“Have ’em put us up a lunch,” suggested Bob in a hoarse whisper.
+
+“Chunky suggests a lunch,” finished the tall lad with a smile, and the
+woman hastened to fill the basket.
+
+For the rest of that day the motor boys circled about, or advanced
+swiftly in straight lines, ever seeking the _Comet_. But she was not in
+sight.
+
+At noon they descended to renew their supply of gasolene, and the
+night was spent in a country village, where they created considerable
+excitement and interest.
+
+It was about ten o’clock the next morning when Bob hastily caught up
+the binoculars, and directed them at a speck in the sky off to the left.
+
+“See anything?” asked Jerry quickly.
+
+“I’m not sure,” replied the fat lad, after an observation, “it’s either
+a big bird or----”
+
+He did not finish his sentence, but his hands trembled slightly as he
+passed the glasses to Jerry. Ned reached over and managed the wheel
+while Jerry looked.
+
+“It’s her all right!” suddenly cried the tall lad. “Now to catch him.”
+
+“Is it Noddy?” asked Ned eagerly.
+
+“It’s the _Comet_ all right,” was the answer, “and I guess Noddy’s on
+board. Now to see what the _Chaser_ is made of!”
+
+Jerry opened the motor full, and with a roar that fairly shook the
+comparatively frail craft from end to end, she shot ahead, her
+propellers beating the air relentlessly.
+
+“It’s going to be a desperate race!” cried Ned.
+
+“And we’re going to win!” declared Jerry grimly.
+
+The race was on. Faster and faster flew the _Chaser_, until, even
+without the glasses, it could be seen that she was drawing nearer to
+the _Comet_. A view through the binoculars showed that those on board
+the stolen aircraft were rushing frantically about, doubtless trying to
+develop as much speed as possible.
+
+“Can you make it, Jerry?” asked Ned.
+
+“We’ve _got_ to!” was the quick reply.
+
+It was evident that the only hope the motor boys had of recovering
+their craft lay in the inability of those on board her to get out of
+her all the speed possible. With the machinery of the _Comet_ run to
+the best advantage, no other airship could catch her. But Jerry counted
+on Noddy and his cronies not knowing enough to do the right thing at
+the right time. Then, too, the _Chaser_ was very speedy when rightly
+handled.
+
+Nearer and nearer crept the pursuing craft. She was directly in the
+rear of the _Comet_ now. Suddenly Bob cried:
+
+“Jerry, they’re going up!”
+
+“Then we’ll go too!” was the answer. “We can hit as high an altitude as
+they can.”
+
+“And they’re flying as a dirigible, and not as an aeroplane at all!”
+added Ned. “They’re afraid to use the wing planes, Jerry! Maybe we can
+get ahead of ’em after all!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+A GAME IN THE AIR
+
+
+With a pull on the lever of the ascending rudder, Jerry sent the
+_Chaser_ shooting upward into the air. He made the craft take a long
+slant, for he had seen that the _Comet_ was going up more vertically,
+and Jerry figured on getting under the stolen airship, and then, when
+once in advance, turning, and so approaching head on.
+
+“They’re going up fast!” commented Ned, watching their own craft
+narrowly.
+
+“Yes,” assented Jerry. “They’re using all the gas the generator can
+turn out. I only hope they don’t burst the bag, or ruin the machinery.”
+
+“If they do, we’ll make Noddy pay for it!” cried Bob.
+
+“That would be more bother than it would be worth,” was Jerry’s
+opinion. “We’ll try to get the machine away from him before he has a
+chance to do much damage.”
+
+Upward the _Comet_ mounted steadily, for those on board were evidently
+pushing her to the utmost. On account of the limited facilities on the
+aeroplane, Jerry and his chums could not go up on such a sharp slant
+as could their enemies, but this suited our heroes just as well.
+
+The two airships were now comparatively close together. The _Comet_ was
+still shooting upward, and the _Chaser_ was directly below her.
+
+Suddenly, from the upper craft, came a cry of alarm.
+
+“They’ve discovered us!” was Bob’s opinion.
+
+“No, they did that some time ago,” said Jerry. “I’m afraid something
+has happened.”
+
+“It does seem so,” agreed Ned. “Look at that smoke!” he yelled. “She’s
+on fire!”
+
+“No, it isn’t that,” was Jerry’s retort, after a quick glance at their
+craft through the glasses. “They’ve been using too much lifting gas,
+and the generator is choked. It’s escaping through the safety valve.
+She won’t go any higher now, but she can still go forward. We haven’t
+got ’em yet.”
+
+As if to prove his words, the _Comet_, now that she had reached the
+limit of her climbing powers, darted forward. But Jerry had made good
+use of his opportunity, and he was now ahead of the _Comet_, though
+still slightly below her.
+
+“What are you going to do now?” asked Ned, as he saw his chum put his
+foot on a pedal that connected with the motor.
+
+“I’m going to use the last notch of speed, and see if I can stop ’em!”
+
+With a rush the _Chaser_ mounted upward and, a few minutes later, she
+was on the same level as was the _Comet_, and considerably in advance.
+Both craft were moving with considerable speed, but, owing to the
+fact that her gas bag was so choked with vapor, causing a big wind
+resistance, the _Comet_ must necessarily move more slowly than the
+_Chaser_.
+
+“What are you going to do, Jerry?” asked Ned, as he saw his chum reach
+for a rudder control lever.
+
+“Turn around, and come back at him head on,” answered the tall lad.
+“This is going to be a game of tag, and I’m going to make Noddy ‘it.’
+To do that I’ve got to head him off. He’ll try to dodge, I expect, but
+I think I can nab him.”
+
+Then began what was perhaps the most risky and sensational game of
+“tag” that was ever played--a game in the air, nearly a mile above the
+earth.
+
+Turning quickly to the left, Jerry sent the _Chaser_ directly at the
+_Comet_. As he had expected, Noddy, who was managing the craft from the
+pilot house, tried to dodge to one side. He could go no higher because
+the gas retort was choked. But Jerry was ready for him, and met the
+shift quickly. Once more Noddy dodged, this time on the other side, but
+Jerry was right there.
+
+The two craft were slowly coming nearer each other, for both had
+reduced their forward speed. They were like two big birds of the air,
+facing each other, hovering, twisting and turning, dodging this way and
+that, one seeking to escape, and the other endeavoring to catch her
+antagonist.
+
+First on one side and then on the other, Noddy dodged, but every time
+Jerry was there facing him. The _Comet_ could not get past.
+
+“He’ll have to go down soon!” cried Ned.
+
+“That’s what I want him to do,” answered Jerry grimly. “Once they are
+on the ground, we can deal with ’em.”
+
+“Where’s Bill and that fake doctor?” asked Bob.
+
+“In the motor room, probably,” answered the steersman. “I hope they
+don’t do any more damage to the machinery.”
+
+The game was nearing an end now. Noddy and his cronies were getting
+desperate. The bully made one last attempt to dodge past Jerry, but our
+hero was ever on the alert.
+
+Head on, the two ships of the air were almost nose and nose together.
+Noddy could not possibly get past.
+
+“Go down! Go down!” yelled Jerry. “Go down before I force you, and, if
+I do, I won’t be responsible for the consequences!”
+
+There was no help for it. Noddy’s unpleasant face, scowling in anger,
+peered from the window of the pilot house. Jerry saw him pull the lever
+of the deflecting rudder, for the bully had sneaked around the shop
+of the motor boys often enough to learn the rudiments of running the
+_Comet_.
+
+Down and down she went, fairly forced by the _Chaser_ above her, by the
+_Chaser_, that frail little craft of the air, compared to which the
+_Comet_ was like a battleship opposed to a torpedo destroyer. But those
+on the little ship knew their business, and, after all, brains and
+skill told.
+
+“Can he get by?” asked Bob.
+
+“I don’t believe so,” answered Jerry, watching every move of his rival.
+But Noddy had given up the fight. He was beaten at his own game.
+
+Still downward he forced the _Comet_, while Jerry and his chums
+prepared to alight the moment their craft touched the earth, to drive
+away their enemies.
+
+Bounding lightly, the _Comet_ landed on the ground. A moment later the
+aeroplane followed, and Jerry let her run along on the bicycle wheels,
+the propellers urging her on, until she was almost in contact with
+the big craft. Then the tall lad yanked on the brake lever, and the
+_Chaser_ came to a stop.
+
+“Come on!” cried Jerry, leaping out of his seat. Bob and Ned followed.
+
+Noddy Nixon lost no time in leaving the pilot house on the run, and
+from the motor room emerged Bill Berry and the college man. They leaped
+over the rail, and joined Noddy in flight.
+
+“If we ever catch ’em!” panted fat Bob, as he ran as fast as he could.
+“We’ll--make--’em--pay--for--this!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+OFF FOR THE CANYON
+
+
+Jerry, who was in the lead of the chase after Noddy and his cronies,
+came to a sudden resolve. What was the use of capturing the bully, when
+the recovered airship might need attention? Clearly it would be more
+profitable to look after their craft, and let Noddy escape, for the
+time being. So Jerry shouted:
+
+“Hey, fellows, never mind. Let ’em get away. We’ll only have a fight on
+our hands, and it isn’t worth while. Let’s see how much damage they’ve
+done.”
+
+“But, don’t we want to catch ’em?” demanded Bob, who, though much out
+of breath, had managed to catch up to Jerry and Ned.
+
+“No; what’s the use?” asked the tall lad.
+
+“But look what he did to our airship!”
+
+“That’s just what I want to find out--what he did do to the _Comet_.
+That’s why I say don’t let’s chase after ’em any longer. It will only
+mean more trouble, and we’ve had enough. Come on back.”
+
+Accordingly, the three chums ceased running, and turned back toward
+the two airships. Noddy, with a backward glance, had ascertained that
+Jerry and his two friends were no longer in pursuit, and so the bully
+slackened his pace. His companions did likewise and, a sorry-looking
+trio indeed, they made their way across the plain above which the air
+game had taken place.
+
+“Don’t you want to catch Noddy?” asked Ned.
+
+“No; what’s the use?” inquired Jerry. “He’s done all the harm he can.
+The thing for us to do is to remedy it. We must see to our own airship,
+and then get back, pick up the professor, and head for Snake Island.”
+
+“But what will we do with Mr. Montrose’s aeroplane?” Bob wanted to
+know. “We don’t want it to keep.”
+
+“We’ll have to take that back to Denver with us. We can easily do it,
+as the side planes are detachable. Let’s get busy at that, and we may
+be in Denver to-morrow.”
+
+“And then for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, and Snake Island!”
+added Ned.
+
+Giving a last glance to Noddy and his cronies, who were still fleeing
+across the plain, our heroes made their way to the _Comet_. Aboard they
+found a scene of confusion, but no serious damage had been done.
+
+True, a number of the machines were out of order, and the gas generator
+was badly clogged, but these were defects easily repaired. In general
+the stolen airship was in almost as good condition as when the
+conspirators had taken her.
+
+Beyond securing a few articles of clothing and personal effects, Noddy
+and his cronies had brought away nothing from the airship. It looked as
+if they had boarded her hurriedly with very little preparation, and had
+rushed away, without even enough provisions for a long trip. They must
+have stopped somewhere to get food, for some was found on board.
+
+It did not take the motor boys long to decide what to do. They soon
+ascertained that the _Comet_ was in comparatively good running order.
+The clogged gas machine was fixed, and then, having enough food in the
+lunch basket, together with what they found on their own craft, to last
+them a day, they decided to sleep on board, even though they were in a
+lonely place, and start back for Denver in the morning.
+
+As for what became of Noddy and his cronies, they neither knew nor
+cared. The bully and his conspirators had disappeared, and were
+doubtless seeking shelter for the night.
+
+“We caught them just in time,” remarked Jerry, as they sat in the cabin
+of the _Comet_. “A hundred miles more and they would have been over
+the canyon of the Colorado. Then they might have reached Snake Island,
+and it would have been all up with our chances.”
+
+“But now we’ll get ahead of him,” declared Bob.
+
+“If Noddy doesn’t do something else,” spoke Jerry.
+
+They spent the rest of the afternoon in taking apart the _Chaser_ for
+transportation back to Denver aboard the _Comet_. Then they went to
+bed, tired out from the day’s chase.
+
+By pushing the _Comet_ to her limit, and by making an early start,
+our friends were able to reach Denver the next night. Mr. Montrose
+was exceedingly glad to see them, and he and his wife and little girl
+listened with interest to the account of the adventures of the motor
+boys in the chase after Noddy.
+
+As for Professor Snodgrass, he was so busy classifying and making notes
+of the specimens he had caught, that it is doubtful if he heard much of
+what Jerry and his chums said.
+
+“And what are you going to do next?” asked Mr. Montrose, as the boys
+finished telling him they had brought his aeroplane back on their own
+craft.
+
+“Start for the Grand Canyon as soon as we can,” replied Jerry.
+
+“But if this Nixon young man takes after you again?” inquired Mrs.
+Montrose.
+
+“We’ll have to do the best we can,” answered Jerry. “But I think it
+will be some time before he catches up to us this time. It was a very
+lonely spot where we left him.”
+
+“And the walking wasn’t very good,” added Ned with a laugh.
+
+“Still, after what he had done in the past, I would be on the watch,”
+advised Mr. Montrose.
+
+“Oh, we will be,” declared Jerry; and then, after a good night’s rest,
+they put in the next few days getting ready for their trip to the
+canyon.
+
+The _Comet_ was thoroughly overhauled, and some needed repairs made.
+Though Noddy and his companions had not been careful in their treatment
+of the craft, still they had done no serious damage.
+
+“Well, I think we are ready to start for the canyon to-day,” remarked
+Jerry one morning, after about a week spent at the Montrose home. “We
+can make it in two days, though it may take us a little longer to pick
+out Snake Island, and have the conditions favorable for a descent into
+the big gorge.”
+
+“Then you are really going down into it?” asked Mr. Montrose. “You know
+it is quite a fearsome place.”
+
+“From all accounts it must be,” admitted Jerry.
+
+“Think of it!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “I have seen it many times, but
+no one can ever describe it. A great trough or cut in the earth, over a
+mile deep, twenty miles wide, and many hundreds of miles long, winding
+in and out, and, at the bottom a river rushing along resistlessly,
+with waterfalls, rapids, calm stretches and vast depths of black,
+silently moving water. And the walls of that canyon! All the colors of
+the rainbow cannot compare with them. They are wonderful! Down in it
+are mountains, great in themselves, but which look small in that vast
+gorge. There is the glow of the Alps, the cold fogs of the Rockies,
+there are purple shadows, shifting lights, snowstorms and rainstorms.
+It is a place of terrific grandeur.”
+
+“And we are going there,” said Jerry quietly.
+
+“Yes, to an unknown island,” went on Mr. Montrose. “On what may be a
+fruitless quest. Oh, boys, think twice before you go!”
+
+“We have thought,” went on Jerry. “We are going. We will start in the
+morning for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” he added.
+
+“And all for a bit of radium--a fortune though it may be,” proceeded
+Mr. Montrose.
+
+“No, not alone for the radium,” said Jerry solemnly. “I have not spoken
+of this before, as it seemed such a slim chance. But there may be, on
+that island, the missing scientist, whose body was never recovered. He
+may be there--in need--starving. We are going to try to rescue him, as
+much as to find the radium.”
+
+“Jerry!” cried Ned. “You never hinted at this.”
+
+“No, because I did not want to raise false hopes. But, now that we are
+at the last stage of the journey, I must speak of it. I hope we can
+rescue that unfortunate man. For the mere treasure I would not risk so
+much. But a life is at stake!”
+
+“Then go,” said Mr. Montrose softly. “I would be the last one to hold
+you back. And, boys, from what I have seen of you, I believe you will
+succeed. I wish you all success! But, do not be deceived. You have a
+hard task ahead of you. The Grand Canyon does not like to be conquered.”
+
+“We have the _Comet_,” replied the tall lad, as if that was much, as,
+truly, it was.
+
+“Well, we will always be thinking of you,” said Mrs. Montrose, solemnly.
+
+“And I want you to come back,” added little Gladys. “I may have a new
+doll by then.”
+
+“We will come back,” said Jerry, and his voice had a new tone in it.
+
+Early the next morning, having said good-bye to their good friends,
+the motor boys and Professor Snodgrass set off in the airship for the
+Grand Canyon.
+
+As they waved their hands in farewell many thoughts came to them. Would
+they find Snake Island? Would they be able to discover the radium
+fortune? And, more than this, would they be able to find and rescue Mr.
+Hartley Bentwell, the daring scientist who had been missing for nearly
+a year? Was he, by any chance, on Snake Island?
+
+“If he is, we’ll get him,” said Jerry grimly, as he pointed the nose of
+the _Comet_ toward the clouds.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+OVER THE GREAT CHASM
+
+
+There was no particularly difficult task in reaching the Grand Canyon
+from Denver. In fact the boys could have walked all the distance in
+time, or they could have gone by train, or in an auto. But their
+troubles, as they well knew, would not begin at the start. It was after
+they had reached the canyon itself--that awful gash in the earth’s
+surface--that they would have a problem to solve. And that problem was
+how successfully to descend into the gorge, and land on the island.
+
+“And the first thing to do is to find Snake Island,” said Jerry, as
+they settled themselves comfortably in the airship cabin, after their
+start.
+
+“Why, all we have to do is to sail along down in the canyon, and pick
+it out,” suggested Bob. “The canyon is miles wide--twenty in some
+places--so there will be room enough for us to get around.”
+
+“Yes,” agreed Ned, who, with the others had been reading up some facts
+about the canyon. “But it isn’t always clear in the canyon. There are
+sudden storms, snow or rain, there are fogs--and you know you can’t see
+anything in a fog, even if you have an airship.”
+
+“Oh, well, fogs don’t last forever,” declared Bob. “We’ll just have
+to keep on the lookout until we sight the island. Then we can lower
+ourselves, make a landing, get the radium, and come away, and----”
+
+“You forget about the missing scientist,” suggested Ned.
+
+“That’s so. Do you really think he’s there, Jerry?”
+
+“Well, it’s hard to say. There’s just a chance that he landed on the
+island when the others were wrecked in their boat, and he may be there
+yet. It’s a chance worth taking. I understand that a lot of provisions
+were lost out of the boat, and they may have caught on the island,
+as they floated down. Then, too, there must be fish in the river at
+certain seasons of the year, and there may be birds, or some kind of
+animals on the island that would do for food.”
+
+“It would be a sort of Robinson Crusoe way of living, but it might be
+possible. Of course it must be horribly lonely there, for one man alone
+on Snake Island,” said Ned.
+
+“With all the snakes,” put in Bob.
+
+“We don’t know that any snakes are there,” remarked Jerry. “That may
+be just a name.”
+
+“I hope so,” exclaimed Ned with a shiver. “I don’t much care for
+snakes.”
+
+“Well, we won’t have much to do until we get to the canyon,” declared
+Jerry. “We can take it easy, and get in trim for the hard work ahead of
+us. I think we won’t make any night journeys. We’ll just land and rest.
+We’re in no special rush----”
+
+“Unless Noddy Nixon takes a notion to make another trial, Jerry,”
+suggested Ned.
+
+“Oh, I don’t believe he will. He’s practically stranded. How’s he going
+to get an airship, and land on the island?”
+
+“He might go by boat,” suggested Bob.
+
+“That’s out of the question. No boat could live in the rapids. That’s
+how Mr. Bentwell came to be wrecked--he and his friends tried a boat.”
+
+“Then you don’t fear Noddy?”
+
+“Not much.”
+
+The trip that day was without incident, and at night they came to earth
+in a quiet spot where they remained until morning. They made an early
+start, and thoroughly enjoyed the fine, dry, crisp air through which
+they sailed. They passed from Colorado into Utah, and the next night
+they were within easy traveling distance of the Colorado River.
+
+The next day they sailed over the great sterile valley, or desert, and
+in the afternoon they had completed the first stage of their journey,
+and were at the head of the Colorado, where it was formed by the
+conjunction of the Green and Grand rivers.
+
+“From now on, we’ve got our work cut out for us,” announced Jerry, as
+they came to rest that evening, not far from the great river. “We’ll
+follow it, and as soon as we get anywhere near Grand View, we’ll begin
+making inquiries about Snake Island.”
+
+“But I thought the island was between Grand View and Bright Angel
+Trail,” said Bob.
+
+“So it may be,” assented Jerry, “but I’m not going to take any chances.
+It may be either one side or the other of those places, and, if we
+inquire as we go along, we won’t be so far out. It won’t take us long,
+and it is better to be sure than sorry.”
+
+“All right, we’re with you,” assented Ned; and Bob nodded his head to
+show that he agreed.
+
+Their trip over the Colorado, hovering in the air about half a mile
+above the river, was devoid of incident for the first two hundred
+miles. They made that in one day, and camped the first night just over
+the border of Arizona. From there the Grand Canyon proper starts,
+though it is of comparative little grandeur until the Little Colorado,
+a salty stream, joins the main body of water.
+
+It was about noon, the next day, that the boys really got over the
+great canyon. They had been sailing along, talking of the prospect
+before them, and Professor Snodgrass had been classifying some of the
+specimens he had caught while at Mr. Montrose’s house, when the aspect
+of things suddenly changed.
+
+“Don’t you think it’s about time we ate?” asked Bob, with a look at his
+watch, as he started for the galley.
+
+Jerry happened to look down through the plate glass window in the floor
+of the main cabin, where they were all gathered, for the _Comet_ was
+being steered automatically.
+
+“Eat!” cried the tall lad. “Eat! Look down there, and then say ‘eat’
+again if you dare!”
+
+Ned, Bob and the professor looked. Below them they saw a great gash
+in the earth--a gash a mile or more in depth, and the sides of which
+were of black rock, mingled here and there with marble colored red,
+pink and blue, with an occasional bright yellow. Then came sandstone
+rocks, vivid in color. It was like looking into a great winding trough,
+wherein a painter had mixed his colors.
+
+And, at the very bottom, like a silver thread, ran the river,
+zig-zagging in and out amid the mighty cliffs that towered on either
+side. Cliffs now hemming in the powerful stream, and again spreading
+out for ten or twenty miles. But the river itself was kept in narrow
+bounds.
+
+And the very narrowness of these bounds made the stream rush along
+with such tremendous power, for it was a veritable Niagara in places.
+White and foam-capped, again black and deep, with awful power it hurled
+itself along.
+
+Above this scene of awful grandeur hovered the airship, and, as the
+boys looked, they saw how slight indeed was the power of their craft,
+compared to the mighty forces that had cut this gash in the earth, and
+which power still sent the river on its downward way.
+
+“And we’ve got to go down there?” asked Bob softly.
+
+“That’s it,” answered Jerry. “Do you wonder no boat ever lived to make
+the passage? Or, at best, very few of them?”
+
+“And that is where the scientist was lost,” murmured Uriah Snodgrass.
+“I wonder if we shall ever find him--alive--or dead?”
+
+And, as the boys gazed at the foaming river, down in the awful depths,
+it seemed impossible that human beings could ever have navigated it.
+But in the airship the problem was much easier.
+
+“Now for Snake Island!” cried Jerry, as, having stopped the _Comet_ in
+order that all might get a good view, he started the motor again. “Now
+for Snake Island!”
+
+“And the radium!” cried Ned.
+
+“And my two-tailed toad,” added the professor.
+
+“And, perhaps, the poor scientist,” spoke Bob softly. “I--I hope he
+hasn’t starved to death.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE BOAT IN THE RAPIDS
+
+
+“Well, boys, we’re here at last,” remarked Jerry, after a while, when
+they had traversed some length of the canyon in the airship. “We’re
+here after a lot of hard work, and the next question is, what are we
+going to do; now that we are on the ground?”
+
+“Go to Snake Island at once,” suggested Ned.
+
+“Eat,” advised Bob, who had started to get a meal, but who had come
+back to the cabin, to wait while some of the things cooked.
+
+“Chunky’s infallible recipe whenever anything goes wrong,” commented
+Jerry. “Still it wouldn’t be a bad idea. We can talk it over while
+we’re eating, and decide what’s best to be done.”
+
+“What’s the matter with going at once to the island?” asked Ned. “I
+thought that was what we came here for.”
+
+“It is, but I think it will be a good plan to see if we can learn
+anything about it before we go too far down the river. It may be that
+there is no such place as Snake Island. Or, it may be that, even in
+our airship, it is impossible to get to it. We want to find out all
+about it before we go too far.”
+
+“Well, what’s your idea?” asked Ned.
+
+“I think we ought to----”
+
+“Dinner’s ready,” interrupted Bob, and they went out to the table,
+the professor carrying with him a book, carefully marking the place
+where he had been reading by putting his finger between the pages. The
+airship was moving at slow speed, and had been set to steer herself
+automatically. So the boys had nothing to interrupt their talk of the
+best plan to follow.
+
+Eventually they decided to travel on until they reached Grand View, the
+point where Berry Trail led down into the canyon to the banks of the
+rushing river. They would make their inquiries there, regarding the
+possible existence of Snake Island.
+
+It was night when they reached Grand View, and, in order that they
+might be among other tourists, who had come to visit the canyon, the
+boys and the professor put up at a hotel almost on the verge of the
+great chasm, storing the airship in a big open shed, sometimes used for
+autos.
+
+“Snake Island!” exclaimed the clerk, when Jerry asked him about it.
+“Never heard of the place. Don’t believe there’s an island in the
+whole stretch of the river. But there are some guides around here. You
+might ask them.”
+
+Which Jerry and his chums did, but with little satisfaction, for it
+developed that few of the guides had been farther than the regularly
+traveled routes taken by tourists, and this had not brought them to the
+more inaccessible parts of the mighty river.
+
+“Snake Island?” repeated one grizzled guide, when Jerry had put the
+question to him. “If anybody knows whether or not there is such a
+place, it’s old Hance Stamford. Hance give up guidin’ long ago, but in
+his prime there wasn’t a better one at it. He’s gone in places no one
+else dared, and if there’s a Snake Island he’ll know about it.”
+
+The boys sought out Hance the next day. He lived in a little cabin, not
+far from the hotel, being cared for by his son, who was employed as
+a waiter. Hance was indeed old, being past eighty. Yet his dull eyes
+opened quickly when Jerry put to him the question that meant so much to
+the motor boys.
+
+“Snake Island!” exclaimed old Hance. “It’s been many years since I
+heard that name. Many, many years.”
+
+“But is there any such place?” asked Jerry.
+
+“Is there? Bless you, I don’t know, son. I’ll tell you as much as I
+can, however. It must have been forty years ago, and there weren’t
+many tourists in them days. Mostly Indians. I was making my way along
+the canyon with an Indian, for in them days I had a notion I’d like
+to discover things. Well, as you know, the canyon is narrow and steep
+in places, and when it rains you want to make tracks, for the river
+sometimes rises thirty feet in a short time. If you’re caught where you
+can’t climb up, well--it’s good-bye for yours.
+
+“A thunderstorm came up while the Indian and I were in a narrow part
+of the canyon, where the river rushed along between black walls like
+a mill stream down the flume. We knew we’d have to make tracks out
+of there, and we did. But the rain came faster than we’d calculated
+on, and we had to climb. Then came a fog that nearly did for us. We
+managed to get some distance down the stream, and then climbed up the
+steep sides of the chasm until we came to a niche in the wall. There we
+stayed until the river went down, and we were there a day and a night,
+with nothing to eat.”
+
+“But about the Snake Island?” asked Jerry.
+
+“The island. Oh yes. Well, when we were hiding there in the hole in
+the wall, there came a rift in the fog. I happened to be looking down
+stream, and I saw something big and black rearing up, right from
+the river it seemed. I poked the Indian in the ribs--he was half
+asleep, you know--Indians’ll sleep anywhere if they think they’ve got
+to--anyhow I poked him, and he grunted and woke up. I pointed to the
+tall, black, wiggling thing, and the Indian said: ‘Snake Island.’
+
+“‘Snake!’ I yelled. ‘Who ever see a snake as big as that?’ Then he
+grunted some more, and went on to say that there was a sort of stone
+island in the middle of the river. It had been pretty well worn away
+except a big hill and a tall thing, like a tower, that stuck up in the
+middle, like a church steeple. It was this tall tower of black rock
+that seemed like a snake. Of course the fog made it indistinct, and
+the motion of the mist made it appear as if it was wiggling about. So
+that’s all I know about Snake Island. I never went there, and I never
+heard of anyone getting on it.”
+
+“There was a party of college men----” began Uriah Snodgrass.
+
+“Oh, yes, I heard about _them_. But they never got there, and one of
+their number was lost. I tell you Snake Island is in a bad part of the
+river.”
+
+“But just where is it?” asked Jerry.
+
+“As near as I can tell, between here and Bright Angel Trail,” replied
+the old guide, as he nodded in slumber again. “I wouldn’t go there, if
+I were you.”
+
+“Well, we’re going,” said Jerry softly, as he bade the old man good-bye.
+
+Saying nothing to anyone in the hotel about their plans, the boys made
+an early start the next morning, and were soon gliding down over the
+great chasm in their airship.
+
+Below them rushed and foamed the great river--below in its chasm
+trough, with walls of vari-hued marble, of sandstone that rivaled the
+rainbow in tints, while in other places, near the water itself, were
+black rocks, of flinty hardness.
+
+“And to think that it’s seven thousand feet from the top of that gulf
+to the water,” spoke Bob in awed tones. “I wouldn’t want to fall.”
+
+As they went on they could see fogs and mists arising, while, as the
+sun rose higher and higher, it made a scene of indescribable beauty,
+the tints on the walls of the canyon changing every moment.
+
+It was about noon, and Jerry had calculated that they had made about
+half the distance from Grand View, when Ned, who was looking at the
+rushing, foaming river below them, as it dashed along over a gorge
+filled with rapids, cried out:
+
+“Jerry, do you see anything down there?”
+
+The tall lad looked through the plate glass window in the bottom of the
+airship. Then he snatched up the binoculars and focused them.
+
+“It’s a boat!” he cried. “A boat in those awful rapids! They’ve lost
+control of her, and she’ll be dashed to pieces!”
+
+“Anyone in it?” asked Bob.
+
+Once more Jerry looked carefully.
+
+“Three persons!” he exclaimed. “Well, it’s all up with them. That boat
+can never make the passage.”
+
+And, as he spoke, the frail craft was lost to view as a curtain of mist
+rolled down and hid the rushing river from sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+STRANGE GHOSTS
+
+
+“Did you see that!” cried Bob.
+
+“They’re drowned!” gasped Ned.
+
+“What was it, an accident?” asked Professor Snodgrass.
+
+“It would be hard to say,” remarked Jerry. “Certainly the boat looked
+as if it was going to overturn in the rapids, but I can’t really say
+that it did. The fog rolled up just then and hid everything from sight.
+I hope those in the boat weren’t lost, but their chances were slim.”
+
+“Can we do anything for them?” asked Bob.
+
+“Nothing, I’m afraid,” answered the tall lad. “We can’t even see
+them, and it would be useless to descend into that canyon of fog now.
+Besides, the current is so swift that the boat must be a good way from
+here by this time.”
+
+The airship was slowly floating along over the Grand Canyon, which, at
+this point, wound in and out among the many colored cliffs, like some
+great serpent. Jerry had shut down the machinery until it was barely
+turning the propellers, and, had not the gas bag sustained the craft,
+she would have settled down, for the motion was not enough to keep her
+afloat as an aeroplane.
+
+“Well, what are we going to do?” Ned wanted to know. “We must be nearly
+at Snake Island, if there is any such place, and if we’re going to get
+that radium fortune it’s time we got busy.”
+
+“And I haven’t seen anything of that two-tailed toad, either,” spoke
+Professor Snodgrass. “I had hopes of finding a specimen--even if a
+small one--before now, but fate seems against me.”
+
+“Wait until we get on the island,” suggested Bob. “There may be toads
+there, as well as snakes.”
+
+“What makes you think there are snakes there?” asked Ned. “Didn’t the
+old guide say he thought it got its name because the tall cliff in the
+middle seemed to wiggle like a serpent when there was a fog?”
+
+“Yes, he did, and if we put on a little more steam, Jerry, we may get
+to Snake Island now, in time to see that same thing. I say let’s move
+faster,” went on the stout lad. “We ought to be nearly there.”
+
+“But we might pass right over the island in this fog,” objected Jerry.
+“It’s better to go a bit slow, I think.”
+
+However, the problem was soon solved for them, as, when they had
+proceeded a little farther the mist lifted and they had a clear view of
+the stream as it foamed along below.
+
+“But I don’t see anything of the boat, and the three men who were in
+it,” observed Bob, peering downward through the window in the cabin
+floor.
+
+“No. Either by this time they have been carried many miles down the
+river, or they are--drowned,” spoke Jerry softly.
+
+“Well, then let’s keep a lookout for Snake Island,” suggested Ned, and,
+knowing that they must be within a comparatively short distance of the
+place, if it was there at all, they all watched eagerly, even Professor
+Snodgrass laying aside his note-books.
+
+Bob served dinner and the watch was resumed. It was about two o’clock
+when the stout lad, who had just finished getting the galley in order,
+looked over the port rail on the bow of the air craft. No sooner had he
+glimpsed the river below him than he called out:
+
+“Here we are, fellows! There she is! We’re here at last! Now for the
+radium! There’s Snake Island. We’re right over it!”
+
+“Say, you’re as bad as Andy Rush!” cried Jerry as he hurried out of the
+pilot house, to join his chum.
+
+“Well, if it’s true, we’ll forgive him for making such a fuss,”
+suggested Ned. “But say, I believe he’s right, after all!”
+
+“And if it is the island, oh! how I hope my two-tailed toad may be
+there!” cried the professor.
+
+There could be little doubt but that they were looking at Snake island.
+Down below them, in a comparatively calm stretch of the river, was a
+long and rather narrow strip of land, low on the edges, and rising
+abruptly in the middle. There was a big mound, like a great hill,
+covered with trees and bushes, and, in the center of this was the tall,
+curiously shaped tower of rock about which the guide had spoken.
+
+“That’s Snake Island all right,” agreed Jerry, “though I can’t say that
+the rocky tower in the center looks much like a serpent.”
+
+“Maybe it does from some other view,” suggested Ned. “Then, too, there
+is no mist now. I’d rather believe the place got its name from that,
+than because there were snakes there. Well, are we going down, Jerry?”
+
+“I guess so. I was just looking for a good place to make a landing.
+Let’s drop down to the lower end, and we can take our choice.”
+
+As they sailed slowly down the length of the curious island they noted
+that it was about four miles long, and about half a mile in width. The
+river here was quite broad, contrary to the usual character of the
+Colorado, and a glimpse over the surrounding territory showed it to be
+so wild and desolate that it is doubtful if it had ever been visited by
+a white man.
+
+The cliffs, too, at either side of the stream, where the island divided
+it, were so high, so rugged and precipitous, that it was positive that
+no one had ever descended them. And, had even the most daring explorer
+managed to get down, he never could have gotten up without a balloon.
+For that reason it was plain why the existence of the island was
+practically unknown.
+
+“Well, I don’t see but what the upper end of the place is the best to
+land on,” remarked Ned, after a circuit had been made.
+
+“Guess you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “We’ll go down there.”
+
+The _Comet_ was sent about, and, a little later, she began settling
+slowly down in the great chasm, at the bottom of which flowed the river.
+
+It was getting well on in the afternoon, and the sun, sinking in
+the west, no longer cast its beams into the great gulf. There was a
+twilight darkness hovering over it, a stillness broken only by the
+murmur of the foaming river, that cast a spell of gloominess over our
+friends. For a time no one spoke, and then, as the airship was about to
+settle down on a smooth strip of sand, near the upper end of the river,
+Jerry exclaimed:
+
+“Say, what’s the matter with us all, anyhow? Anyone would think this
+was a funeral. Wake up, you fellows!”
+
+“All right! Wow! Let’s be jolly!” cried Ned in a loud voice.
+
+There was a sound like thunder, and then, from that vast gorge came a
+mighty voice, repeating in solemn tones:
+
+“Let’s be jolly!”
+
+“Bless my soul!” gasped Mr. Snodgrass. “It’s an echo.”
+
+“Echo!” came back in a voice like a bull’s bellow.
+
+After that they spoke in whispers, but even then their words were flung
+back at them from the sides of the cliffs in murmurs and trills that
+produced an uncanny feeling.
+
+“This sure is a strange place,” remarked Jerry, as he brought the
+airship to a stop.
+
+“Strange place!” howled the echo. Jerry had spoken louder than he
+thought. He laughed, and a giant’s chuckle was tossed back to him. The
+boys looked at each other, startled, until Bob said:
+
+“Oh, don’t let’s mind this. It’s only an echo. Let’s get busy, have a
+supper and to-morrow we’ll get the radium.”
+
+“Radium,” mocked the echo, but now they were beginning to get used to
+it.
+
+“Say, it looks as if there was a tide in this river,” remarked Ned, as
+he noted a sort of high-water mark, where sticks and driftwood were
+piled up on shore.
+
+“No, that shows where the river rises when there’s a flood, or too
+much rain,” explained the professor. “The Colorado rises rapidly at
+times, because the cliffs are so steep that the water from the clouds
+is almost instantly all poured into the stream. We had better get the
+ship above flood mark, Jerry, as there may be rain in the night, and we
+don’t want to go floating down.”
+
+Accordingly the _Comet_ was wheeled farther from shore. Night came on
+early, in the depths of that gloomy chasm, for they were over a mile
+below the upper rim of the steep cliffs. But when the big gas lamps had
+been set aglow, making the circle about the airship one of radiance,
+and when they were gathered in the cozy cabin, they were all more
+cheerful.
+
+“Well, we’ll start on a radium hunt the first thing in the morning,”
+suggested Jerry. And, being inside now, the echo was not so noticeable.
+
+“And I will seek the two-tailed toad,” said the professor. “I wonder if
+I could not have a look now? Toads come out at night, and if I take a
+light I may succeed in finding one.”
+
+Supplying himself with an electric torch, the scientist let himself out
+of the airship. The boys heard him walking about outside, and then they
+began talking of their trip so far, and speculating as to how it would
+end.
+
+Suddenly, in the midst of the discussion, there came a cry from outside.
+
+“Hark!” exclaimed Bob.
+
+“It’s the Professor,” said Jerry.
+
+“Maybe he’s found his toad, and it’s bitten him,” was Ned’s
+contribution.
+
+“Boys! Boys, come here!” called the professor, and the three lads
+rushed from the cabin.
+
+“What is it?” asked Jerry. “Where are you?”
+
+“In front of the ship,” came the answer. Then they saw the gleam of his
+light, and hurried toward him.
+
+“Look!” exclaimed the scientist in a whisper, and, as he pointed toward
+the middle of the island, whence arose that curious pinnacle of rock,
+the three chums saw several tall and ghostly shapes swirling slowly at
+them. Curious shapes they were, like tall beings wrapped in trailing
+clothes, with their long, thin arms raised as if in warning, and about
+them seemed to cling, like an enveloping haze, a weird, purplish light.
+The strange shapes seemed blown onward by the night wind.
+
+“What--what are they?” gasped Bob in a whisper.
+
+“Ghosts, I guess,” answered Jerry, with a half-hearted laugh. “The
+ghosts of Snake Island.”
+
+“Ghosts of Snake Island,” came back the echo. And then, as suddenly
+as they had appeared, the “ghosts” vanished, leaving the boys and the
+professor staring into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+A NEST OF SERPENTS
+
+
+“What--what do you think they were?” asked Bob, after a few moments of
+silence. He spoke in low tones, so that the weird echo would not repeat
+his words.
+
+“I give it up,” said Jerry.
+
+“Maybe they were the ghosts of the three men in the boat, who may have
+been drowned around here,” suggested Ned.
+
+“Nonsense!” exclaimed the tall lad. “Don’t be silly, Ned.”
+
+“Well, I was only joking.”
+
+“Pretty poor joking,” commented Bob. “I’m going inside. It’s chilly out
+here,” and he shivered.
+
+“Yes, I guess it is more pleasant inside,” agreed Jerry. “Did you see
+anything of your toad, Professor?”
+
+“No, not a thing, but I got several other valuable specimens, so my
+evening was not wasted. I guess I’ll go in with you.”
+
+“What do you think those queer shapes were?” asked Jerry of the
+scientist, when they were once more in the cabin.
+
+“Well, it would be hard to say,” spoke Professor Snodgrass. “Of course
+none of us believe in ghosts, and yet there are queer manifestations,
+sometimes, that even science cannot satisfactorily explain. My honest
+belief is that this was some effect of the fog, or night vapors arising
+out of the damp ground.”
+
+“But they looked--er--just like men wrapped in sheets,” spoke Bob with
+a shudder.
+
+“Yes, I dare say they did. And, if you tried hard enough you could
+imagine almost anything. Probably it will be easy to explain. To-morrow
+we will look at the place whence they seemed to arise from the ground.
+It may be that there is a hot spring there, and that the ‘ghosts’ were
+only wisps of steam vapor.”
+
+With this explanation the boys contented themselves, and they were soon
+in bed. Nor did they sleep any the less soundly because of the queer
+manifestation. For they were sensible and healthy lads, and it took
+more than a so-called “ghost” to disturb their rest.
+
+In the morning, accompanied by the professor, they made a careful
+examination of the place where the queer wraiths had been seen, but
+it afforded them no clew. The ground seemed no different from that in
+other spots on the island.
+
+“Well, there’s no use bothering over that any longer,” suggested Jerry,
+after a bit. “We can try and solve that problem later; maybe to-night.
+What I think we’d better do now is to explore the island, and see if we
+can find any of that radium. What do you think, Professor?”
+
+“I agree with you, and yet I am in two minds about it. You see, boys,
+while I want to help you find the treasure, which may or may not be
+here, it is very important that I look for that rare toad. Now what I
+am going to propose is this:
+
+“You go off by yourselves, and hunt for the radium. I’ll tell you
+in what sort of rock it is likely to be found, and you can collect
+specimens, and bring them back with you. At night I’ll test them. But
+you must mark, in some way, the exact location of each bit of rock
+specimen you take. Then, in case there are evidences of radium, we can
+find the spot again.
+
+“In the meanwhile I’ll be looking for the toad. I can soon tell if
+there are any on the island, and if I find there are none, or no traces
+of any, I’ll join you in the hunt for the radium treasure. Or, in case
+I do get what I am looking for, I will be satisfied, and in that case I
+will also join you.”
+
+“That’s a good plan,” agreed Jerry. “Come on, Bob and Ned, and we’ll
+look for the radium, while the Professor is toad-hunting.”
+
+Uriah Snodgrass had already told the boys much about radium, and the
+various forms in which it might be found. He only reminded them, now,
+of the main points to be remembered, and the three chums set off.
+
+With eager eyes Jerry, Ned and Bob scanned the various kinds of rocks
+as they passed along, making their way toward the lower end of the
+island. As they advanced the land gradually rose until they were quite
+a height above the river that flowed on either side of them. Across the
+stream could be seen the mighty cliffs; black near the water, and of
+various colors as the top was approached. There was the glow of the sun
+overhead, but, only in the middle of the day, did the beams penetrate
+to the bottom of the titanic canyon.
+
+Specimen after specimen of rock was picked up and cast aside, as none
+of them showed the characteristics of radium. Noon came, and the quest
+was unsuccessful. They ate their lunch on a shelf of rock, looking down
+into the wonderful river that had carved out such a channel for itself.
+Most of the afternoon was spent as fruitlessly, until finally Bob
+remarked:
+
+“Fellows, don’t you think we’d better get back? It’s getting dark all
+of a sudden.”
+
+“I think we’re in for a storm,” spoke Jerry, with a glance toward the
+clouds that hovered over the chasm. “And it looks as if it would be a
+bad one. The river is sure to rise, and I’m not altogether satisfied
+with the place where we left the _Comet_. She ought to be anchored
+higher up. Let’s get back and make her more secure.”
+
+They hurried to such good advantage that they were almost at the place
+where they had left the _Comet_ when the rain came down. Professor
+Snodgrass had already returned, without his toad.
+
+“Boys!” he cried, “it’s going to be a deluge! There will be a lot
+of water, and the river is sure to rise very high. I think we had
+better get in the airship, and go up until it’s over. There may be air
+currents down here so powerful that we can’t make headway against them.
+My advice is to go up.”
+
+The others thought this good, and so, in the midst of the pelting
+rain, and against a current of air that every moment grew stronger,
+the _Comet_ arose out of the canyon. Of course they did not escape the
+rain by going up, but they were in less danger. All night the storm
+continued, but the adventurers were in comfortable circumstances, for
+they had anchored in a little shelter of rocks, securely tying down
+their craft.
+
+“Well, now to see if there is any of Snake Island left,” remarked Jerry
+next morning, when the sun came out to dry up the dampness. “We’ll have
+another try for the radium.”
+
+Instead of stopping at the same place where they had made the first
+landing, Jerry sent the airship toward the lower part of the island.
+
+“We’ll begin there for a change,” he remarked.
+
+It could easily be seen that the river had risen considerably, and, had
+they remained anchored at the spot where they had seen the “ghosts,”
+they would have been in grave danger. Though the water was now going
+down, it had lodged on the upper part of the island many big trees and
+piles of driftwood.
+
+“Look at that!” suddenly cried Bob, as they were hovering over the
+lower end of the island, looking for a suitable landing place. “There’s
+a hut on the side of the hill that I didn’t notice before.”
+
+“That’s right,” agreed Jerry, gazing at a rude structure of logs built
+under a sheltering bluff, about a quarter of a mile from the shore. “We
+passed over this place in the airship, too, but I didn’t see that. We
+must see what it means. Maybe there is some one living on this island.
+Perhaps----”
+
+He did not finish, but they all knew whom he meant--Mr. Bentwell, the
+missing scientist, might be there.
+
+Ned took the binoculars, and directed them toward the hut.
+
+“I can’t see anyone there!” he cried. “But say--Oh, look! look!” and
+he almost screamed. “The snakes! The snakes! There’s a regular den of
+them, right in front of the hut! A nest of serpents! Look!”
+
+With trembling hands he passed the glass to Jerry. As the tall lad
+looked through the binoculars his face paled.
+
+“No wonder they call this Snake Island!” he murmured. “There must be
+thousands of them! I’m glad we didn’t stay on the island last night.
+Oh, look at those big snakes!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+LIVE WIRES
+
+
+“Where do you think they came from?” asked Ned, when all, including the
+professor, had viewed the snakes through the glass. Literally there
+were hundreds, if not thousands, of reptiles.
+
+They were wiggling and squirming, in and out among the rocks and
+brushwood, just above the mass of drift débris brought down by the
+flood. All about, in front of the hut the snakes writhed, seeming to be
+out of their usual haunts.
+
+“The water must have brought them out from their nests, or dens, or
+whatever it is that snakes live in,” decided Bob.
+
+“Do you think so?” asked Jerry, of Professor Snodgrass. “Why would
+water bring out snakes. I thought they liked heat.”
+
+“They do,” answered the scientist, who was eagerly looking at the
+snakes through the glass. “But in this case I think the water brought
+them _down_, instead of bringing them _out_.”
+
+“How do you mean?” asked Ned.
+
+“Why, I think the rising river inundated some place along the canyon
+walls, where these snakes lived. They were washed out, carried down
+stream by the flood, and deposited here--stranded, so to speak. I think
+it has been done often before, in years past, and that is why they call
+this Snake Island.”
+
+“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “And I don’t think the big
+stone pile in the middle had anything to do with the name, though it
+may look like a snake at times. Probably the Indians, in years past,
+saw snakes brought down in the flood, and they named the island after
+the serpents.”
+
+“Well, I’m glad they’re not at the other end of the island,” spoke Ned,
+who disliked snakes. “We’d better go back there and start over again on
+our search for the radium. The river is going down fast.”
+
+“There may be snakes where we were before,” suggested Jerry. “We didn’t
+look very closely.”
+
+“Don’t mention it!” cried Ned with a shudder. “Let’s get away from
+here, anyhow. I can’t bear to look at ’em.”
+
+“Um,” spoke the professor musingly. “I think I should like to go down
+there.”
+
+“What! Among those snakes?” cried Ned.
+
+“Yes, as far as I can make out they don’t seem to be poisonous, and,
+though there are some good-sized ones there, I don’t see any of the
+constrictor variety. I think it would be perfectly safe to go down.”
+
+“But what do you want of snakes?” asked Bob.
+
+“I don’t want any snakes, but, where there are serpents, there may be
+toads, and I might find my two-tailed specimen. Of course if you boys
+don’t want to go down you can let me off at some spot where there are
+no snakes, and I can walk to this place. I’m not afraid.”
+
+“We’ll go down with you!” exclaimed Jerry stoutly. “I think----”
+
+But he never finished the sentence. At that moment the door of the hut,
+in front of which the serpents were writhing, was swung open, and three
+figures, each armed with a club, stood in the portal, waving their
+hands to our friends in the airship.
+
+“Look!” cried Bob.
+
+“Quick! The glasses!” demanded Jerry, and when he had them he focused
+the binoculars on the trio in the hut on Snake Island. Then the tall
+lad uttered a cry of wonder.
+
+“It’s Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry. “Noddy Nixon, and Bill Berry! And the
+other man is that dishonest professor! How in the world did they get
+there?”
+
+“Are you sure it’s them?” asked Bob.
+
+“Sure!” answered Jerry, and, a moment later, the airship having
+approached closer, it could be seen, without the glasses, that those in
+the hut were indeed the bully and his cronies.
+
+“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his hands in appeal to the boys whom
+he had treated so meanly. “Help, or the snakes will kill us.”
+
+“They’re not poisonous,” shouted the professor. “Go at them with your
+clubs.”
+
+“Yes, they are poisonous!” answered Noddy. “There were some jack
+rabbits washed down with the snakes, and some of the serpents bit ’em.
+The rabbits died right away. They’re poisonous snakes, all right! Help
+us!”
+
+“That makes it different,” said the professor seriously. “I didn’t
+think they were poisonous, but they may be. I wonder what we had better
+do?”
+
+“Help! Help!” cried Noddy again. A mass of the serpents seemed to be
+advancing toward the hut. Bill Berry threw a stick at them, and the
+reptiles wiggled off in another direction.
+
+“How did you get in the hut?” asked Jerry.
+
+“We came down the river in a boat. We were wrecked, and cast on this
+island. Oh, we’re nearly starved, and if you save us we’ll never bother
+you again!” promised Noddy. “Save us from the snakes!”
+
+“Shall we do it?” asked Ned of his chums.
+
+“For the sake of humanity we can’t leave ’em there,” said Jerry. “We’ve
+got to save ’em; but how? We can’t go down there among all those
+snakes.”
+
+There was a pause, while the airship hovered over the hut on the
+island, in the midst of the snakes. The three conspirators eagerly
+watched the motor boys.
+
+“Those were the three persons we saw in the boat in the rapids,” said
+Bob in a low voice, and his chums nodded.
+
+“Can we save them?” inquired Jerry.
+
+“Yes!” cried the professor. “There is only one way.”
+
+“How?” demanded the tall lad.
+
+“By live wires! Take some uninsulated electrical wires, Jerry. Attach
+them to the dynamo, let them dangle down from the airship, and then
+sail over the mass of serpents. The wires will hit the snakes and
+electrocute them. It’s the only way!”
+
+“Then we’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on, boys, and we’ll drop the
+live wires, and save Noddy Nixon!” A moment later several coils of
+copper conductors, each one carrying a deadly current, were being
+dropped toward the surface of the island.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE TRANSPORTING OF NODDY
+
+
+“Just a little lower down, Ned. That’s it. Now to the left, there’s a
+big bunch of ’em there. No, that’s too much! Back up a little. Whoa!
+Hold me there!”
+
+Jerry was in the motor room, working the connections to the dangling
+wires by means of which it was hoped to electrocute the serpents that
+had made prisoners of Noddy and his cronies in the hut on Snake Island.
+Ned was in the pilot house, directing the course of the _Comet_. The
+professor and Bob stood by, ready to lend whatever assistance was
+needed, while the prisoners in the hut, standing in the door, ready
+for an instant retreat, watched with anxious eyes the preparations for
+their rescue.
+
+“Are you going to try and electrocute every snake?” asked Bob of his
+tall chum.
+
+“As many as we can, Chunky.”
+
+“But that will take quite a while, to drag the wires across every one.”
+
+“We won’t have to do that,” replied Jerry, as he looked through the
+plate glass window in the floor of the motor room, one hand on the
+switch that controlled the electrical current, while in the other he
+grasped a speaking tube, by which he gave orders to Ned in the pilot
+house. “You see, Bob, the snakes’ bodies are moist, and moisture is
+a good conductor of electricity. So if I can drag a live wire over a
+bunch of snakes, and only touch one, the current will go through all of
+’em, and kill the whole lot. They’ll help to kill themselves.”
+
+“I see!” exclaimed Bob.
+
+“Watch now, we’re going to begin!” cried Jerry, and his chum, looking
+down, saw the wires carrying the powerful current writhe and twist
+about, almost like snakes themselves. From the exposed ends there shot
+out a shower of blue sparks.
+
+Suddenly one of the conductors touched a mass of snakes, that seemed
+tied in knots. A moment before the snakes had been twining in and out,
+hissing stridently. The next instant they were as if turned to stone,
+for they had been killed at once.
+
+[Illustration: SUDDENLY ONE OF THE CONDUCTORS TOUCHED A MASS OF SNAKES.]
+
+“That’s the way to do it!” cried Bob.
+
+Again a wire, twisting and turning, was dragged over a mass of
+serpents, and the life went out of them. Time after time this
+happened until the writhing snakes were more than half destroyed.
+
+“That’s a new and wonderful way to kill snakes,” said the professor, as
+he looked on. “I hope you aren’t killing any two-tailed toads.”
+
+“They’ll be just as good for specimens,” remarked Jerry as he turned on
+more power, sending the wires that dangled from the airship, swirling
+about, carrying death and destruction.
+
+At length, so great was the slaughter, that the snakes became terrified
+at the unknown power, and with angry hisses, they began crawling away
+in the crevices of the rocks, and under the bushes.
+
+“I guess that’s enough,” announced Jerry, when he could see none but
+dead serpents. “You can come out now, Noddy!” he shouted to the bully,
+for the airship was close to the hut. Jerry began pulling up the wires,
+the current having been shut off.
+
+“Oh, take us away! Take us away from this awful island!” begged Noddy.
+“We won’t bother you again. We’re sorry we ever followed you; aren’t
+we, Bill?”
+
+“I am,” replied Noddy’s crony, thoroughly cowed.
+
+“But we have as good a right to stay and hunt for the radium as they
+have!” put in Dr. Belgrade sharply.
+
+“Then you stay!” cried Noddy. “I’ve had enough! I’m going back home.”
+
+“And desert me?” asked the renegade professor.
+
+“I don’t care anything about you! I wish I’d never come on this trip.
+Oh, Jerry, I’ll never bother you again, as long as I live if you only
+set me on the main land. We can’t get to shore unless you help us,
+because the current is too swift.”
+
+“What shall we do?” asked Jerry of his chums.
+
+“Transport him,” suggested Ned. “We want the island to ourselves, if we
+hunt for the radium treasure. This is an easy way to get rid of Noddy.”
+
+The others agreed to this, and accordingly the airship was let down in
+front of the hut. The professor began searching among the dead snakes
+for a two-tailed toad, but did not find any.
+
+Noddy lost no time in scrambling aboard the _Comet_. Bill Berry
+followed, and Dr. Belgrade much against his will, did likewise. He
+scowled at the boys and the professor, but they took no notice of him.
+As Jerry had said, the less they had to do with the plotters the better
+it would be.
+
+Noddy was hysterically thankful to the motor boys, but they well knew
+he might, at the first chance, play some mean trick on them.
+
+“How did you come to get to the hut?” asked Jerry.
+
+Noddy briefly told his story. He did not mention taking the airship,
+nor the other unfair things he had done. He said he and his cronies had
+managed to reach the canyon, and, in spite of the advice of guides,
+they decided to try to float down the river in a boat. They took
+provisions with them, but were wrecked in the rapids. They managed to
+reach the island, and some of their provisions floated ashore. They
+had landed near the hut, which they found easily, and took shelter in
+there, hoping against hope for a rescue. They were at the opposite end
+of the island from where our friends had first landed.
+
+“Well, we’ll give you some provisions, and you’ll have to get to
+civilization the best way you can,” said Jerry to the bully and his
+cronies, as they were landed on top of the bluffs, and supplied with
+food and water. “You’ve made trouble enough for us.”
+
+“We left some of our food and things in the hut,” said Noddy, as Jerry
+and his chums were about to sail away. “After the flood which brought
+the snakes down, we didn’t dare go out. There was some stuff in the
+hut when we reached it. I think someone had been there just before we
+were.”
+
+“What?” cried Jerry. “Someone had been in the hut recently?”
+
+“I’m sure of it,” spoke Noddy. “There was food in some boxes when we
+took shelter there. And some books, and papers with writing on. But we
+didn’t see anyone while we were there until you came, and we were never
+gladder to see anybody than you. We couldn’t find any radium. I’m sorry
+I treated you so mean, and----”
+
+“Well, never mind,” interrupted Jerry, in whose brain many thoughts
+were whirling about. “Are you sure someone had been in the hut
+recently?”
+
+“Positive. You can ask Bill Berry.”
+
+But Jerry had no desire to do this. He preferred to look for himself.
+Bill was sullen and angry, and so was Dr. Belgrade. Both knew that the
+game was up. But no attention was paid to them.
+
+With no very hearty good-byes, our friends watched the trio of
+unpleasant ones depart. They could reach civilization in a day or so,
+and they had enough to eat and drink for that time.
+
+“Now come on!” cried Jerry to his chums. “Come on, Professor,” for the
+scientist was chasing after a new kind of bug.
+
+“Where to now, Jerry?” asked Ned.
+
+“Back to the hut on Snake Island. I’m going to see who has been living
+there, and what has become of him.”
+
+“Then you think it might be----”
+
+“I’m going to make sure before I say anything,” interrupted the tall
+lad, as he sent the airship aloft.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+THE RISING FLOOD
+
+
+“Well, I don’t see much here to help us,” remarked Bob.
+
+“No, not much that tells anything definite,” agreed Jerry.
+
+“Except parts of what seem to be a journal, or diary,” added Ned.
+
+“But those same leaves from the journal tell a sad story,” spoke
+Professor Snodgrass.
+
+The three boys and the scientist were in the hut on Snake Island. It
+was the day after they had taken Noddy and his cronies off, and they
+were seeking for traces of the person who, according to the bully, had
+been in the hut before they arrived. They found some preserved food,
+older than any Noddy could have brought, and scattered pages of a diary.
+
+“It is evident that someone--most likely a man--lived here for a time,”
+went on the professor, “and that up to recently, he kept an account of
+his day’s doings, for here is the last entry we can find, dated about a
+month ago.”
+
+“What does it say?” asked Bob.
+
+“The same thing as for many days before. ‘Searched for it, but could
+not find it.’”
+
+“What do you suppose ‘it’ can be?” asked Ned.
+
+The professor was silent a moment, and then he said quietly:
+
+“Radium.”
+
+“What!” cried Jerry. “Do you think someone has been here ahead of us,
+looking for the radium treasure?”
+
+“I am sure of it,” said Uriah Snodgrass, “and what is more, I believe
+it was Mr. Bentwell.”
+
+“Then where is he now?” demanded Bob.
+
+“That I don’t know,” and the professor’s voice was solemn. “Probably he
+is dead. He must have been here on this lonely island nearly a year.
+How he lived in that time no one can tell. When he and his companions
+were wrecked there must have been some food saved. Or, he may have been
+able to trap, or kill, small animals that are on the island, or that
+were brought down by the floods. He may have caught fish. At any rate,
+we know that someone was alive here up to a month ago, for the date in
+the book tells us that. Where he went to, we can only guess.”
+
+“The snakes,” suggested Ned in a low voice.
+
+“Yes, the snakes may have killed him,” agreed the professor. “It is
+a sad ending to the life of a noted scholar, alone on this terrible
+island. I shall preserve this record he has left, for his family.”
+
+“But where is the rest of it?” asked Jerry. “There are only a few pages
+here.”
+
+“The others were destroyed, somehow,” replied Professor Snodgrass.
+“The same agency that made away with Mr. Bentwell may have destroyed
+the record of his uneventful search, or Noddy and his cronies, not
+understanding the value of the book, may have used pages of it to
+light a fire with, for on the hearth you can see where a fire has
+recently been kindled. It is too bad, for a scientific person, like Mr.
+Bentwell, probably made valuable observations of what took place in
+this wonderful canyon of the Colorado.”
+
+“Well, it isn’t doing us any good to stay here,” spoke Jerry. “It’s
+only making us more gloomy. I vote that we get out, and make a careful
+search for the radium. We won’t be bothered by Noddy and his crowd now,
+and there isn’t likely to be another flood, right away.”
+
+“I agree with you,” said the professor. “We will be better off by doing
+some active work. I’ll take charge of what is left of the journal, and
+we’ll begin our search. What food is left we’ll pack away in the hut.
+Who knows but what some other daring adventurer, who seeks to navigate
+the river, may be wrecked here? It may save his life.”
+
+The food was carefully put away, and it was likely to keep for some
+time, since there were no evidences that the waters had ever risen
+quite as high as the hut. Then our friends began their search.
+
+It was kept up for several days, and, as thoroughly as they could, they
+covered every part of the island, beginning at the shore and working
+back toward the big mound in the center, with its tall pillar of
+sandstone rock.
+
+“I guess we’ll have to make a record in our notebooks, the same as poor
+Mr. Bentwell did, ‘nothing doing,’” remarked Bob one day, after nearly
+a week of searching.
+
+“Well, we’ve got all that hill to explore yet,” replied Ned. “And
+that’s the most likely place for the radium; isn’t it, Professor?”
+
+“No, I can’t say that it is,” was the reply of the scientist. “I think,
+if we find it at all, that it will be on comparatively low ground. But
+it begins to look as if our hunt for the treasure was likely to result
+in failure.”
+
+“And you haven’t got your two-tailed toad yet,” said Jerry.
+
+“No, but I have hopes, boys,” and with that the professor, leaving the
+three chums to search for traces of radium, went off by himself to
+look for the specimen he so much wanted.
+
+All that day the two searches were kept up, but without result. At
+night they assembled in the airship, which had been anchored on a level
+piece of high ground, near the upper end of the island, above the hut.
+
+“Well, we’ll put in a few more days,” suggested Ned, as they arose from
+the supper table, “and then I think we’d better get back home, and
+admit that we’re beaten.”
+
+“I don’t like to give up,” said Jerry.
+
+“Neither do I,” came from the professor. “And yet I think we had better
+get ready to leave. I don’t like the looks of the weather, and the
+barometer is falling more rapidly than I care to see it.”
+
+“Do you think a storm is brewing?” asked Bob.
+
+“I do, and a bad one, too. I think we had better stay here one more
+day, and then move. I’ll have to look in some other place for the rare
+toad.”
+
+When they went to bed that night there was a low muttering of thunder,
+and fitful lightning, and Jerry insisted on his chums helping him make
+the airship more secure by ropes attached to trees.
+
+“We don’t want to be blown away in the night,” he said.
+
+They all slept so soundly that they did not notice the increasing roar
+of the river, as it rose in flood, due to heavy rains above Snake
+Island. The river was always roaring, as it tore past the black cliffs,
+and split in twain at the island, and, though the rain added to this
+noise, it did not awaken the adventurers.
+
+It was not until early morning that Ned, sitting up in his berth, was
+conscious of an uneasy, bobbing motion.
+
+“Hello!” he cried, hopping out. “What’s the matter? Why did you start,
+Jerry? I thought you were going to stay another day.”
+
+“Start! I haven’t started!” cried Jerry. “What are you talking about?”
+
+Then, as he leaped out on the floor, he nearly lost his balance, as the
+_Comet_ pitched and tossed. Jerry gave a hasty glance out of the window.
+
+“Boys,” he cried, “we’re afloat on the biggest flood the Colorado ever
+had, I guess! We’re still anchored, but the trees are under water! The
+ropes are holding us!”
+
+“But how can we float?” asked Bob.
+
+“On the hydroplanes, of course,” said Jerry. “You know we’ve been
+resting on them, instead of the bicycle wheels, for I wanted to take
+the weight off the tires. Lucky for us that I did, or we wouldn’t
+float. And now we’re on the surface of the river, and it’s still
+rising!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+IN THE CAVE
+
+
+Steadying themselves against the swaying motion of the anchored
+airship, our friends crowded to the windows to look out. They beheld a
+terrifying and wonderful scene.
+
+Almost the whole of the island was under water. Only the high middle
+part, with its tower of rock, was out of the flood. Securely held by
+the anchor ropes, the _Comet_, as light as a chip on the surface of the
+waves, floated on the bosom of the flood. Her very lightness, due to
+the fact that the gas bag was partly filled, and the strength of the
+anchor ropes, had saved her. Then, too, the fact that she rested on
+hydroplanes, or pontoons, was in her favor. These were a new feature of
+the airship, which had only recently been added.
+
+“Say, it’s lucky you thought to let the hydroplanes down,” spoke Bob,
+as he looked out at the flood sweeping past them.
+
+“If he hadn’t, we’d probably be wrecked by this time,” was Ned’s
+opinion. The hydroplanes, I might explain, were light hollow boxes,
+made water tight, and attached to the _Comet_ by long toggle-jointed
+arms. They could be raised or lowered at will, and allowed the
+_Comet_ to float on the surface of water. If you boys have ever seen
+a water-spider, or bug, skimming along on the brook or lake, as you
+doubtless have, you will get a good idea of how the hydroplanes worked
+by recalling to mind the insect.
+
+“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Ned, as he looked at the flood
+sweeping past. On the surface of the water floated all manner of
+débris, including much driftwood, and even whole trees. “We can’t stay
+here,” went on the lad, “for we may have a hole punched in us any
+minute.”
+
+Even as he spoke there was a grinding sound, and a log scraped along
+the side of the _Comet_.
+
+“Yes, we’d better get out,” agreed Jerry.
+
+“I’ll get breakfast right away,” said Bob briskly, “and then----”
+
+“No, you don’t!” cried Ned. “No breakfast until we’re out of danger.
+Why, we might be wrecked, and then I’d like to know how we could ever
+get out of this canyon,” and he looked up at the towering cliffs on
+either hand--cliffs that no mortal could scale. On each side--all
+around them--was the raging flood, in which no craft, save one as
+light as an airship, could have lived for a moment.
+
+“It all depends on the airship,” agreed Jerry. “We must get away while
+we can.”
+
+The words were hardly out of his mouth before there came a crash, and
+the craft trembled from end to end. There was a splintering noise, and
+Jerry sprang toward the stern.
+
+“What’s the matter?” asked Ned.
+
+“We’ve been hit! One of the hydroplanes is smashed and a bicycle wheel
+crushed! We’ve got to go up right away! Start the gas machine, Ned.
+Bob, you come in the pilot house with me, and help. Professor, you see
+that the motors get plenty of oil; will you? We’ll need all the power
+we’ve got.”
+
+Instantly the interior of the _Comet_ was a scene of activity. The
+effect of the damage was at once apparent, for the craft had settled on
+one side. But as soon as the gas began flowing into the bag she began
+to lift, until she was once more on a level keel.
+
+“All ready now?” called Jerry to Ned, in the motor room.
+
+“All ready--let her go! But what are you going to do?”
+
+“I’m going to land on the high ground near the tower of sandstone. I
+can see a good level place there, and the water can never get as high
+as that. Besides, I want to make some repairs before we try to make
+the mainland, and we can make ’em there. We’ll stay on top of the hill
+until the flood goes down. Give me full speed, Ned. Tell the Professor
+to use lots of oil.”
+
+As Ned turned to convey the request to the scientist, Uriah Snodgrass,
+who had been looking from a side window out on the flood, uttered a cry
+of delight. The next instant he caught up a small fish net, attached
+to a long handle, and thrust it out of the window, into the swirling
+water. Then he cried:
+
+“I’ve got it! I’ve got it! Oh, you little beauty! I’ve got you almost
+at the last minute, when I least expected you. Oh, what a rare find!”
+
+“What is it?” cried Ned.
+
+“The two-tailed toad! I saw it floating down on a log, and I made
+a grab for it. I have it!” and holding out the net he displayed a
+queer-looking object--a hideous toad, covered with “warts,” but having
+two unmistakable tails.
+
+“Ugh! What a creature!” cried Ned.
+
+“A most valuable acquisition to science,” declared the professor
+proudly.
+
+There came a shrill whistle through the tube leading to the pilot
+house.
+
+“What is it?” asked Ned.
+
+“Aren’t you going to start?” Jerry wanted to know. “The river is still
+rising, and more logs are coming down! Get a move on!”
+
+“Aye, aye!” answered Ned, and he yanked over the electrical switch.
+Instantly the propellers whizzed around, and the _Comet_ strained at
+the mooring ropes.
+
+“Now’s the time!” cried Jerry to Bob, who had been provided with a
+light, keen hatchet, for the purpose of severing the lines. “Cut!”
+
+The little axe came down as the _Comet_ lifted her dripping hydroplanes
+out of the water, and, freed from the holding cables, she soared aloft.
+Jerry directed her toward the big hill in the middle of the island,
+where there was room to land. Fortunately there was scarcely any wind
+to sway the craft, though the rain came down in torrents.
+
+Well aloft now, over the raging flood of the Colorado, the _Comet_
+was more like herself, and, with Jerry to guide her, there was
+comparatively little danger.
+
+“You’ve got to be careful how you let her down,” suggested Ned, when,
+having set the machinery to working automatically, he joined his tall
+chum in the pilot house. “You don’t want to smash that hydroplane and
+wheel any more than they are.”
+
+“Sure not. We’ll be down in a few minutes, and then we can get right to
+work.”
+
+“What about the radium?” asked Ned.
+
+“Oh, we’ll look for that, too, as long as we’re in no immediate danger.
+I hope we find it. The Professor got what he wanted, and it’s up to us
+to make good, too.”
+
+It was but a short distance from where the flood had floated the
+_Comet_ to the place where Jerry proposed to anchor, and, a little
+while after arising, the airship came gently down. It required no small
+skill to make a landing without further damaging the broken parts, but
+Jerry managed it.
+
+“Make fast the ship! All hands out at anchor work!”
+
+The professor rather disliked to leave off making notes about the
+two-tailed toad that the flood had brought him, but he finally put the
+specimen away, and joined the boys in the work of making their craft
+secure.
+
+They had landed on a small plateau, which was, in a manner, cut in the
+side of the hill. Back of it arose a steep cliff of sandstone, while
+the surface of the shelf was covered with trees, grass and bushes.
+
+Ned, taking one rope, walked off to the left to fasten it to a big
+stump that he thought would hold. As he came near it he glanced behind
+a bush, and, as he did so he uttered a cry:
+
+“Fellows, look here!” he shouted. “Here’s a big cave leading right into
+the hill!”
+
+Through the rain, splashing over the soaked ground, came Bob and
+Jerry, the professor following. They stood grouped about a hole in the
+slope--a hole large enough to permit a man to enter upright.
+
+“Let’s go in and see what’s there,” proposed Bob.
+
+“I guess it’s safe,” came from Jerry. “There are hardly likely to be
+any bears on this island.”
+
+Together they advanced into the cavern. It was dark, but their eyes
+soon became somewhat accustomed to the gloom.
+
+“It’s too big to explore without a light,” remarked the professor.
+“This may be a place for valuable relics. Let’s fasten the airship, and
+then come back with electrical torches.”
+
+They turned to go, but, as they did so there came a sound which
+startled all of them. It was the sound of a human voice and, in cracked
+tones, as if the speaker had not used his vocal cords for some time.
+
+“Who are you? What do you want?” was demanded in hollow accents. And
+then there came a faint glimmer of light, and in the rays of it they
+beheld a man--apparently a very old man--with matted beard, tangled
+hair and hollow, sunken eyes, who stood staring at them from the depths
+of the cave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE RADIUM TREASURE--CONCLUSION
+
+
+“Bless my soul!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass.
+
+Bob, with a catching of his breath, and a nervous tremor, started to
+run in a panic. But Jerry caught him by the shoulder.
+
+“Hold on!” the tall lad cried. “It’s only a man.”
+
+“A--a man!” gasped the fat lad. “I thought----”
+
+“Stop thinking!” commanded Jerry.
+
+The man in the cave advanced, and the boys and the professor saw that
+he carried a torch made from some resinous wood that burned with much
+smoke.
+
+“Who are you?” again demanded the man, holding his torch on high. “Who
+comes here to disturb me? Why can’t you let me die in peace?”
+
+The professor took a sudden resolve. Afterward he said he did not know
+why he did it.
+
+“Hartley Bentwell!” cried the scientist, “we have come to save you.
+You are not going to die. We have come to take you away from Snake
+Island!”
+
+The effect of these words on the unfortunate man was indescribable. He
+fairly leaped forward, and a cry came from his lips.
+
+“You know me!” he exclaimed. “You have come to save me? Oh, the dear
+Lord be thanked! Yes, I am Hartley Bentwell, but in a few days more I
+would not have known myself. I--I fear I was going mad. It was almost
+the end. Oh, what a life I have lived on this island! Unable to escape!
+Menaced by the snakes! Not a soul to speak to! In fear of the floods!
+Oh, even now, my mind is not right!”
+
+“There, there!” exclaimed the professor soothingly, as he would have
+talked to a child. “You are with friends. You will soon be away from
+here, and in your own home. We are going to restore you to the world
+again. You have seen the last of Snake Island.”
+
+“The last of Snake Island! Oh----” but the unfortunate castaway could
+say no more, for he had fainted, and would have fallen, had not Jerry
+and Ned caught him.
+
+“Quick! Carry him to the _Comet_,” directed the professor. “When he
+comes to, he must find himself in brighter surroundings.”
+
+This was quickly done, and, as the rain soon stopped, and the sun came
+out, when Mr. Bentwell became conscious, he found himself in a pleasant
+cabin, surrounded by his new friends. A look of wonder came over his
+face, and the wild, half-insane stare faded from his eyes.
+
+“Here, drink this,” commanded Uriah Snodgrass, and he held out a bowl
+of nourishing soup.
+
+And, following a refreshing sleep, that afternoon, while seated in
+the airship cabin, Mr. Bentwell told his story. He had been with the
+scientists who, about a year before, had come to search for the radium
+on Snake Island. There had been an accident, one boat was wrecked,
+and the unfortunate man was cast alone on the island. His companions
+escaped, and got back to civilization, believing him drowned.
+
+The cargo of the boat, consisting of a considerable quantity of
+provisions, stores and tools, was washed up on the island.
+
+He built the hut, and rudely furnished it. Then, having nothing else to
+do, being unable to escape from the island, he began a search for the
+radium, as told in his torn notebook. But he could not find it.
+
+Then floods came, there were several visitations of snakes, and, in
+terror, he fled to the hill, where he found the cave that he made his
+home, only going occasionally to the hut. He had been away from it
+for several days when Noddy and his companions took up their abode
+there. So despondent and gloomy was Mr. Bentwell over his plight that
+he withdrew to the cave altogether, and stayed there, living on scanty
+food. He did not come out, and so did not see the airship making trips
+over the island.
+
+“But now I am saved!” he cried. “Let us get away from this awful place!”
+
+“I am willing,” agreed the professor. “I have my valuable toad.”
+
+“But we haven’t the radium,” said Jerry.
+
+“I do not believe it is here,” said Mr. Bentwell. “I searched all over
+for it, and found not a trace.”
+
+“Yes, we saw your notes,” spoke the professor. “I saved what were left
+of them for you.”
+
+The weather soon became pleasant again, and the river went down. But
+the boys in their airship remained on the hill, as they liked it better
+there. Jerry asked for three days more in which to search for the
+radium treasure, and the others agreed to this.
+
+“Well, I give up,” admitted Jerry, on the afternoon of the third day,
+when, after a wearying search, he and his two chums were returning to
+the _Comet_. “We’ll start for home to-morrow morning. Mr. Bentwell is
+well enough to travel now.”
+
+“I sort of hate to go back empty handed,” spoke Ned regretfully. “It’s
+the first time we ever had a real failure.”
+
+“We can’t always be successful,” commented Bob. “Whew! I’m tired. I’m
+going to have a rest.”
+
+He sat down on a grassy spot. Just below them was the _Comet_, which
+had been fully repaired, and was all ready for the homeward trip. Ned
+and Jerry walked on a little way, and then took a seat on a log, for
+they, too, were weary. They talked over their adventures, agreeing
+that, even though they had not found the radium treasure, they had had
+a good vacation.
+
+Bob suddenly jumped up, and rubbed his thigh.
+
+“What’s the matter; sit on a thorn?” asked Ned with a laugh.
+
+“Something like that,” answered the stout lad. “Or else a bee stung me.
+Well, come on. It’s all over.”
+
+They were packing up that night, ready for the trip home in the
+morning, when Bob complained of a burning sensation in his leg.
+
+“Better let me look at it,” suggested the professor, who knew something
+of medicine. “You may have been poisoned by some insect.” But, when he
+had looked at a peculiar red spot on Bob’s leg he cried out:
+
+“Boys, that’s the most wonderful thing I ever heard of! Bob has solved
+the riddle for us!”
+
+“What riddle?” demanded Jerry eagerly.
+
+“The radium riddle! That’s a blister caused by emanations from radium!”
+went on the professor. “Look at it, Mr. Bentwell, and see if you don’t
+think so!”
+
+The castaway, who had had his hair cut, and who had shaved himself,
+being attired in a spare suit of the professor’s, looked at the red
+spot.
+
+“That is undoubtedly a radium burn,” he said quickly. “How did it
+happen?”
+
+“It must have been when I sat down to rest,” explained Bob. “On the
+hill out there. I felt something sting me, and----”
+
+“It was the radium!” cried Mr. Bentwell. “Where is the place? Let us go
+to it at once!”
+
+“We can’t find it in the dark,” objected Jerry, but the professor and
+the castaway hurried out on the deck of the airship leading Bob with
+them.
+
+“Point out, as nearly as you can, where it was,” begged Uriah Snodgrass.
+
+Bob raised his hand, and, as he did so, he uttered a cry.
+
+“Look! Look!” he gasped. “The ghosts! The ghosts again!”
+
+There, floating down toward the airship, were tall whitish objects,
+wrapped in a bluish haze, like the tall forms of willowy beings
+shrouded in mist.
+
+“The ghosts!” cried Bob.
+
+“Yes, radium ghosts!” fairly shouted Professor Snodgrass. “I understand
+it now. I wonder I didn’t guess it the first time. The ghosts we saw
+before were vapors, caused by radium. It is the same now. Boys, we have
+at last found the radium treasure! We will get it in the morning!”
+
+They were up at dawn, after an almost sleepless night. Bob pointed out
+the spot where he had rested, and digging there, under a thin layer of
+sod, was found the peculiar hornblende rock mixed with pitchblende,
+which contained the radium. It needed but a simple test to demonstrate
+this.
+
+“And the peculiar thing about it is this,” said Professor Snodgrass.
+“Usually it takes tons of rock to produce even a grain of radium, but
+in this case there is almost pure radium in this sample. We must be
+careful of it, for, not only is it very valuable, but it may seriously
+harm us if left exposed.”
+
+Accordingly the first sample was put in the lead receptacle prepared
+for it, and the work of digging the rock for more was begun.
+
+But if our friends hoped to find an enormous fortune of radium on
+Snake Island they were disappointed. For, after they had dug a little
+distance down, the rock disappeared, and there was no more of it.
+Search as they did, there was only a comparatively small quantity. But
+that was of great value, sufficient to more than compensate them for
+the trip, for the radium, being almost pure, commanded an exceptionally
+high price.
+
+“But there must be some where we first saw the strange ghosts,”
+suggested Bob. They went to the place, but found nothing. As there was
+a deep hollow, where before there had been none, they concluded that
+the flood had washed the precious radium away.
+
+“But we have enough to satisfy almost anyone,” said Jerry, one evening
+a few nights later.
+
+In the days following Bob’s unexpected discovery of the precious stuff
+they had searched diligently, but no more was located.
+
+“I think we have all there is here,” was the professor’s opinion, and
+Mr. Bentwell agreed with him. There was no longer any use in remaining
+in that desolate place, and so they arose, and left behind Snake
+Island, and the rushing river cutting its way through the mighty chasm,
+a mile below the surface of the earth.
+
+Then, with her nose pointed toward Denver, the return trip began.
+Little worth mentioning occurred on it. Mr. Bentwell continued to
+improve and after a short stay in Denver, at the Montrose home, nearly
+all traces of his terrible year on the lonely island disappeared.
+Of course the story of the boys caused much comment, and they were
+regarded as heroes.
+
+They received many offers for their radium, but they refused nearly all
+of them, giving a share of the stuff to Mr. Bentwell, some to Professor
+Snodgrass, and a portion to Mr. Montrose. The latter was interested in
+a Denver hospital that very much wanted some of the precious metal for
+medical purposes.
+
+As for their portions the boys kept some for themselves for future use,
+and some they gave to the academy they attended. The rest they sold for
+a large sum.
+
+Nothing more was heard from Noddy Nixon, save that he and Bill got
+safely home, after much hardship. As for the renegade professor he and
+Noddy quarreled, and separated.
+
+“Let’s go all the way home by airship,” proposed Bob as they were about
+to leave Denver. “We can have the auto shipped to Cresville, and it’s
+much easier to get meals in the _Comet_ than at hotels.”
+
+“Bob, if you mention eating again, until we get home, we’ll put you on
+a bread and water diet,” threatened Ned, and Bob went off to the galley
+in a huff. But he was soon heard whistling as he made himself some
+sandwiches.
+
+The airship trip was voted the best, and accordingly, it was
+undertaken. All went well, and in due time they were near their home
+town. At his request, Mr. Bentwell was allowed to leave the ship at a
+place where he could get a train to his home, for he did not want to
+take his new friends out of their way. He had telegraphed, at the first
+opportunity, to his relatives, telling them of his rescue. To say that
+they, and the world at large, were surprised by his wonderful story, is
+putting it mildly.
+
+“Well, we got the radium treasure, after all,” remarked Jerry, one day
+a week or so later, when they were all assembled at his house.
+
+“And I caught the two-tailed toad,” added the professor. “My college
+has conferred additional honors upon me for that. I am indeed a lucky
+individual.”
+
+“I wonder what you’ll look for next?” spoke Bob.
+
+“And I wonder what we’ll do?” added Ned.
+
+Those of you who care to know, may learn by reading the next volume of
+the series, which will be called “The Motor Boys on the Border; Or,
+Sixty Nuggets of Gold,” a strange tale of the Far West and of Canada.
+
+“Well,” remarked the professor, “I think I will----” He stopped
+suddenly, sprang to a small table, and clapped his hand down on it so
+suddenly that he upset a pitcher of lemonade, which spilled all over
+Bob.
+
+“Ouch! Ugh!” gasped the fat lad. “What’s the matter?”
+
+“I just caught a most rare specimen of a red-winged fly,” answered the
+professor, pulling out a specimen box and imprisoning the luckless
+insect.
+
+“But--l-l-look at me!” gasped Bob. “I’m all wet!”
+
+“Never mind, it’s a hot day, and you aren’t the only lemon in the
+house,” laughed Jerry, as he helped his chum dry himself.
+
+Of course Professor Snodgrass apologized, and made amends by helping
+squeeze more lemons. And then, sitting about, he and the boys discussed
+their adventures on the trip after the radium treasure. And now, for a
+time, we will say good-bye to them.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+A New Line By the Author of the Ever-Popular
+
+“Motor Boys Series”
+
+
+The Racer Boys Series
+
+by CLARENCE YOUNG
+
+Author of “The Motor Boys Series”, “Jack Ranger Series”, etc. etc.
+
+Fine cloth binding. Illustrated. Price per vol. 60 cts. postpaid.
+
+The announcement of a new series of stories by Mr. Clarence Young is
+always hailed with delight by boys and girls throughout the country,
+and we predict an even greater success for these new books, than that
+now enjoyed by the “Motor Boys”. The stories are in Mr. Young’s best
+vein, full of vim and vigor from start to finish, and of a high moral
+order. They are in the same style that has made “The Motor Boys Series”
+the most popular young people’s line on the market.
+
+
+  The Racer Boys
+  or The Mystery of the Wreck
+
+This, the first volume of the new series, tells who the Racer Boys were
+and how they chanced to be out on the ocean in a great storm. They
+rescue another boy in a wrecked motor-boat and take him to their home
+only to discover later that the stranger has lost his mind and cannot
+remember who he is or where he comes from. Adventures follow each other
+in rapid succession, and the Racer Boys finally solve the mystery in a
+manner that only our author, Mr. Young, can describe.
+
+
+  The Racer Boys At Boarding School
+  or Striving for the Championship
+
+When the Racer Boys arrived at the school they found everything at a
+stand-still. The school was going down rapidly and the students lacked
+ambition and leadership. They lacked even the heart to take part in
+any athletic contests. The Racers took hold with a will, and got their
+father to aid the head of the school financially, and then reorganized
+the football team. Much to the astonishment of everybody, the school
+won the championship of the league.
+
+
+  The Racer Boys To The Rescue
+  or Stirring Days in a Winter Camp
+
+Here is a story filled with the spirit of good times in winter--skating,
+ice-boating and hunting. How the lads went out after big game, how they
+stumbled upon a queer trail and made a great discovery, and how they
+came to the rescue of a crippled boy who was virtually held a prisoner
+in a wilderness cabin, are related in a manner to chain the attention
+of the reader from beginning to end.
+
+
+  Other Volumes to Follow
+
+  CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers      NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+The Webster Series
+
+By Frank V. Webster
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+Mr. Webster’s style is very much like that of the boys’ favorite
+author, the late lamented Horatio Alger Jr., but his tales are
+thoroughly up-to-date. The stories are as clean as they are clever, and
+will prove of absorbing interest to boys everywhere.
+
+Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated. Stamped in various
+colors. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.
+
+  Only A Farm Boy
+    or Dan Hardy’s Rise in Life
+
+  Tom The Telephone Boy
+    or The Mystery of a Message
+
+  The Boy From The Ranch
+    or Roy Bradner’s City Experiences
+
+  The Young Treasure Hunter
+    or Fred Stanley’s Trip to Alaska
+
+  Bob The Castaway
+    or The Wreck of the Eagle
+
+  The Newsboy Partners
+    or Who Was Dick Box?
+
+  Two Boy Gold Miners
+    or Lost in the Mountains
+
+  The Young Firemen of Lakeville
+    or Herbert Dare’s Pluck
+
+  The Boy Pilot of the Lakes
+    or Nat Morton’s Perils
+
+  The Boys of Bellwood School
+    or Frank Jordan’s Triumph
+
+  Jack The Runaway
+    or On the Road with a Circus
+
+  Bob Chester’s Grit
+    or From Ranch to Riches
+
+  Airship Andy
+    or The Luck of a Brave Boy
+
+  The High School Rivals
+    or Fred Markham’s Struggles
+
+  Darry The Life Saver
+    or The Heroes of the Coast
+
+  Dick The Bank Boy
+    or A Missing Fortune
+
+  Ben Hardy’s Flying Machine
+    or Making a Record for Himself
+
+  Harry Watson’s High School Days
+    or The Rivals of Rivertown
+
+  Comrades of the Saddle
+    or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains
+
+  The Boys of the Wireless
+    or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep
+
+
+  CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers,      NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ Transcriber’s Notes:
+
+ --Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_); text in bold
+   by “equal” signs (=bold=).
+
+ --Printer, punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently
+   corrected, except as noted below.
+
+ --Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.
+
+ --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.
+
+ --Variant spellings of Pittsburg for Pittsburgh (PA.) and Allegany
+   for Allegeny (River) have been retained as these have been used
+   consistently throughout the book.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Motor Boys After a Fortune, by Clarence Young
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 47417 ***
diff --git a/47417/47417-h/47417-h.htm b/47417-h/47417-h.htm
index 0838a94..d4b0e5e 100644
--- a/47417/47417-h/47417-h.htm
+++ b/47417-h/47417-h.htm
@@ -1,9830 +1,9411 @@
-<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"

-    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">

-<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">

-  <head>

-    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" />

-    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />

-    <title>

-      The Motor Boys After a Fortune, by Clarence Young&mdash;A Project Gutenberg eBook.

-    </title>

-    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />

-    <style type="text/css">

-

-/* DACSoft styles */

-

-body {

-    margin-left: 10%;

-    margin-right: 10%;

-}

-

-/* General headers */

-h1 {

-    text-align: center; /* all headings centered */

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-/* Chapter headers */

-h2 {

-    text-align: center;

-    font-weight: bold;

-    line-height: 1.5em;

-}

-

-/* Indented paragraph */

-p {

-    margin-top: .51em;

-    margin-bottom: .49em;

-    text-align: justify;

-    text-indent: 1em;

-}

-

-/* Unindented paragraph */

-.noi { text-indent: 0em; }

-

-/* Centered unindented paragraph */

-.noic {

-    text-indent: 0em;

-    text-align: center;

-}

-

-/* Non-standard paragraph margins */

-.p2 { margin-top: 2em; }

-.p4 { margin-top: 4em; }

-.p6 { margin-top: 6em; }

-

-/* Horizontal rules */

-hr {

-    width: 33%;

-    margin-top: 2em;

-    margin-bottom: 2em;

-    margin-left: 33.5%;

-    margin-right: 33.5%;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;}

-

-hr.r20 {

-    width: 20%;

-    margin-left: 40%;

-    margin-right: 40%;

-    margin-top: 1em;

-    margin-bottom: 1em;

-}

-

-/* Lists */

-ul { list-style-type: none; }

-

-li {

-    text-indent: 0em;

-    padding-left: 0em;

-}

-

-.li1 {

-    margin-top: 1em;

-    text-indent: 0em;

-    padding-left: 0em;

-}

-

-

-/* Tables */

-table {

-    margin-left: auto;

-    margin-right: auto;

-}

-

-/* Table cell alignments */

-.tdl      {text-align: left;}

-

-.tdrb {

-    text-align: right;

-    vertical-align: bottom;

-}

-

-.tdrt {

-    text-align: right;

-    vertical-align: top;

-}

-

-th {

-    font-weight: normal;

-}

-

-/* Physical book page and line numbers */

-.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */

-    /*  visibility: hidden;  */

-    position: absolute;

-    left: 92%;

-    font-size: x-small;

-    text-align: right;

-    color: gray;

-} /* page numbers */

-

-/* Blockquotes */

-.blockquot {

-    margin-left: 10%;

-    margin-right: 10%;

-}

-

-/* Alignment */

-.right    {text-align: right;}

-

-/* Text appearance */

-.smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}

-

-/* Small fonts and lowercase small-caps */

-.smfont {

-    font-size: .8em;

-}

-

-.smfontr {

-    font-size: .8em;

-    text-align: right;

-}

-

-/* Illustration caption */

-.caption  {

-    font-size: .75em;

-    font-weight: bold;

-}

-

-/* Images */

-img {

-    max-width: 100%; /* no image to be wider than screen or containing div */

-    height:auto;     /* keep height in proportion to width */

-}

-

-.figcenter   {

-    margin: auto;

-    text-align: center;

-    max-width: 100%; /* div no wider than screen, even when screen is narrow */

-}

-

-.figleft {

-    float: left;

-    clear: left;

-    margin-left: 0;

-    margin-bottom: 1em;

-    margin-top: 1em;

-    margin-right: 1em;

-    padding: 0;

-    text-align: center;

-    max-width: 40%;

-}

-

-/* Transcriber's notes */

-.tnote {

-    background-color: #E6E6FA;

-    margin-left: 10%;

-    margin-right: 10%;

-    padding-bottom: .5em;

-    padding-top: .5em;

-    padding-left: .5em;

-    padding-right: .5em;

-}

-

-.tntitle {

-    font-size: 1.25em;

-    font-weight: bold;

-    text-align: center;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-/* Title page borders and content. */

-.title {

-    font-size: 1.75em;

-    font-weight: bold;

-    text-align: center;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-.subtitle {

-    font-size: 1.5em;

-    text-align: center;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-.author {

-    font-size: 1.25em;

-    text-align: center;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-.works {

-    font-size: .75em;

-    text-align: center;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-/* Advertisement formatting. */

-.adpage {

-    margin-left: 20%;

-    margin-right: 20%;

-}

-

-.adbox {

-    border: 2px solid black;

-    padding: 1em;

-    margin: auto;

-    max-width: 22em;

-}

-

-.adtitle {

-    font-size: 1.5em;

-    font-weight: bold;

-    text-align: center;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-.adauthor {

-    font-size: 1.25em;

-    text-align: center;

-    clear: both;

-}

-

-/* Hanging indent. */

-.hang {

-    text-indent: -2em;

-    padding-left: 0em;

-}

-

-.ident {

-    padding-left: 2em;

-}

-

-    </style>

-  </head>

-<body>

-

-

-<pre>

-

-Project Gutenberg's The Motor Boys After a Fortune, by Clarence Young

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-Title: The Motor Boys After a Fortune

-       or, The Hut on Snake Island

-

-Author: Clarence Young

-

-Release Date: November 22, 2014 [EBook #47417]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed

-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

-

-

-

-

-

-

-</pre>

-

-

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">

-<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="600" height="697" alt="cover" title="cover" />

-</div>

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 384px;">

-<a name="image01" id="image01">

-  <img src="images/image01.jpg" width="384" height="600" alt="" title="" />

-</a><br />

-<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_170">JERRY SENT THE CHASER DIRECTLY AT THE COMET.</a></div>

-</div>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h1>THE MOTOR BOYS<br />

-AFTER A FORTUNE</h1>

-

-<p class="noic">Or</p>

-

-<p class="noi subtitle">The Hut on Snake Island</p>

-

-<p class="p4 noic">BY</p>

-

-<p class="noi author">CLARENCE YOUNG</p>

-

-<p class="noi works"><span class="smcap">Author of<br />

-“The Racer Boys Series” and “The Jack Ranger Series.”</span></p>

-

-<p class="p6 noic">ILLUSTRATED</p>

-

-<p class="p6 noic">NEW YORK<br />

-<span class="noi author">CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY</span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="adpage">

-<div class="adbox">

-<p class="noic adauthor">BOOKS BY CLARENCE YOUNG</p>

-

-<hr class="r20" />

-

-<p class="noic"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES</b></p>

-

-<p class="noic">12mo. Illustrated.</p>

-

-<p class="noic">Price per volume, 60 cents, postpaid.</p>

-

-<ul>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING</li>

-<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE</li>

-</ul>

-

-<hr class="r20" />

-

-<p class="noic"><b>THE JACK RANGER SERIES</b></p>

-

-<p class="noic">12mo. Finely Illustrated.</p>

-

-<p class="noic">Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid.</p>

-

-<ul>

-<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S SCHOOLDAYS</li>

-<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S WESTERN TRIP</li>

-<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S SCHOOL VICTORIES</li>

-<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S OCEAN CRUISE</li>

-<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S GUN CLUB</li>

-<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S TREASURE BOX</li>

-</ul>

-</div>

-

-<p class="p2 noic">Copyright, 1912, by<br />

-<span class="smcap">Cupples &amp; Leon Company</span></p>

-

-<hr class="r20" />

-

-<p class="noic"><span class="smcap">The Motor Boys After A Fortune</span></p>

-</div>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>CONTENTS</h2>

-

-

-<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">

-<col style="width: 20%;" />

-<col style="width: 70%;" />

-<col style="width: 10%;" />

-<tr>

-  <th class="smfontr">CHAPTER</th>

-  <th class="tdl"></th>

-  <th class="smfontr">PAGE</th>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">I.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">To the Rescue</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">1</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">II.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">The Saving of Noddy</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">11</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">III.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Noddy Begins Plotting</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">22</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">IV.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Planning a Fortune Hunt</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">33</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">V.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Noddy’s Plot Develops</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">40</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">VI.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Off for Pittsburg</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">51</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">VII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">In Danger</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">58</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">VIII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Down the Alleghany</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">69</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">IX.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Off in the Auto</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">77</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">X.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Held Up</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">85</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XI.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Noddy in Advance</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">92</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Disappointment</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">104</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XIII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">The Professor’s Lunch</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">115</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XIV.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">The Wreck of the Limited</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">121</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XV.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">The Express Ahead</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">129</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XVI.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">The Airship Gone</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">138</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XVII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">An Unexpected Offer</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">144</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XVIII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">On the Trail</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">152</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XIX.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">A Desperate Race</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">159</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XX.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">A Game in the Air</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">168</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXI.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Off for the Canyon</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">174</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">Over the Great Chasm</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">182</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXIII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">The Boat in the Rapids</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">189</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXIV.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Strange Ghosts</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">196</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXV.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">A Nest of Serpents</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">205</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXVI.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Live Wires</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">212</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXVII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">The Transporting of Noddy</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">217</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXVIII.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">The Rising Flood</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">224</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXIX.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">In the Cave</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">230</td>

-</tr>

-<tr>

-  <td class="tdrt">XXX.</td>

-  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">The Radium Treasure—Conclusion</a></td>

-  <td class="tdrb">238</td>

-</tr>

-</table>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>

-

-

-<div class="blockquot">

-<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations">

-<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image01">JERRY SENT THE CHASER DIRECTLY AT THE COMET.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image02">WITH SURE AIM, NED SENT THE LIFE PRESERVER TOWARD NODDY.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image03">A MOMENT LATER A CAR SHOT PAST.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image04">SUDDENLY ONE OF THE CONDUCTORS TOUCHED A MASS OF SNAKES.</a></td></tr>

-</table>

-</div>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2>PREFACE</h2>

-

-

-<p class="noi"><span class="smcap">Dear Boys</span>:—</p>

-

-<p>I wonder if any of you are superstitious, or

-if you believe in “signs”? I, myself, do not,

-but as this happens to be the thirteenth book in

-the Motor Boys series, I just thought I’d mention

-it, more as a joke than anything else.</p>

-

-<p>You know some persons think thirteen is unlucky.

-I do not, and I am sure you do not,

-either. So I venture to hope that I have been

-lucky enough to write for you, in this thirteenth

-volume, a book you will like better than any of

-the preceding ones that I have been happy to

-pen.</p>

-

-<p>Certainly, Jerry, Ned and Bob, when they

-went after the radium treasure, on Snake Island,

-in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, had

-a chance to believe in “signs” if they were so

-inclined. But when they saw the strange

-“ghosts” they were not a bit frightened, and,

-later on, they discovered the cause of them.</p>

-

-<p>This story, though a complete tale in itself, is

-linked with the others in the series. It tells how

-the Motor Boys, hearing through Professor

-Snodgrass, of a place where radium was supposed

-to be located, set off to find it. They had many

-adventures, and were in not a little danger.

-Then, too, they had to proceed against Noddy

-Nixon, who had unlawfully taken their motorship.</p>

-

-<p>I venture to hope that you will like this story,

-and that you will care for more about the boys,

-whom I have come to regard as very good friends

-of mine. I should dislike, very much indeed,

-saying good-bye to them.</p>

-

-<p>So, wishing you all the pleasure possible in

-the reading of this story, I remain,</p>

-

-<p class="noic">Yours cordially,</p>

-

-<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Clarence Young</span>.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<p class="title">THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER

-A FORTUNE</p>

-

-

-

-

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a><br />

-<small>TO THE RESCUE</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“But, Professor, do you really think it’s

-true?” asked Ned Slade, looking at the elderly

-gentleman, whose bald head glistened in the sunlight,

-as he sat leafing the pages of a scientific

-book.</p>

-

-<p>“Is what true, Ned?” inquired Jerry Hopkins,

-who had crossed the room to look out of

-a window.</p>

-

-<p>“What Professor Snodgrass was telling just

-now, about a fortune in radium being on a lonely

-little island in the Colorado River, somewhere

-in the Grand Canyon.”</p>

-

-<p>“Radium!” gasped Bob Baker, turning slowly

-in a big chair.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, radium,” answered Ned, at whose house

-the other motor boy chums had called to meet

-their old friend, the professor, who was paying

-a short visit to Mr. Slade. “Radium, Bob.

-Do you get the idea, or are you still trying to

-figure out how long it will be until lunch time?”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Aw, quit it,” begged the fat lad. “I guess

-I can think of something besides grub, once in

-a while. But I wasn’t listening very closely.

-What is it about radium? That’s the stuff they

-use to set diamonds in, instead of gold; isn’t it?”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, what’s the matter with you, Bob?”

-cried Jerry, a tall, and well-built lad, as he

-wheeled around from the window. “Set diamonds

-in radium? You’re thinking of platinum,

-I guess.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, that’s right!” admitted Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Radium!” broke in Ned. “I guess they’d

-be more likely to set radium in a diamond, if

-they could; eh, Professor?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well,” admitted the little scientist with a

-smile, “it’s valuable enough to be set in diamonds,

-but I’m afraid it would be too dangerous

-to carry around that way. It can’t be exposed

-carelessly, you know.”</p>

-

-<p>“Dangerous?” asked Bob. “How’s that?”</p>

-

-<p>“Radium, that wonderful metal, as it is sometimes

-called, and about which so much has been

-written, yet about which even the greatest scientists

-admit that they know very little, can cause

-very severe burns if brought near a person, and

-not protected in some way.</p>

-

-<p>“The rays, or emanations from it, pass

-through almost all substances, you know, and

-not only does it cause burns, but also forms of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>

-mental diseases. It is a dangerous, as well as

-very valuable, metal.”</p>

-

-<p>“But what’s this Ned said about some being

-on an island in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado?”

-persisted Bob. “That sounds interesting.

-Maybe there’s a chance for us to take a

-trip, and get some. Let’s hear more about it,

-Professor, please.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I don’t know that I can say much,”

-came from the scientist. “I just happened to see

-a mention of radium in this book I was looking

-at, and I just told Ned that there was said to

-be a valuable deposit of it on this island—Snake

-Island, I believe it is called—though I don’t

-know why. Probably from some Indian name.”</p>

-

-<p>“And I asked him if he believed it was true,”

-added Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“As to that I can’t say,” resumed Uriah Snodgrass.

-“All I know is that some years ago a

-scientific expedition from Hartwell College set

-out to learn if the rumor about the radium was

-true. They had the story, I understand, from

-some prospectors who were searching for gold.

-The prospectors landed on this island, because

-their boat was wrecked, and one of them picked

-up a piece of stone, whether it was hornblende

-or pitchblende I can’t recall, but you know

-radium is often found in those substances.</p>

-

-<p>“At any rate, one of the prospectors kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>

-this piece of mineral, and when he and his friends

-left the island he took it with him, not knowing

-what it was. Later he gave it to a scientist, as

-a curiosity, and the latter at once recognized

-what it was, and learned where it came from.</p>

-

-<p>“It was sent to Hartwell College, with which

-the scientist was connected, and aroused a great

-deal of interest. An expedition was at once

-fitted up, and about a year ago started for Snake

-Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“Did they get there?” asked Bob eagerly.

-“And did they get any gold?”</p>

-

-<p>“They did not, I regret to say,” replied the

-professor rather solemnly. “As for gold, they

-would scarcely have picked it up, had there been

-any, if there was radium to be had, for there

-is no comparison in the values of the two. With

-radium at ten thousand dollars, or so, an ounce,

-you can easily figure what a little bit would be

-worth.</p>

-

-<p>“At any rate, the expedition never even got

-to Snake Island. They started down the Colorado

-in a boat, but it was wrecked, and the party

-barely escaped alive. This so discouraged them

-that they returned, and as far as I know, no

-one since has set foot on the place where the

-radium is supposed to be. Yes, it was a sad

-piece of business.”</p>

-

-<p>“Why sad?” asked Jerry Hopkins. “Because<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>

-science missed the chance to get the

-radium?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, yes, in a way, but one of the searching

-party was lost.”</p>

-

-<p>“Drowned?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“As to that no one ever knew. He fell into

-the water when the boat was wrecked, and none

-of his friends ever saw him again. They had

-a watch kept on the river below, but the body

-was never seen. The man disappeared completely.

-He was quite a friend of mine, too, in

-a way, for we corresponded, and exchanged scientific

-books, though I only saw him a few times.

-Hartley Bentwell was his name, and he was one

-of the best authorities on radium that I ever

-heard of. I often wonder what became of him.

-He gave his life up in the interests of science.”</p>

-

-<p>“And do you really believe there is radium

-there?” asked Ned, after a pause.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, I think I do,” answered the professor

-quietly. “I had the good fortune to see the

-piece of mineral, containing some, that the prospector

-picked up years ago. There was no doubt

-but that it contained radium, for all the manifestations

-were present. And if there was one bit

-of radium on that island, there must be more.”</p>

-

-<p>“Unless it’s all evaporated by this time,” put

-in Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Radium doesn’t evaporate,” said the professor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>

-with a smile. “The smallest piece you can

-imagine, will give off what you might call ‘rays’

-or ‘sparks’ for thousands of years, and, at the

-end of that time, the most delicate scales would

-show no loss of weight. It’s the same way with

-pure musk. A grain of it has been known to

-scent, say a box, or chest of drawers, for fifty

-years, and, at the end of that time, the whole

-grain of musk was still there.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s strange,” murmured Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, that’s not nearly all the strange facts

-about radium,” went on Mr. Snodgrass. “I

-could talk to you for hours about it and not half

-finish.”</p>

-

-<p>“Tell us more about Snake Island,” suggested

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s all I know,” and the professor closed

-the book that had started the conversation. “I

-only heard what I have told you. It was because

-I was interested in Mr. Bentwell, and felt

-his loss so much that the tale impressed me. I

-often thought I would like to have a try for

-that radium myself, not because of the fortune,

-but because of the scientific value of the metal,

-or mineral, whichever you choose to call it. But

-I never seemed to get the time, and I had so

-many other things to do, gathering——”</p>

-

-<p>The professor suddenly stopped talking, and

-made a dive for a certain spot on the carpet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>

-He came down on his hands and knees, holding

-his palms together.</p>

-

-<p>“I got it!” he cried triumphantly. “Ned,

-please get my smallest insect case. It’s in my

-right hand coat pocket,” and the scientist remained

-on his knees, a look of joy on his face.</p>

-

-<p>“Did you fall?” asked Bob innocently.</p>

-

-<p>“No, indeed, I jumped,” replied the professor.

-“As I was speaking I happened to see a

-new variety of pink-winged moth fluttering on the

-carpet, and as this moth——”</p>

-

-<p>“Moths in my carpet!” cried Mrs. Slade, entering

-the room at that moment. “Oh, Professor!

-Let me kill it at once! Where is it?”</p>

-

-<p>“I have it safe,” answered Mr. Snodgrass

-with a smile. “As for killing it, I’ll do that, but

-it must be carefully done, so as not to crush it.

-Have you the box, Ned?”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, here it is,” and the lad drew out a

-small, glass-topped case from the professor’s

-pocket.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, as long as you have the moth, I suppose

-it can’t eat holes in my new carpet,” said

-Mrs. Slade. “I must put some cedar oil around,

-and kill the horrid things.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I beg of you, if you see any more to

-save them for me!” implored the professor.

-“There you are, my little pink beauty!” he exclaimed,

-as he put the moth in the case where it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>

-soon died, for the box contained cyanide of potassium,

-the fumes from which are almost instantly

-fatal to insect life. “That is worth many

-dollars to my college collection,” went on the

-scientist. “I would not have missed that for the

-world. This has been a lucky day for me. Let

-me see, what was I talking about?” and he looked

-at the boys through his powerful spectacles, while

-he absent-mindedly brushed the dust from his

-trousers.</p>

-

-<p>“It was radium, and you said you’d like to

-go to Snake Island,” suggested Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, yes, and I had told you about how my

-friend lost his life seeking the place. Indeed I

-would like to go, but I am afraid it is out of

-the question. However, I suppose some one will

-get the fortune some day,” and the professor

-carefully put the insect box in his pocket, looking

-the while, carefully over the carpet for more

-specimens.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, that surely was a queer yarn,” remarked

-Bob. “I say, Ned, what do you say if

-we have something to eat on it. I’m hungry,

-and——”</p>

-

-<p>“You don’t care who knows it!” finished

-Jerry with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s all right,” put in Ned good-naturedly,

-for the chums were almost like brothers, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>

-made themselves perfectly at home in each other’s

-houses. “I guess it must be almost lunch time.

-I’ll go see if it isn’t ready. I reckon we can all

-eat some, even Professor Snodgrass, if he can

-spare the time from his specimens.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, yes,” laughed the scientist. “I am

-ready——”</p>

-

-<p>At that moment there came an interruption

-in the shape of a small boy, very excited, and out

-of breath, who dashed up on the porch, on which

-opened the library windows of the room where

-the three chums and the professor had been

-talking.</p>

-

-<p>“Whoop!” yelled the small lad.</p>

-

-<p>“Andy Rush!” cried Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Wow!” yelled Andy, getting his second

-wind. “Come on, fellows—’sawful—dam’s

-busted—river’s got loose—houses being washed

-away—people in the water—dogs—chickens—boats—fearful—terrible

-excitement—come on—don’t

-lose a minute—the whole place may go—big

-flood—whoop—come on—don’t wait—wow!”</p>

-

-<p>For a moment the three chums gazed at the

-excited small lad. Then Jerry asked, sternly:</p>

-

-<p>“Andy, is this true, or are you joking?”</p>

-

-<p>“True? Of course it’s true! Come on—rescue—big

-damage—dam’s busted—save lives!”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Fellows, I guess we’d better go!” cried

-Jerry, and, followed by his chums, and the professor,

-he rushed from the room, Andy coming

-after, and giving vent to excited whoops at every

-other breath.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a><br />

-<small>THE SAVING OF NODDY</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“How did it happen, Andy?” asked Jerry, as

-he ran along.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, tell us more about it,” urged Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Is it the big reservoir dam that’s broken?”

-asked Ned. “If it is, there’ll be a lot of damage,

-and yet I don’t hear any great excitement,”

-and he paused a moment to listen if he could

-catch the roar of rushing waters. But there

-came no unusual sound from the direction of the

-river which bordered the town of Cresville, where

-the boys lived.</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t know—didn’t see it!” panted Andy.

-“Old Pete Bumps told me—said it was the dam—terrible—everything

-washed away—come on—wow!”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, if it was old Pete Bumps, our hired man,

-who told you, it can’t be so bad,” returned Bob

-Baker. “Pete always makes a big fuss over

-everything. Let’s take it easy, fellows.”</p>

-

-<p>“You can’t tell,” interposed Jerry. “Something

-must have happened. I see a lot of fellows<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>

-running toward the river,” and he nodded toward

-a side street, through which could be had a

-glimpse of a thoroughfare parallel to the one on

-which our friends were, both extending to the

-stream. “Come on,” finished the tall lad.

-“We’ll see what it is,” and he increased his pace,

-his companions doing likewise.</p>

-

-<p>While I have just a few moments before the

-boys reach the river, and in which time they are

-doing nothing but running, and wondering what

-has happened, I will take the opportunity to tell

-you something about the chums, and the various

-books, previous to this one, in which they have

-figured.</p>

-

-<p>The first volume of the series entitled, “The

-Motor Boys,” told how the chums got together,

-and entered a bicycle race. Later on they got

-motor-cycles, and then an automobile in which

-they had many adventures. They took a long

-trip overland, got possession of a gold mine, and

-later went to Mexico, where they were in great

-danger. But they managed to escape, and, on

-a long trip across the plains they rescued the

-hermit of Lost Lake.</p>

-

-<p>After these adventures, our heroes decided that

-motor boating would suit them, and they succeeded

-in getting a fine craft. In the volume

-named, “The Motor Boys Afloat,” is told how

-the lads cruised in the <i>Dartaway</i>, and succeeded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>

-in finding the robbers who had broken into Mr.

-Slade’s department store.</p>

-

-<p>The lads liked motor boating so well that

-they took a cruise on the Atlantic, during which

-they solved the mystery of the lighthouse, and,

-later on, they went to the strange waters of the

-Florida Everglades.</p>

-

-<p>Naturally, after their adventures on the Atlantic,

-they turned their attention to the other

-ocean, the Pacific, and there they succeeded in

-locating a lost derelict.</p>

-

-<p>By this time the science of navigating the air

-was becoming better known, and aeroplanes and

-dirigible balloons were being perfected. It

-could not be expected that such lads as the motor

-boys could be kept from this field of activity, and

-with the assistance of an old balloonist of experience,

-Rupert Glassford, Bob, Ned and Jerry

-built a motorship. In the book called “The

-Motor Boys in the Clouds,” I told how they made

-a great trip for fame and fortune, and, some time

-later they went over the Rocky Mountains, and

-solved the mystery of the air.</p>

-

-<p>Thrilling indeed were the adventures that happened

-next, for when they made their voyage

-over the ocean they succeeded in rescuing from

-mid-air a certain Mr. Jackson, who was trying

-out a new kind of balloon. He and his crew

-were rendered unconscious by escaping gas, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>

-they were brought around all right after hard

-work.</p>

-

-<p>In the next book, “The Motor Boys on the

-Wing,” I told how the three chums sought and

-found the bank robbers, and recovered the stolen

-money. They had been home from this trip

-some little time, when the incident narrated in

-the first chapter of the present volume took

-place.</p>

-

-<p>I might add that the three chums lived in the

-town of Cresville, not far from Boston. Their

-names you are already familiar with. Bob

-Baker, the fat lad, was the son of Mr. Andrew

-Baker, a well-known banker. Ned Slade’s

-father was Aaron Slade, a wealthy department

-store owner, while Jerry Hopkins was the son

-of a rich widow, Mrs. Julia Hopkins. The three

-lads were about the same age, full of fun, grit and

-the love of adventure.</p>

-

-<p>Many times, though, their fun was spoiled by

-a mean, bullying lad of the town, Noddy Nixon

-by name, and his crony, Bill Berry. But the

-motor boys generally managed to get the best of

-Noddy in the end. In this they were sometimes

-aided by Andy Rush, the excitable little chap,

-who had given the alarm about the bursting dam.

-Andy was always excited, and sometimes by the

-slightest cause.</p>

-

-<p>Professor Uriah Snodgrass was a well-known<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>

-scientist. He often went with the boys on their

-trips, and he was continually on the lookout for

-rare bugs, or other specimens. He was employed

-by a well-known college, to get various

-articles for its museum, and often the professor

-would do odd things for the sake of getting a

-choice insect or reptile. He was a great friend

-of the boys, and often visited them at their

-houses. He had spent some time with Mr.

-Slade, who was one of the trustees of the college

-to which the professor was attached, and Mr.

-Snodgrass was about to return to his duties when,

-in a talk with Ned, the conversation turned to

-radium, as I have mentioned. But now all

-thoughts of that, and of Snake Island, were forgotten

-in the alarm raised by Andy.</p>

-

-<p>“What do you think can have happened, anyhow?”

-asked Ned, as he raced along beside

-Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“I give it up; but it’s something, anyhow,”

-was the tall lad’s answer, “and that, in spite of

-the fact that you’ve usually got to discount what

-Andy says. Look at the crowd!”</p>

-

-<p>As Jerry spoke he and the others reached the

-end of the street, and came in sight of the river.

-They could see that something out of the ordinary

-was taking place, but the stream did not

-seem to be unusually high, though it had risen

-somewhat on account of heavy spring rains.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“The big dam hasn’t burst, or we’d hear the

-roar of waters,” declared Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, and we’d see ’em, too,” added Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, something busted, because Pete Bumps

-told me!” insisted Andy. “Maybe the bottom

-dropped out of the river—water may be all running

-away—ground sunk in—we’ll all fall

-through—whoop!”</p>

-

-<p>“Andy!” cried Jerry. “Stop, or you’ll

-burst! Cool down; can’t you?”</p>

-

-<p>“I can’t seem to,” answered the small lad.

-“Hey!” he cried, “there goes one house, anyhow,”

-and he pointed to a structure floating down

-the stream.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so!” agreed Bob. “It’s a boathouse,

-too. I wonder what’s up?”</p>

-

-<p>They saw a moment later. Just above where

-the street on which they were running came out

-on the river front, was a small stream that joined

-the main one. This little stream had been

-dammed up, to provide a flow of water for an

-old-fashioned iron mill that used a turbine wheel.

-Part of this mill-dam had given way because of

-the heavy rains, and the waters that were held

-back had suddenly been released, to flow into the

-river proper.</p>

-

-<p>There was quite a crowd collected on the both

-banks of the river, and employees from the mill

-were endeavoring to repair the break in the dam,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>

-by putting timbers in it, and filling in the gap

-with stones, sod and earth.</p>

-

-<p>“Say, this isn’t such an awful flood!” cried

-Jerry as he took in the scene. “I thought you

-said the whole town was being washed away,

-Andy?”</p>

-

-<p>“And you said houses were being carried

-down,” added Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, there’s one house washed away, anyhow,”

-declared the small, excitable chap, as if

-to justify himself.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so!” cried Bob, “and it’s Noddy

-Nixon’s boathouse. It’s been washed away, and

-it’s going right down the river.”</p>

-

-<p>“It didn’t take much to wash it away,” said

-Jerry. “It was built too far out in the water,

-anyhow, and the piles it stood on weren’t much

-bigger than clothes poles. I always thought it

-would wash away if the water got high, and now

-it has.”</p>

-

-<p>Noddy Nixon had recently built a new boathouse

-on a piece of land near the river. It was

-just below the mill dam, and, naturally, when

-the rush of waters came, the structure was carried

-away, for it was not securely built. It was

-now floating down the stream, careening from

-side to side in the rushing waters.</p>

-

-<p>“Somebody ought to save that boathouse!”

-cried Andy.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Let Noddy do it then,” answered Jerry.

-“It isn’t worth an awful lot, and it will be worth

-less when this flood gets through with it.”</p>

-

-<p>“Look!” suddenly exclaimed Ned. “Some

-one is in the boathouse!”</p>

-

-<p>He pointed toward it, and, at the same time

-a cry arose from the crowds on either bank.</p>

-

-<p>“Some one’s in the house!” was the shout.

-“He’ll be drowned!”</p>

-

-<p>“It’s a man!” yelled Andy.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s Noddy himself!” cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>The figure on the narrow platform in front of

-the floating boathouse could now be plainly seen.

-It was that of Noddy, as Bob had said, and the

-bully who had been endeavoring, by means of a

-long pole, to push his house toward shore, now

-threw up his hands, and cried for help.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s time he did that before,” commented

-Ned. “The current’s got him now, and he’ll

-never get that house to land.”</p>

-

-<p>“Where was he all this while?” asked Bob.

-“I didn’t notice him at first.”</p>

-

-<p>“Guess he must have been on the other side,

-out of sight,” spoke Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>Noddy was now frantically rushing up and

-down, calling at the top of his voice:</p>

-

-<p>“Help! Help!”</p>

-

-<p>“Say!” suddenly cried Ned. “The rapids!

-He’ll be down in them soon, and they’re dangerous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>

-with the water as high as it is now! That

-house will be knocked to pieces!”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so!” agreed Jerry. “Noddy ought

-to swim ashore while he has the chance. Otherwise

-he may be hurt! I forgot about the rapids.”</p>

-

-<p>The “rapids” were really not very dangerous

-at low water, but when the river rose, and dashed

-over the jagged rocks, about a mile below town,

-they formed eddies and whirlpools that were exceedingly

-risky to navigate. In fact no boats

-dare risk them with the stream at flood.</p>

-

-<p>It was toward these rapids that Noddy’s boathouse,

-torn away by the waters, was rapidly drifting.

-The crowd soon realized this and began

-shouting advice.</p>

-

-<p>“Swim ashore!”</p>

-

-<p>“Get a boat and save him!”</p>

-

-<p>“Jump off!”</p>

-

-<p>“Throw him a rope!”</p>

-

-<p>These were some of the expressions called to

-Noddy, but he paid no heed to them, continuing

-to race up and down on the platform, waving

-his hands, and yelling for help.</p>

-

-<p>“Say, something ought to be done to help

-him,” remarked Ned in a low voice.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes,” agreed Jerry. “It’s Noddy Nixon,

-and he’s been pretty mean to us, but I suppose——”</p>

-

-<p>“Our motor boat!” interrupted Bob, pointing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>

-to a fine boathouse a little distance up the

-stream. It was where the boys kept their craft,

-and was above the point where the swollen mill

-stream joined the river, and so, consequently,

-was in no danger.</p>

-

-<p>“I guess it’s up to us to save him,” said Jerry

-slowly. “Nobody else seems to have sense

-enough to do it. There aren’t any other motor

-boats near by.”</p>

-

-<p>“Where’s Noddy’s, I wonder?” asked Mr.

-Snodgrass, for he knew that the bully owned a

-power craft.</p>

-

-<p>“He had a collision with the dock the other

-day, and sprung a leak,” explained Andy Rush,

-who had cooled down somewhat. “His boat is

-laid up for repairs.”</p>

-

-<p>“Like our auto,” put in Ned, for the machine

-of our heroes was across the river, in a distant

-town, being overhauled.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, if we’re going to save Noddy Nixon,

-we’d better be getting a move on!” cried Jerry.

-“Come on, fellows!”</p>

-

-<p>He raced toward their boathouse, followed by

-his two chums, the professor and Andy Rush.

-It was the work of but a few minutes to unchain

-the motor boat, run it out into the stream, start

-the engine and steer down after the floating

-boathouse with the frantic figure racing about

-on the platform.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Hurrah!” yelled the crowd, when they saw

-our heroes start out. “The motor boys to the

-rescue! Noddy’ll be saved now, all right!”</p>

-

-<p>“Help! Help!” yelled the bully, as his boathouse

-careened dangerously, almost throwing him

-into the water.</p>

-

-<p>“The flood’s getting higher,” said Ned in a

-low voice, as he looked over the side of the boat.

-They were opposite the dam now, and in the

-grip of the rushing waters.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, there goes another slice of the dam!”

-cried Bob, as they saw a large portion of it slip

-into the water. The men on top, who had been

-endeavoring to stop the gap, had to race for shore.</p>

-

-<p>“Say, we’re going to have our work cut out

-for us saving Noddy!” cried Jerry as he held the

-wheel in a firmer grasp.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a><br />

-<small>NODDY BEGINS PLOTTING</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Ned, give me a little richer mixture!” cried

-Jerry, as the motor boat shot down the current,

-pitching and rolling in the waves caused by the

-influx of the mill stream. “I need all the power

-I can get. Cut down the air a bit, and turn on a

-little more gasolene!”</p>

-

-<p>Ned bent over the carburetor, and adjusted it,

-while Jerry watched his own steering to see that

-he did not run the boat into the many floating

-logs and boards that had been carried into the

-river by the flood.</p>

-

-<p>“Need any help?” sung out Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Not up here, but I wish you’d sit on the

-other side, Chunky,” replied the steersman, giving

-Bob the nickname that had been applied to

-him because of his stoutness. “That will trim

-the boat better, and she’ll ride easier. Professor,

-would you mind moving up nearer the stern.

-I want to get the bow as high as I can.”</p>

-

-<p>“Just a moment!” exclaimed the scientist.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>

-“I thought I saw a new kind of water spider.

-Yes, there it is! Hold the boat back a moment,

-Jerry.”</p>

-

-<p>“Can’t do it!” cried the tall lad. “This

-current is fierce!”</p>

-

-<p>The professor suddenly made a lunge over the

-side with outstretched hands, and the boat careened

-dangerously.</p>

-

-<p>“Look out!” cried Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ve got him!” answered the professor.

-“Oh, it’s a fine specimen! I never had one so

-good. Where’s my spider-box?” and with one

-hand tightly clasped, holding the water insect,

-the scientist, with the other, began searching in

-his pockets for the box to contain his prize.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ll get it for you,” volunteered Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s in my left hand coat pocket,” said the

-professor.</p>

-

-<p>The insect was soon in captivity and then, as

-the boat shot ahead under increased power, due

-to the change in the gasolene mixture, all on board

-gazed at the floating boathouse, and the unfortunate

-owner of it, who was still rushing about,

-unable to do anything to help himself.</p>

-

-<p>“Look!” cried Andy. “It’s going to flop

-over!”</p>

-

-<p>It did seem as if the structure would turn turtle,

-but a swirl in the current righted it, and

-once more it floated on a level keel, so to speak.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his

-hands at the boys in the motor boat.</p>

-

-<p>“We’re coming!” shouted Ned. “Keep

-cool!”</p>

-

-<p>“Wow! Steady! We’ll save you—don’t

-jump—it’s all right—not as bad as it might be—hold

-fast!” excitedly cried Andy Rush.</p>

-

-<p>“Keep still!” ordered Jerry. “You’ll have

-him jumping overboard next, Andy.”</p>

-

-<p>“All right,” agreed the little lad, sitting down

-on the cushions, and holding to the rail to keep

-his nerves in control.</p>

-

-<p>The motor boat was now well down the flooded

-river, and aided by the current and her engine,

-was rapidly approaching the floating boathouse.

-The latter structure was whirling about, careening

-from side to side, now on one edge of the

-stream, and now on the other.</p>

-

-<p>“It’ll soon be in the rapids,” spoke Ned in a

-low voice.</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll get there before that,” said Jerry confidently.</p>

-

-<p>“How you going to get him off?” asked Bob.

-“Run along side and have him jump, or make

-fast?”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m certainly not going to make fast to that

-house,” replied Jerry. “It would pull us over

-the rocks, I’m afraid. I guess Noddy will have

-to jump, and swim for it. Then we can pick<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>

-him up. Ned, stand ready with that life preserver,

-and see that it’s fast to the rope.”</p>

-

-<p>“Aye, aye, sir!” answered Ned, seaman fashion.</p>

-

-<p>He made ready the cork ring, with its accompanying

-line, and took his place in the bow,

-ready to cast it when Jerry should give the word

-for Noddy to jump. The lad on the boathouse

-platform was standing, and looking at the approaching

-motor craft, waving his hands frantically,

-and occasionally calling for help.</p>

-

-<p>“Why doesn’t he keep still?” spoke Jerry.

-“We’re coming as fast as we can.”</p>

-

-<p>“Better not go much nearer,” advised Ned.

-“I can hear the roar of the rapids. They’re

-just around that turn.”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m going to tell him to jump now,” said

-Jerry. “He’s a pretty good swimmer, and he

-can keep afloat until we can pick him up. Get

-ready with that ring, Ned.”</p>

-

-<p>“All ready!”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry stood up, and, bracing one knee against

-the wheel, to aid his hands in holding it steady, he

-shouted:</p>

-

-<p>“Jump, Noddy! Jump! We’ll pick you up!

-Jump!”</p>

-

-<p>“I—I’m afraid to,” whimpered the bully.</p>

-

-<p>“You’ve got to!” yelled the tall steersman

-determinedly.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“I—I——” Noddy looked as though he were

-going to slump down on his knees, but a sudden

-swirl of the current saved him the necessity of

-jumping, for he was thrown off the slanting platform

-into the water.</p>

-

-<p>“There he goes!” cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“The ring! The ring! Throw him the

-ring!” shouted Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>As Noddy went under the swirling waters,

-Ned leaped out on the bow deck of the boat,

-with the ring in his hand, watching for the reappearance

-of the bully.</p>

-

-<p>“There he is!” cried Andy Rush.</p>

-

-<p><a href="#image02">With sure aim Ned sent the life preserver toward

-Noddy.</a> It fell true, almost over his head,

-and, a moment later, he had grasped it with a

-desperation born of despair.</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 381px;">

-<a name="image02" id="image02">

-  <img src="images/image02.jpg" width="381" height="600" alt="" title="" />

-</a><br />

-<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_26">WITH SURE AIM, NED SENT THE LIFE PRESERVER

-TOWARD NODDY.</a></div>

-</div>

-

-<p>“Pull him in!” ordered Jerry, and Ned and

-Bob began hauling on the line. A few seconds

-later, half unconscious, pale, and with closed eyes,

-Noddy was pulled on board.</p>

-

-<p>“He’s dead!” cried Andy.</p>

-

-<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed Jerry, as he began

-to turn the boat toward shore. “He wasn’t in

-the water more than three minutes. He’s fainted,

-I guess.”</p>

-

-<p>“Better get him to shore as soon as possible,”

-suggested Professor Snodgrass. “He may have

-been injured.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“I’m heading for that dock over there,” remarked

-Jerry, pointing to one on the Cresville

-side of the river. “We can lay him out there,

-and give first aid to the injured, and, if he’s swallowed

-any water, we can drain it out of him.

-Keep his head low and his feet high, fellows,”

-he said to Bob and Ned, who were holding

-Noddy. The rescued lad had not opened his

-eyes.</p>

-

-<p>It was a hard fight against the powerful current

-of the flooded river to gain the dock, but Jerry

-made it, for the engine of our heroes’ craft was a

-fine one.</p>

-

-<p>“Get him out now!” cried the tall lad, as he

-made the boat fast on the lower side of the

-dock, where the swirl of the river would not

-affect it. “Use artificial respiration.”</p>

-

-<p>The motor boys knew how to do this, and in

-a little while they saw that Noddy was breathing

-more strongly. It developed later that he had

-been hit on the head by a piece of driftwood,

-rendering him partly unconscious, so that he swallowed

-more water than he would ordinarily have

-done.</p>

-

-<p>“I guess he’s coming around all right now,”

-said Ned, as he noticed a fluttering of Noddy’s

-eyelids.</p>

-

-<p>“Here comes Dr. Preston!” added Bob, as

-he saw a young man, accompanied by a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>

-throng of persons, racing toward the dock.

-“He’ll know what to do.”</p>

-

-<p>Dr. Preston, who had been summoned by some

-one of the crowd who had witnessed the rescue,

-was soon working over Noddy.</p>

-

-<p>“He’s out of danger now, though he’s not fully

-conscious yet,” said the doctor, after a few minutes.

-“It’s a wonder he had strength enough to

-hold on to the ring as you pulled him in.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, when Noddy gets hold of a thing, he

-hates to let go,” remarked Ned. “Say, fellows,”

-he added to his two chums, “a lot has happened

-since we started to talk about that radium deposit

-on Snake Island, in the Colorado canyon; hasn’t

-there?” he asked. “It seems like a week, but

-it hasn’t been half an hour.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s right,” agreed Bob. “I want to hear

-more about that radium. Let’s go back home,

-and the Professor can tell us. Noddy’s all right

-now. If we could go to Snake Island and get

-some radium——”</p>

-

-<p>“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed Jerry, nudging

-his chum.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter?” demanded the stout

-youth.</p>

-

-<p>“No use talking about that, where every one

-can hear you,” went on Jerry in a low voice.

-“Besides, Noddy is coming to, now. His eyes

-are open.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>The rescued lad was much better now, and

-was sitting up, held by the doctor, who was administering

-a stimulant.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so, I guess I had better keep quiet,”

-admitted Bob in a low voice.</p>

-

-<p>Quite a crowd had collected on the dock, and

-one man, who had a carriage, offered to take

-Noddy home. This was decided on, and soon,

-in the care of the physician, the bully was taken

-away. He had not recovered sufficiently to

-thank his rescuers, but the motor boys felt that

-the less they had to do with Noddy the better for

-them. They had done their duty, and were content

-to let it go at that.</p>

-

-<p>“Think we can go up against the current?”

-asked Ned of Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m not going to try it. The river will soon

-go down, for the water in the mill pond will all

-be out by night. We’ll just leave our boat tied

-up here. No use taking any chances on hitting

-a floating log, and stoving a hole in the <i>Dartaway</i>.

-We’ll come down and get her to-night.”</p>

-

-<p>The motor boys made their way out of the

-crowd, from the members of which came murmurs

-of praise at the plucky act of our heroes.

-Noddy’s boathouse disappeared around the bend

-of the stream, and, a little later, was pounded to

-pieces in the rapids.</p>

-

-<p>The three chums, with the professor and Andy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>

-Rush, made their way back to Ned’s house, talking

-on the way of what had happened.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it’s all over,” remarked Ned, as they

-came opposite the broken dam. “See, the pond

-is almost emptied. They can mend the break

-now. That was an exciting time while it lasted.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s right,” agreed the others.</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s get that lunch we were starting on when

-Andy interrupted us,” suggested Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Chunky, you’re hopeless!” cried Jerry.

-“You’d eat if the world was coming to an end,

-I believe.”</p>

-

-<p>“I would if I had time,” admitted the fat lad.

-“But there’s no use letting the lunch spoil; is

-there, Ned?” and he appealed to his other chum.</p>

-

-<p>“No, I guess not,” agreed the merchant’s

-son. “Come on, Andy, have a bite with us,

-but don’t you get excited or you may choke on

-a piece of custard pie.”</p>

-

-<p>“And while we’re eating maybe Professor

-Snodgrass will tell us more about the radium on

-Snake Island,” suggested Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“I think I’ve told you all that I know,” replied

-the scientist, “but you may ask me any questions

-you like,” and, shortly afterward, while still at

-the table, the little man was fairly bombarded

-with inquiries about radium, its general properties,

-and in particular about the kind that was to

-be found on Snake Island.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>Meanwhile, Noddy was taken home, and

-nursed. He was weak and ill, but this did not

-prevent him, as he lay in bed, from doing some

-hard thinking.</p>

-

-<p>“Radium; that was what those motor boys

-were talking of,” he murmured to himself, as

-he felt of the bandage on his head. “Radium on

-some place in a canyon. Canyon—canyon—Grand

-Canyon. I wonder where that is? Radium;

-I know that stuff. It’s worth millions—but

-that canyon—Oh, I know—the Grand Canyon

-of the Colorado! That’s it. Snake Island!

-That must be a place in the river. I wonder

-if I could find it?”</p>

-

-<p>Noddy dozed off for a moment. Suddenly he

-sat up in bed.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m going to do it!” he exclaimed. “There’s

-no reason why they should have it! I’ll get

-ahead of them! I’ve got as good a right to it as

-they have!”</p>

-

-<p>He was in deep thought for a minute.</p>

-

-<p>“That college professor knows about it,” he

-resumed. “And if he knows, other scientists

-know too. Radium is used in colleges for experiments.

-I’ll do it! I’ll get Bill Berry, and

-we’ll find some other college professor, and start

-after that radium ourselves. I’ll get ahead of

-the motor boys for once in my life! Radium!

-It may be worth millions!” and Noddy’s eyes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>

-gleamed as he unfolded to himself the plot he

-was hatching against our heroes.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ll start as soon as I can,” he went on. “It

-isn’t very far to that Colorado canyon. That’s

-what I’ll do. Me and Bill will get that radium.

-I guess I can find Snake Island as well as Jerry,

-Ned or Bob. They didn’t think I heard them,

-but I did. I just kept my eyes shut. Oh, I’ll

-fool ’em!”</p>

-

-<p>And, mean bully that he was, forgetting that

-the motor boys had saved his life, Noddy Nixon

-began making plans for going to Snake Island

-after the deposit of radium, which was worth

-such a fortune.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a><br />

-<small>PLANNING A FORTUNE HUNT</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Well, I feel better now,” remarked Bob

-with a sigh of satisfaction, as he pushed back

-his chair from the table.</p>

-

-<p>“You look better, too,” spoke Jerry, with a

-laugh. “You haven’t that worn and hungry appearance

-you had a while ago, and I guess the

-rest of us can have a little peace now.”</p>

-

-<p>“Peace? What do you mean?” demanded

-the stout youth indignantly.</p>

-

-<p>“I mean that you won’t continually be talking

-about something to eat.”</p>

-

-<p>“I guess you were hungry, too,” went on Bob.

-“I notice that your plate is empty.”</p>

-

-<p>“Here, you two quit scrapping,” advised Ned

-good-naturedly. “I guess we were all hungry.

-It was the excitement over rescuing Noddy that

-caused it.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s right!” chimed in Andy Rush.

-“Whoop! That was exciting all right. Let’s

-go back and see if they’ve got the busted dam

-mended—maybe there’s a lot of men drowned—maybe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>

-we can see where Noddy’s boathouse went

-to pieces in the rapids—wow—some excitement

-all right—I’m going—come on, fellows!”</p>

-

-<p>“No, we’ve got business on hand,” answered

-Ned, a bit soberly. “But don’t let us keep you,

-Andy.”</p>

-

-<p>“All right, I’m going—I like excitement—maybe

-they’ll let me help mend the dam,” and

-taking Ned’s words as a sort of gentle hint, the

-excitable little lad arose from the table and was

-soon hurrying down the street.</p>

-

-<p>“I guess they’ll keep him away from the dam

-if they know what’s good for it,” remarked

-Jerry, as he watched Andy hurrying away.

-“He might talk so much that he’d put another

-hole in it. But what business did you mean,

-Ned?” and he looked across at his chum.</p>

-

-<p>“The radium business, of course,” returned

-Ned promptly. “You fellows don’t mean to say

-you’re going to let a chance like this slip!”</p>

-

-<p>“What!” cried Bob, “do you intend to go

-after it, Ned?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I’m willing, if you and Jerry are, and

-if the professor would like to go along——”</p>

-

-<p>“Go where?” asked Uriah Snodgrass, looking

-up from a scientific book he had started to

-read as soon as the meal was over. “Where

-do you want me to go?”</p>

-

-<p>“After the radium on Snake Island,” put in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>

-Jerry. “Ned thinks we can get it, but I don’t

-know that it’s possible, after what you have told

-us about how hard it is to get down into the

-Grand Canyon.”</p>

-

-<p>“It <em>is</em> hard,” said the professor seriously. “I

-haven’t in the least made up my mind to go on

-the expedition, but whoever does go, ought not to

-risk going in a boat, as the other scientists did.

-It is almost certain death. I really don’t know

-how one could make the descent into the canyon.

-The island, as I understand it, is in the middle

-of the river, near a place where there are dangerous

-rapids and whirlpools. The cliffs on either

-bank of the stream are impossible to scale.</p>

-

-<p>“Of course at certain points it is possible to

-make a descent into that great canyon. I remember

-reading an article on it and it stated that there

-were several trails that could be used, Bright Angel

-Trail is one, and then there are Bass’s, Boucher’s,

-Berry’s and the Red Canyon Trail. Berry’s is

-near Grand View, as it’s called, and Snake Island

-lies somewhere between that point and Bright

-Angel Trail. Oh, a boat is out of the question,

-I think.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then what’s the matter with our airship?”

-asked Ned quickly.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s it!” cried Bob eagerly. “Why

-didn’t we think of that before? We’ll go in the

-airship, fellows, and get that radium! It will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>

-be just the thing! Here it is almost vacation

-time, school will close in a couple of weeks, and

-that will be our summer outing—to go after the

-radium fortune in our airship.”</p>

-

-<p>“You forget that the airship is in Denver,”

-put in Jerry. “You know we loaned it to Mr.

-Glassford to give an exhibition at the international

-aero meet, and in his last letter he said he has

-won several prizes with it.”</p>

-

-<p>“But the meet is over; isn’t it?” asked Ned,

-who seemed unusually excited over the prospective

-trip.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, and I suppose Mr. Glassford will soon

-be sending our motorship back,” admitted Jerry.

-“But——”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, don’t go to finding a lot of objections,”

-broke in Bob. “What’s the matter with leaving

-the airship out in Denver?”</p>

-

-<p>“And walk out there to use it?” inquired the

-tall lad sarcastically.</p>

-

-<p>“No, motor out there. Our auto will soon be

-out of the repair shop, and we could have a fine

-time going West in it. Say, things couldn’t happen

-better; could they, Professor?” and Bob began

-pacing up and down the room.</p>

-

-<p>“What has happened?” asked the scientist

-suddenly, for he had again become absorbed in

-his book, and had paid no attention to the talk

-of the boys. “Is anything the matter?”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“We’re still talking radium,” explained Ned.

-“Trying to get Jerry enthused enough to go to

-Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I’ll go if the rest of you do,” agreed the

-widow’s son. “Only it doesn’t sound feasible.

-Our airship isn’t at hand, the motor is laid up

-for repairs, and——”</p>

-

-<p>“But we have the motor boat,” broke in Ned.

-“We can use that.”</p>

-

-<p>“On dry land!” laughed Jerry. “Say, you

-fellows have great ideas—great!”</p>

-

-<p>“Give us some of yours then,” suggested Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, my notion is——”</p>

-

-<p>“I’ve got it! I’ve got it!” fairly yelled Professor

-Snodgrass, leaping from his chair, and

-holding the book above his head. “I’ve got it!”</p>

-

-<p>“What is it this time?” asked Jerry. “A

-pink-eyed toad or a blue-nosed grasshopper?”

-for the scientist was continually on the lookout

-for strange and rare insects or reptiles.</p>

-

-<p>“Neither one,” answered Mr. Snodgrass,

-“but I have just found, in this book, an article

-telling about a strange double-tailed toad, very

-rare, which is said to be a native of New Mexico.

-It is a species of the horned toad, but very different.

-For years I have been investigating, trying

-to get on the trail of this sort of toad, and now,

-most unexpectedly, I come upon a clew. Boys,

-this has indeed been a fortunate day for me. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>

-shall start right away for New Mexico. I must

-telegraph the college president at once that I can

-get a most valuable specimen to add to our collection.

-Oh, this is indeed fortunate!”</p>

-

-<p>The professor was rapidly making notes from

-the article in the book. The boys looked at one

-another. Then Ned spoke.</p>

-

-<p>“Fellows,” he said, “this just fits in. New

-Mexico is on the way to the Grand Canyon—or

-at least it won’t be much out of our way to go

-there. We can have a try for the radium fortune

-and at the same time the professor can look

-for his tailless toad. How about it?”</p>

-

-<p>“Two-tailed toad! Two-tailed!” cried the

-little scientist. “Don’t make that mistake, Ned.

-But I think that will be a good plan. I was undecided

-about it before, but, since you are going,

-I will go with you, and I’ll do all I can to help

-you get to Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“And we’ll help hunt the two-tailed toad,”

-added Bob. “Now, how about you, Jerry?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I’m game. I’ll go along, but we’ve got

-to straighten out about our auto and motorship.

-First we’ll write to Mr. Glassford, asking him to

-hold the <i>Comet</i> in Denver for us. Then we must

-hurry the repairs on the auto.”</p>

-

-<p>Mr. Glassford, as my old readers probably remember,

-was the man who first helped our heroes

-to construct their motorship. He had recently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>

-borrowed their latest and largest craft for exhibition

-purposes.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, get busy,” advised Ned. “Here is

-some paper. Take my fountain pen and write

-some letters. It’s decided then; we’ll have a try

-for the radium, and we’ve got to get a move on

-to get ready.”</p>

-

-<p>“Here comes the postman,” spoke Bob. “I’ll

-get the mail, Ned.”</p>

-

-<p>The stout lad came back with several letters.

-One was for Ned Slade. He quickly tore it open,

-and, as he read it he gave a startled cry.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter—bad news?” asked

-Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Sort of that way,” replied his chum. “This

-letter is from the man who was repairing our

-auto. He says he discovered a flaw in the back

-axle, and, in order to have a new one properly

-fitted in he sent the car to Pittsburg, where there

-is a firm that makes a specialty of such things.

-Our auto is in Pittsburg!”</p>

-

-<p>“Then it’s all up with using it on the trip

-west!” exclaimed Jerry. “We’ll have to go by

-train I guess.”</p>

-

-<p>“No we won’t!” cried Bob eagerly. “Fellows,

-I’ve got a plan.”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a><br />

-<small>NODDY’S PLOT DEVELOPS</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>There was a moment of silence following

-Bob’s announcement. Then Jerry remarked:</p>

-

-<p>“Well, go ahead, Chunky, and let’s see what

-you’ve got up your sleeve. Are you going to suggest

-a wireless airship ride, or a motorless

-auto?”</p>

-

-<p>“Neither one,” said Bob. “But I was going

-to say I didn’t see why we couldn’t go in our motor

-boat as far as Pittsburg, pick up the auto

-there, when it’s finished, go on in that to Denver,

-get the airship and then keep on to Snake Island.

-I think——”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, that’s all to the ice cream!” burst out

-Ned. “Bob, you have got a head on your

-shoulders after all. That’s a fine idea, I think.”</p>

-

-<p>“So do I,” agreed Jerry. “But can we go all

-the way to Pittsburg by water?”</p>

-

-<p>“Sure,” declared Bob. “Where’s a map?

-Ned, hunt up a geography.” One was soon found

-and then the boys, bending over it, saw that by

-using the river that flowed past their town for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>

-number of miles, getting into a little lake, and

-thence into another river, they could, by means

-of a small canal get into a small river flowing into

-the Alleghany.</p>

-

-<p>“We’d have to have the boat carted about five

-miles, but all the rest of the way we can go by

-water,” explained Bob. “As soon as we hit the

-Alleghany we’ll be all right. What do you say,

-Professor?”</p>

-

-<p>“Anything you boys decide on will suit me,”

-answered the scientist, who was still busy making

-notes. “I want to get that two-tailed toad, and

-I’ll do anything in reason to secure a specimen.

-It strikes me that Bob’s plan is a good one.”</p>

-

-<p>“It won’t be monotonous, at any rate,” commented

-Ned. “A motor boat, an auto and an

-aeroplane and dirigible balloon combined, ought

-to furnish a variety of travel that would suit almost

-any one. I think it’s just the cheese, myself.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “I’ll write

-to Mr. Glassford, and the auto firm right away,

-and we can mail the letters on our way home,

-Bob. I’ve got to be going soon. I told mother

-I’d go calling with her this afternoon, but I’ve

-been here nearly all day.”</p>

-

-<p>The letters were soon written, and then Jerry

-and Bob taking leave of Ned, started for their

-homes. Professor Snodgrass also sent word of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>

-the prospective trip to the college authorities by

-whom he was engaged. The scientist arranged to

-stay at Ned’s house until the time of starting.</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s go have a look at the broken dam,”

-proposed Bob when Jerry had dropped the letters

-in the box. Accordingly they went a short

-distance out of their way, down to the river.

-The excitement of the morning had passed, and

-there was only a small crowd watching the mill

-men at work. The waters had now subsided, but

-it would be some time before the dam would be

-in shape to again hold back the stream, and provide

-power for the turbine.</p>

-

-<p>“It was a hot time while it lasted,” remarked

-Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“It sure was,” agreed his chum. “I wonder

-how Noddy is getting on?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, all right, I guess. He’s so tough it takes

-a good deal to hurt him. I suppose we’ll hear

-from his folks.”</p>

-

-<p>The motor boys did, a few days later, Mr.

-Nixon sending Bob, Ned and Jerry a formal note

-of thanks for what they had done for his son.

-Noddy was getting on all right, his father said,

-and would soon be out of bed. From Noddy

-himself no word came.</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t wish him any bad luck,” spoke Ned,

-“but I hope he stays in bed a couple of weeks.”</p>

-

-<p>“Why?” asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“So he won’t have a chance to interfere with

-us. I’d like to get started on our radium trip before

-he’s up and nosing around.”</p>

-

-<p>“Why, he doesn’t even know we’re thinking of

-it,” put in Bob. “How can he interfere?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, somehow or other, he has always, more

-or less, made trouble for us whenever we go off

-on trips,” went on Ned. “I don’t know how it is,

-but it generally happens. Maybe this will be an

-exception.”</p>

-

-<p>“How soon before we can start?” asked

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Not for a couple of weeks,” replied Jerry.

-“School closes a week from to-day, and then it

-will take us a week to get ready after that. We

-haven’t much time now, on account of examinations.

-I’ve got to do some hard studying to

-pass.”</p>

-

-<p>“So have I,” admitted Bob. “Well, then,

-we’ll say in a couple of weeks. Maybe Noddy

-won’t be around by then, and we’ll be all right.

-Did you hear from Mr. Glassford, Jerry?”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, and he says he’ll have the <i>Comet</i> all

-ready for us. He won’t be there himself, as he

-has to come east, but he’s paid a man to take

-charge of the motorship for us. The auto will

-be ready in two weeks, also, for I had a letter

-from the factory where they’re repairing it. I

-wrote to ’em to make a few changes in it, to bring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>

-it up to date. Our motor boat, the <i>Dartaway</i>,

-needs a little overhauling, and then that will be in

-shape.”</p>

-

-<p>Following the smashing of the original <i>Dartaway</i>

-in the freight wreck, the boys had bought a

-much larger and finer craft, with a cabin, and had

-named it after their first boat.</p>

-

-<p>Their auto I have described in previous books.

-It was a large touring car, with plenty of room

-for the passengers and also compartments where

-food and supplies could be carried, and also a

-small tent with folding cots, so that in case they

-desired they could camp out wherever night overtook

-them. Recently a closed body had been put

-on the car, so that it was very comfortable to

-travel in, even during a storm.</p>

-

-<p>The motorship <i>Comet</i> I have also described in

-other books, so I will only mention it briefly here.

-It was a combination of an aeroplane and dirigible

-balloon, and could be used as either or both.</p>

-

-<p>The gas used in the bag was manufactured on

-board, as needed, and there was a comfortable

-cabin, sleeping berths and an engine room, fairly

-filled with motors, dynamos, air pumps, a gas

-generator and many other mechanical contrivances.

-The motorship could be kept aloft a

-number of days, and plenty of food and supplies

-could be carried, in addition to several passengers.

-It was an ideal craft of the air.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>In the days that followed the motor boys were

-kept busy. When they were not “boning” away

-over their lessons they were getting the <i>Dartaway</i>

-in readiness for the trip. Professor Snodgrass

-remained as the guest of Mr. Slade, and the

-scientist spent most of his time wandering about

-the woods and fields looking for rare bugs.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m just as anxious to start as you boys are,”

-he said to them one day, when he had paid a

-visit to the dock where the boat was tied up, and

-where Bob, Ned and Jerry were cleaning the engine,

-and overhauling the mechanism.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it won’t be long now,” remarked

-Jerry. “To-morrow ends school, and then—for

-the best vacation we ever had!”</p>

-

-<p>“And the radium fortune!” added Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed the tall lad.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter? Did you see Noddy

-Nixon?”</p>

-

-<p>“No, but there’s his crony, Bill Berry, in that

-boat,” and Jerry nodded toward a rowing craft

-which a shabbily dressed man was propelling up

-stream. “He’s pretending to be fishing,” went

-on Jerry in a low voice, “but I believe he’s just

-spying around here to see what we’re up to.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so,” admitted Bob. “I must keep

-quiet. But I’m glad it wasn’t Noddy. I guess

-he isn’t out of bed yet,” and the boys kept on with

-their work, the professor strolling off to see if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>

-he could get any specimens, while Bill Berry

-rowed around a bend of the river, and so out of

-sight.</p>

-

-<p>But Bob was mistaken about Noddy not being

-out of bed. That bully had gotten up for the

-first time that day, and, even while our heroes

-were talking of him, he was sitting in the parlor

-of his father’s house, trying to evolve in his mind

-a plan for learning more about the radium, said

-to be located on Snake Island.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ll need some one to help me,” mused

-Noddy. “I can take Bill Berry, of course, but

-I need some scientific fellow who will know radium

-when he sees it, for I don’t, and Bill certainly

-couldn’t tell it from a lump of coal. I

-wonder what I can do?”</p>

-

-<p>At that moment the door bell rang, and, as the

-servant happened to be out, Noddy answered it.

-He saw, standing on the steps, a tall, lank man,

-whom the word “sleek” seemed to describe better

-than any other. The caller wore a long black

-coat, a flowing black tie, and had a tall hat, while

-he carried a small valise in his hand.</p>

-

-<p>“Ah, good afternoon,” began the stranger,

-smiling at Noddy. “I believe I am speaking to

-the owner of the house?”</p>

-

-<p>“No, my father owns it,” replied Noddy, not

-a little proud of being taken for the head of the

-home. “But I can do any business, I guess. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>

-often help my father. His name is Nixon—I’m

-Noddy Nixon.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, yes, I have heard of you. Your father

-is known to me by reputation, and I have called

-to see him, as I have in the case of a number of

-the most prominent men in town. But I fear I

-will have to see Mr. Nixon personally.”</p>

-

-<p>“Won’t I do?” asked Noddy. “I know a lot

-about my father’s affairs.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I’ll tell you, and you can judge for

-yourself,” went on the man, as he entered the

-parlor and sat down. “I am Dr. Kirk Belgrade,

-head of the Mortaby Scientific School, a very

-important institution of learning. I am traveling

-about, seeking to enlarge the scope of our work,

-and, naturally I came to Mr. Nixon. I understand

-that he was one of the endowers of a number

-of colleges, and I thought perhaps he would

-give us a contribution. We confer degrees on

-those who aid us financially, and there are a number

-of scholarships available. Perhaps you yourself

-might be interested in taking up a new line

-of study.”</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t know,” replied Noddy. “I go to a

-boarding school now, but it isn’t very good. I

-might change. Where is your school?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well—er—that is—well, to be frank we

-have no fixed place or headquarters,” said Dr.

-Belgrade. “The Mortaby Scientific School is a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>

-sort of correspondence institution. Our pupils

-are located all over the world, and they get their

-lessons by mail, and also recite by mail. There

-is a good profit in it, and I’m sure if your father

-invested he would get a large return for his

-money. Some of the other prominent men in

-town have given me encouragement.”</p>

-

-<p>“Did you go to Mr. Slade, or Mr. Baker—or

-to Mrs. Hopkins—she’s a rich widow?” asked

-Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“I did call on Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker, but

-I regret to say that they—er—they turned me

-down,” replied the educator with an oily smile.

-“They said they did not believe in my methods.

-But I assure you that they are most up to date.

-I will call on Mrs. Hopkins, at your suggestion,

-however.”</p>

-

-<p>“Better not,” advised Noddy with a grin.

-“She and the Slades and Bakers are all alike.

-They don’t want anything new. I know ’em.

-But maybe my father would invest. He’ll soon

-be home, and you can wait if you like.”</p>

-

-<p>“Very well, I will. I’ll show you some of our

-literature. I am one of the principal instructors.

-In fact I may say that I am the whole school, for

-all the other instructors come to me for advice.

-Just to show you how up to date we are, I will

-mention that we have a small laboratory——”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, say,” interrupted Noddy eagerly. “Do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>

-you happen to know anything about radium?”</p>

-

-<p>“Radium?” replied the visitor. “Of course

-I do—a great deal. Why, to show you how advanced

-my college course is, let me say that we

-have a small quantity of radium for experimental

-purposes.”</p>

-

-<p>“You have!” exclaimed the bully, with increased

-eagerness. “The real article?”</p>

-

-<p>“Radium, I do assure you, the genuine article,”

-said Dr. Belgrade. “I do not care to

-state just how I came into possession of it, but it

-is in our laboratory.”</p>

-

-<p>“But I thought you said you had no school

-building,” said Noddy, suspiciously.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, the laboratory is in my house, next to

-the bath room,” explained the instructor. “It

-is not a very large laboratory, but I hope to extend

-it soon. I need money, and I hope——”</p>

-

-<p>“Radium!” interrupted Noddy. “Radium is

-worth money; isn’t it?”</p>

-

-<p>“I should say it was, Mr. Nixon.”</p>

-

-<p>“Would you like to know where to get some?”</p>

-

-<p>“Would I? I would give up my present plans,

-turn my students over to an assistant, and travel

-a long way if I knew where to find some. Why

-do you ask?” and the man looked eagerly at

-Noddy.</p>

-

-<p>“Do you know radium when you see it?”

-asked the bully.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Indeed I do. I have made a special study of

-it, and I can detect it in any form. I am not

-boasting when I say that there are few who are

-any better informed about radium than I am.

-But what do you mean? Is it possible that you

-have some radium?”</p>

-

-<p>“I haven’t it,” said Noddy in a low voice,

-“but I know where there is some. I’m glad you

-happened to call. I’ll tell you all about it, and

-maybe we can go together.” Noddy got up and

-closed the parlor door, shutting himself in the

-room with the sleek educator. Next he quickly

-unfolded to him the plot he had formed, after

-having overheard what our heroes had said about

-Snake Island.</p>

-

-<p>“Is it possible!” gasped Dr. Belgrade, when

-Noddy had finished. “Is it possible!”</p>

-

-<p>“It must be, or those fellows wouldn’t plan to

-go after it,” replied Noddy. “But I’m going to

-get ahead of them, if you’ll help me. Will you?”</p>

-

-<p>“Will I? Well, I guess I will! Now let’s

-make some plans. With your father to finance

-our expedition, we may all become millionaires!”

-and the head of the correspondence college

-rubbed his hands together and smiled at Noddy

-encouragingly.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a><br />

-<small>OFF FOR PITTSBURG</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“So we start to-morrow,” observed Professor

-Snodgrass one evening, when the three chums

-were gathered about a table in the library of

-Ned’s home. “It seems like a month ago that

-we decided to make the trip.”</p>

-

-<p>“And yet it was only about two weeks,” returned

-Jerry. “We have had a lot to do in the

-meanwhile, though.”</p>

-

-<p>“But everything is in good shape,” remarked

-Bob. “We’ve got enough grub aboard to last

-until we get to Pittsburg, I think.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, of course!” laughed Jerry. “You can

-trust Bob to look out for the ‘eats’ every time.

-I think we’ll make him the permanent commissary

-general.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I notice you always come around when

-the dinner bell rings,” remarked the fat lad significantly.</p>

-

-<p>“He’s got us there,” admitted Ned. “But

-it’s a good thing Bob does look after the food, for

-we’re always sure to have enough. Now let’s

-see where we’re at. Hand me that list, Bob, and

-we’ll check things off. If we’re going to start to-morrow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>

-we will have to get any last things we

-need to-night.”</p>

-

-<p>The three chums went over the list together,

-the professor poring deeply into a scientific book,

-making occasional notes, and at times thinking of

-the two-tailed toad he hoped to get as a result of

-the trip.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, so far Noddy hasn’t bothered us any,”

-remarked Ned, when they had completed the

-checking of the list, and found that everything

-needed was on the boat, or in readiness to stow

-away.</p>

-

-<p>“He’s out and around,” remarked Jerry. “I

-saw him down the street this afternoon.”</p>

-

-<p>“You did! And did he speak to you?” asked

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Just sort of nodded and thanked me for the

-way we fellows pulled him out of the water. He

-wasn’t very enthusiastic over it, though, and he

-looked rather thin and pale, I thought.”</p>

-

-<p>“Maybe he was hurt worse than we imagined,”

-suggested Bob. “Well, if he doesn’t make any

-trouble for us, I’ll be satisfied. But I guess it’s

-time I went home. I want to get plenty of sleep,

-for I’m going to get up early.”</p>

-

-<p>“Same here,” said Jerry. “I guess everything

-is in shape. We’ll meet at my house, as

-that’s nearest the river, and then we’ll get started

-as early as we can.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“It’s all settled then; is it?” asked Professor

-Snodgrass.</p>

-

-<p>“Everything,” replied Ned. “We’ll go by

-motor boat to Pittsburg, get our auto there, and

-ride across to Denver, and from there make the

-rest of the trip by airship. I guess that’s the best

-way to get down into the Grand Canyon.”</p>

-

-<p>“It’s really the only way,” said Mr. Snodgrass.

-“Boats are almost out of the question, and

-to follow the trails down the sides of the big

-chasm wouldn’t help us much, for Snake Island is

-far off from any of the places by which you can

-get down to the river’s edge. But with an airship

-we can descend as well as if we were in an elevator.

-Yes, I think you boys have made the best

-possible plan.”</p>

-

-<p>Bob and Jerry left Ned’s house soon after this,

-and, on the way to their homes they went past the

-Nixon residence. Bob, looking up, exclaimed:</p>

-

-<p>“Noddy’s sitting up late to-night. There’s a

-light in his room.”</p>

-

-<p>“So I see,” replied Jerry. “Well, if he stays

-up late he’ll sleep late, and we’ll get off before he

-knows it.”</p>

-

-<p>“Why, are you worried about him?” asked

-the stout lad.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, I don’t mind telling you that I am.”</p>

-

-<p>“Why?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, because I’ve seen Bill Berry hanging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>

-around lately. You know how thick he and

-Noddy are, and I shouldn’t be a bit surprised

-but what Bill was trying to find out where we are

-headed for this time.”</p>

-

-<p>“Why would he do that?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, just so he and Noddy could make trouble

-for us. It wouldn’t be the first time they

-have camped on our trail.”</p>

-

-<p>“No, that’s right. But I guess we’ll fool ’em

-this time.”</p>

-

-<p>But if Bob and Jerry could have looked into

-Noddy’s room at that minute, they would have

-been made aware that they had plenty of cause

-for suspicion.</p>

-

-<p>For, as our two heroes passed on to their

-homes, glancing back momentarily at the light in

-Noddy’s window, that bully was in close conversation

-with a certain sleek individual, who, for

-the present, chose to masquerade under the name

-of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.</p>

-

-<p>“Do you think you can find out when they go,

-and where they are headed for—I mean exactly?”

-asked the correspondence school man.</p>

-

-<p>“Sure I can,” declared Noddy. “I’ve had

-Bill Berry on the watch for the past week.

-They’re going to start in their motor boat to-morrow

-morning.”</p>

-

-<p>“To where?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, that I don’t know exactly. I’ve tried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>

-to find out but I can’t. Bill sort of fell down

-on that job. But I’ll get wind of it somehow.

-I know where their auto was sent to be

-fixed, and the man there knows my father. He’ll

-tell me where they are headed for, I’m sure.

-But even if we don’t find out, we can go West on

-our own hook, and locate Snake Island. The

-rest will be easy, and we’ll get that radium before

-they do.”</p>

-

-<p>“I hope so,” spoke the educator. “I certainly

-need the money, and I have given up everything

-for this chance. The Mortaby Scientific

-School will have to get along without me for a

-time, but when I come back, with a fortune, I

-will build a real college.”</p>

-

-<p>“First we’ve got to get the radium, and beat

-the motor boys!” exclaimed Noddy, as he

-grinned in anticipation of the trick he expected

-to play.</p>

-

-<p>“You don’t like them, then?”</p>

-

-<p>“I hate ’em all!” snarled the bully, “even if

-they did pull me from the river. If they hadn’t,

-someone else would.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I hope we can soon start West,” went

-on the sleek individual. “When will your father

-give me some money?”</p>

-

-<p>“To-morrow or the next day,” replied Noddy.

-“He is willing that I should undertake the trip.

-I told him I needed it for my health.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>Then the two talked over the details of their

-plot, sitting up until late in the night, while our

-heroes peacefully slumbered, and dreamed of

-strange adventures on Snake Island in the Grand

-Canyon of the Colorado.</p>

-

-<p>Bright and early the next morning Bob and

-Ned, with the professor, assembled at Jerry’s

-house. The last preparations had been made,

-good-byes had been said, and the motor boat

-looked over for the last time. She was pulling

-uneasily at the mooring lines, which held her fast

-to the dock, for there had been a heavy rain, and

-the river was much swollen. It was as if the

-boat was anxious for the boys to come aboard.</p>

-

-<p>“All ready?” asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“All ready,” replied Ned, and then, waving

-good-byes to Mrs. Hopkins, they started for the

-pier. It did not take them long to put their

-handbags aboard, and, once the professor was

-comfortably settled aft, in the open cockpit, he

-began scanning the water for rare insects.</p>

-

-<p>“All aboard!” cried Jerry, as he took his

-place at the wheel.</p>

-

-<p>“All aboard,” answered Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Then let her go,” ordered the steersman, and

-Ned turned over the fly wheel to start the motor.</p>

-

-<p>There was a cheer from the little crowd that

-had gathered on the dock to see our heroes start.

-Andy Rush was among them.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“That’s the stuff!” cried the excitable little

-chap. “Off you go—wish I was along—never

-say die—blow up the boiler—whoop—off for

-Pittsburg!”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, I wonder if he ever will calm down?”

-remarked Bob, helplessly.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m afraid not,” commented Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“I wish he hadn’t said that last,” said Jerry

-in a serious tone.</p>

-

-<p>“Why not?” asked Ned, as the <i>Dartaway</i>

-swung out from the dock.</p>

-

-<p>“Because I’d just as leave everyone wouldn’t

-know where we are going. It might get to the

-ears of——”</p>

-

-<p>“Look!” cried Bob in a low, tense voice.</p>

-

-<p>“What is it?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“There’s Bill Berry, and Noddy Nixon is with

-him,” went on the stout lad, pointing across the

-water, to where, a short distance away, there

-floated a rowboat, containing the two enemies of

-the motor boys.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a><br />

-<small>IN DANGER</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>Jerry, Ned and Bob were gazing straight into

-the faces of Bill Berry and Noddy Nixon. The

-two cronies, in turn, returned the stare, and to

-our friends it seemed as if there was an insolent

-look on Noddy’s face—a sort of half smile of

-triumph, as if he had divined their plans, and was

-going to try to frustrate them.</p>

-

-<p>“Mind your wheel!” suddenly called Ned

-sharply to the tall steersman. “There’s a rock

-just ahead of you, Jerry!”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so, I forgot about that,” and Jerry

-twisted the rudder about so that the <i>Dartaway</i>

-swung toward the middle of the stream, missing

-the rock by a narrow margin.</p>

-

-<p>“Too close for comfort,” murmured Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s right,” agreed Jerry. “I don’t know

-why I should have stared so at Noddy.”</p>

-

-<p>“It looks as if he and Bill came out on purpose

-to see us off,” commented Ned, as the motor

-boat rapidly opened up a gap between herself and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>

-the rowing craft. “I wonder if he heard what

-Andy said about Pittsburg?”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m afraid so,” said the tall lad. “Sounds

-carry very clearly over the water, you know, and

-Andy has rather a loud voice. Well, it can’t be

-helped, and I suppose the only thing for us to

-do is to be on our guard.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s all,” agreed Ned, and by this time

-they had gone around a bend, losing sight of the

-rowboat, and the dock from which they had

-started. The last glimpse they had of Andy

-Rush was when that excitable chap was dancing

-up and down, waving his hands to them, and

-doubtless letting off all sorts of explosive expressions.</p>

-

-<p>Professor Snodgrass, during this episode, had

-taken no part in the conversation, remaining

-quietly in his place, scanning the water for a

-glimpse of some rare aquatic insect. At times

-he would dip into the river a small net he carried,

-and, bringing it up filled with mosquito

-wrigglers, or other forms of life, he would

-gravely examine his catch through a magnifying

-glass.</p>

-

-<p>“Ah, here is a rare one!” he would occasionally

-cry. “A triple-jointed worm. But I don’t

-understand how it got into the water, as it is a

-form of land life. This is very puzzling. I

-must make notes on this. Perhaps the worm,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>

-having lived on land all its life, is going to become

-aquatic in his habits, as the whale did centuries

-ago. It is very strange.”</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s see the worm, Professor?” requested

-Ned, when he had adjusted the motor to work

-smoothly, and while Jerry was steering in and out

-to avoid floating logs.</p>

-

-<p>“There it is,” said the scientist, lifting the

-specimen out of one of the glass-topped boxes.

-“A beautiful creature! Most perfect! And

-yet I cannot account for it being in the water.

-I shall devote a good deal of space in my new

-book to this find. Perhaps I am the first to discover

-it, and, if so, I shall be made an honorary

-member of the Society for Advanced Scientific

-Research. A most beautiful and perfect specimen!”</p>

-

-<p>“Why, it’s an angle worm—a fish worm!”

-cried Bob, as he caught sight of the wriggling

-creature. “A common, ordinary angle worm!”</p>

-

-<p>“Of course it is,” agreed the professor. “I

-know that. It is, as you say, an angle worm—<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">angulus

-vermis</i> it might be called or even <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">vermis

-lophius piscatorius</i>. The first Latin words being

-merely indicative of angle and worm, while the

-latter, which I prefer, indicates the curious fish

-known as the angler, and which is said to catch

-other fish by angling for them with some attachment

-to its head, which resembles a baited hook.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>

-Of course it’s an angle worm, Bob, but the funny

-part of it is how did it get in the water?”</p>

-

-<p>“Easily enough,” spoke Ned. “The river is

-much higher than usual, and I suppose it has overflowed

-some bank, and washed the poor worms

-out. I’m afraid, Professor, that you can’t claim

-to be the discoverer of a new kind of worm.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh pshaw! I guess you’re right!” exclaimed

-Uriah Snodgrass in disappointed tones.

-“That accounts for it. Well, I don’t want the

-specimen then,” and he tossed it back into the

-water. There was a little swirl, amid the muddy

-waves, and something grabbed the floating worm.</p>

-

-<p>“Fish!” cried Bob. “There are lots of fish

-around here, fellows. I’m going to catch some

-for dinner.”</p>

-

-<p>“There he goes again!” cried Ned with a

-laugh. “We’ve just had breakfast, and yet he’s

-thinking of the next meal. Oh, Bob! You’re

-hopeless.”</p>

-

-<p>“All right, you don’t have to eat the fish,” retorted

-the stout lad, as he got out his line and

-some bait he had thought to bring along. “I’ll

-catch ’em, and Jerry and I and the professor will

-eat ’em. You can live on canned sardines.”</p>

-

-<p>“You won’t catch any with the water as high

-and as muddy as it is to-day,” predicted Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Just you watch,” was all Bob replied.</p>

-

-<p>He cast in, as Jerry steered the boat, the tall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>

-lad having to give his whole attention to it, for

-the stream was filled with floating débris that had

-been carried down by the rising water, and it

-required skill to avoid collisions. But Jerry

-knew his business, and rarely did a log scrape the

-<i>Dartaway</i> ever so gently.</p>

-

-<p>Bob went out on the little after-deck to fish,

-while the professor also took his place there to

-look for more valuable specimens than angle

-worms. Ned busied himself about the engine,

-and got out some packages of food, and the

-dishes that would be needed for the mid-day

-meal.</p>

-

-<p>Bob did have pretty good luck fishing, and,

-when noon came, he had a number of good-sized

-specimens. In order that Jerry could enjoy his

-meal without having to eat with one hand and

-steer with the other, the boat was tied up in a

-little cove and there Bob proceeded to get dinner

-on the gasolene stove that was in a small

-galley off the main cabin.</p>

-

-<p>“Um! But this is good!” murmured the

-stout lad with his mouth fairly well filled.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s a bad habit for cooks to praise their

-own broth,” remarked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, isn’t it good?” demanded Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Of course it is,” put in Jerry. “It’s a good

-meal, Chunky, and Ned is only jealous. Don’t

-mind him.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“I don’t intend to,” declared the stout lad,

-helping himself to more fish.</p>

-

-<p>They started off again after dinner, and making

-good speed, aided by the current of the river,

-they found themselves that night on a small lake

-into which the stream emptied. They tied up

-near shore, and, the collapsible bunks being let

-down, they retired, after sitting up for a while,

-talking over the events of the day.</p>

-

-<p>“This sure is sport,” declared Ned, as he

-pulled the blankets over him, for, while the day

-was warm it was cool at night on the water.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s the right way to spend a vacation,”

-agreed Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“And when we get in the auto, and the airship,

-we’ll have more fun yet,” predicted Jerry.

-“I’m anxious to get to Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“I hope that place doesn’t get its name from

-the fact that it’s filled with snakes,” commented

-Ned, in sleepy tones. “I hate the things.”</p>

-

-<p>“I hope there are a lot of the reptiles,” spoke

-the professor. “I may be able to get a few specimens.

-And I certainly do want to get that two-tailed

-toad.”</p>

-

-<p>“And I want some radium,” added Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>The next day’s trip was without incident, and

-by night they had crossed the lake to its outlet,

-down which they expected to proceed for about

-a hundred miles.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>The first part of this trip was delightful, but

-on the third day it rained hard, and they had to

-stay cooped up in the cabin, which was not much

-fun. But the storm could not last forever, and

-the sun finally came out, to the satisfaction of

-all.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we’ll soon have to take a little land

-journey,” remarked Ned, at the close of the fifth

-day of their trip.</p>

-

-<p>“How’s that?” asked the professor. “Are

-you going to desert the boat?”</p>

-

-<p>“No,” spoke Bob, “but by to-morrow noon

-we’ll come to the end of water travel, for a short

-space. That is, we’ll need to have the boat

-hauled over land to the canal that connects with

-the river by which we will get on the Alleghany.

-I wrote to a man who is going to move the boat,

-and he promised to be on hand with a big truck,

-and some helpers. We’ll run the <i>Dartaway</i> up

-on the truck, drive over to the canal, and float

-her again. Then it will be smooth sailing to

-Pittsburg.”</p>

-

-<p>“And we haven’t seen a sign of Noddy

-Nixon,” remarked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“I hope we don’t—the whole trip,” spoke

-Jerry earnestly.</p>

-

-<p>It was a little before noon when they had gone

-as far as was practical up the stream on which

-they were then motoring.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“The dock where the truck is to meet us must

-be around here somewhere,” said Ned, who was

-steering.</p>

-

-<p>“There’s a man just ahead, who seems to be

-waving to us,” put in Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s the place!” cried the merchant’s son.

-“Now we’re all right.”</p>

-

-<p>It was no easy work to get the <i>Dartaway</i> out

-of the water, and upon the truck, but finally it

-was accomplished by means of tackle and windlass.</p>

-

-<p>“Are you boys going to walk, or ride on the

-truck to the canal?” asked the teamster, as he

-gathered up the reins of the four powerful

-horses.</p>

-

-<p>“Guess we might as well ride,” decided Ned.

-“We’ll be there as soon as you are then.”</p>

-

-<p>Accordingly the boys climbed up on the truck,

-and seated themselves in the cabin of their boat.

-The professor accompanied them, and the men

-who were to help unload the boat dispersed themselves

-about the big vehicle.</p>

-

-<p>It was about a two hours’ ride to the canal,

-with so heavy a load, as part of the distance was

-up hill. When about half of the journey had

-been accomplished one of the men discovered that

-the boat was slipping down toward the end of

-the truck, and a halt had to be called to shift it

-forward.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“We don’t want it sliding off, and trying to

-navigate in the dust!” exclaimed the truckman

-with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>Professor Snodgrass grew restless at the delay

-and finally climbed down off the vehicle, with an

-insect net.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m going to walk on ahead,” he remarked.

-“I may be able to catch a few rare bugs. I

-think I can find the way to the canal all right, in

-case you don’t overtake me.”</p>

-

-<p>“It’s a straight road,” called Ned, who had

-provided himself with maps of their journey.</p>

-

-<p>The professor walked on, swinging his net

-from side to side in an endeavor to catch a butterfly

-or bug.</p>

-

-<p>“Has he been that way long?” asked one of

-the men of Jerry, as there came a pause in the

-work of shifting the boat.</p>

-

-<p>“What way?”</p>

-

-<p>“Cracked, you know. Crazy—bug-house?

-Does he get violent?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh!” laughed the tall lad. “He’s not

-crazy,” and then he explained what a scientist

-Mr. Snodgrass was.</p>

-

-<p>“Um,” said the man apparently unconvinced.

-“It does take queer forms, sometimes. I had

-a cousin who always wanted to sleep with his

-shoes on. No accounting for their notions.

-Come on, now, all together! Heave!”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>Jerry gave up the attempt to make the man

-understand, and, a little later, the boat was shifted

-back to its place, and the journey resumed.</p>

-

-<p>They were almost at the end of it, and were

-going down a slight hill, when suddenly a dog,

-running out from a farmhouse, dashed at the off

-forward horse, and nipped its leg. The frightened

-animal reared, crowded its mate, and, a

-moment later, dashed ahead, breaking one of the

-reins. The next instant the team of four powerful

-steeds was in a wild gallop down the hill, the

-truck swaying from side to side in the road, and

-the motor boat creaking and groaning as it

-strained at the ropes that held it fast.</p>

-

-<p>“Stop the horses!” yelled one of the men.</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll have a smash-up in another minute if

-you don’t!” added Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“The boat is slipping back again!” cried Ned.

-“Jerry—Bob—help hold her on! If she slips

-off into the road she’ll be smashed!”</p>

-

-<p>The lads braced themselves against their craft

-to prevent it sliding off. Some of the men helped

-them, but, in spite of this, the terrific speed of the

-truck threatened to bring about the danger they

-were trying to avoid.</p>

-

-<p>“Stop those horses, Bill!” yelled one of the

-men.</p>

-

-<p>“I can’t!” cried the truckman. “One line is

-busted, and if I pull on the other I’ll run them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>

-into the ditch, and then we <em>will</em> be in a mess.

-I’ve got to let ’em run it out.”</p>

-

-<p>“They’ll run us into the canal if they keep on

-much longer!” cried someone.</p>

-

-<p>“Brace, everybody!” gasped Ned, as he felt

-the boat slipping nearer and nearer to the end of

-the truck.</p>

-

-<p>“Put on the brakes!” suggested Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Got ’em on, but that’s all the good it does,”

-responded the truckman. “I’m afraid we’re

-goners, boys! Get ready to jump when you see

-the water. Whoa, there! Whoa!” he called

-in vain to the horses, who were still madly galloping

-down the hill.</p>

-

-<p>“I guess it’s all up with the <i>Dartaway</i>,” murmured

-Jerry, as he pressed his shoulder against

-the craft.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a><br />

-<small>DOWN THE ALLEGHANY</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>The truckman was bracing himself in his seat,

-with his foot on the brake, trying his best to

-check the speed of the big wagon. As for the

-horses, he could do nothing with them, since, as

-he said, to pull on the unbroken rein would only

-be to send the steeds floundering into the ditch

-that bordered the road on either side. That is,

-providing the animals answered the pull.</p>

-

-<p>“Can you hold the boat?” cried the truck-owner,

-giving a glance over his shoulder at the

-men and boys.</p>

-

-<p>“We’re—trying!” gasped Bob, whose face

-was red from the effort he was making. Ned

-and Jerry, too, as well as the men, were doing

-their best.</p>

-

-<p>“There’s the canal, just ahead!” observed one

-man.</p>

-

-<p>Jerry had a glimpse of water sparkling in the

-rays of the sun. The road was now almost level,

-but the horses had not slackened their speed.

-Just where the canal came to an end, the highway<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>

-curved abruptly, and it was not hard to

-guess what would happen if the runaways were

-not checked.</p>

-

-<p>Either they would swing around the curve with

-force enough to overturn the truck, or, in their

-fright, they would plunge, boat, wagon and all,

-into the water. There was not much choice between

-the two dangers.</p>

-

-<p>“Get ready to jump!” yelled the truckman on

-his seat.</p>

-

-<p>The boys were in despair. They saw their

-plans for a fine summer outing partly spoiled, and

-their fine boat about to be wrecked.</p>

-

-<p>Suddenly, from the bushes that lined the road,

-there ran out to the middle of the highway, and

-a little distance ahead of the galloping horses, a

-small man. At the sight of him Jerry cried:</p>

-

-<p>“Look! It’s the professor!”</p>

-

-<p>“He’d better get out of the way,” said the

-truckman grimly, in a low voice. “Nothing can

-stop these animals now, until they wreck everything.

-Look out!” he yelled to Mr. Snodgrass.</p>

-

-<p>But the little, bald-headed professor did not

-have any such intention. That was evident.

-There seemed to be something in the road that

-he wanted. His net came down with a swoop,

-and he knelt in the dust.</p>

-

-<p>“Look out!” came in a chorus from the men

-on the wagon.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>Then, for the first time, Professor Snodgrass

-seemed to be aware of the approaching vehicle,

-with the boat for a load.</p>

-

-<p>Up he jumped to his feet, holding his long-handled

-butterfly net, and staring at the approaching

-runaways through his big glasses.</p>

-

-<p>“Get out of the way!” yelled the truckman.</p>

-

-<p>The professor ran forward, waving his arms.

-In one hand he held his broad-brimmed hat, while

-the other flourished the big, green net.</p>

-

-<p>“Stop!” he cried, loud enough to be heard

-above the thunder of the wagon wheels. “Stop!

-Stop! Don’t come on any farther. You’ll

-smash it!”</p>

-

-<p>“Huh! We know that!” yelled the truckman.

-“But you can’t make these horses stop

-by just inviting ’em to. Look out, or you’ll get

-hurt!”</p>

-

-<p>But the professor came on, running straight

-at the runaways. Now he was almost under

-their feet, but with a wild yell he still advanced.</p>

-

-<p>Suddenly he threw his hat in the face of one

-of the leading horses, and, with another quick

-motion, he crashed his long-handled net across

-the eyes of the other. Then, nimbly leaping to

-one side, the professor caught the broken, dangling

-rein, and braced back with all his might.

-Though a small man, he was powerful, and his

-weight told.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“That’s the stuff!” cried the truckman. In an

-instant he began pulling on the unbroken rein

-which he still held, and thus, with the professor

-on one side, being dragged along, and the driver

-sawing on the other line, the horses were pulled

-up evenly, a thing that had been impossible before.</p>

-

-<p>“By Jove! I believe they’re going to stop!”

-cried Jerry, as he noticed a slackening in the speed

-of the horses.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s about time, too!” added the truckman,

-as he looked at the waters of the canal, not far

-distant. He continued to pull on one line. The

-professor still clung to the other, and the brakes

-were jammed on. Add to this that the road

-was level, and that the truck was heavily loaded,

-and it can easily be seen that the horses, tired as

-they were from their run, did not need much

-more to stop them. They came down to a trot,

-then to a walk, and finally stopped. The truckman

-leaped from his seat, after a glance to make

-sure that the boat was in no immediate danger of

-slipping off, though it had slid back quite a way.</p>

-

-<p>“Say, that was a plucky stop!” the man cried,

-holding out his hand to the professor. “I’ve

-caught some runaways in my time, but never better

-than that. You saved us from a bad smash-up.”</p>

-

-<p>“Um! Well, perhaps I did,” admitted Uriah<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>

-Snodgrass slowly, “but I must confess I wasn’t

-thinking of that at the time. I wanted you to

-stop before you got too far, that was all.”</p>

-

-<p>“And didn’t you want to save us?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, yes, of course. But you see I was just

-capturing a new and very rare specimen of a

-yellow grasshopper when you came along. I almost

-had him in my net, but he jumped under a

-stone, and I was afraid if the horses came along

-they might step on the stone, and crush the insect

-or run a wheel over him. That’s why I wanted

-to stop you. I’m glad I did, though I’ll have to

-put a new handle on my net, for it’s broken.

-But I must see if I have the grasshopper.”</p>

-

-<p>He ran to a flat stone in the road, carefully

-raised it, and made a grab for something underneath.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ve got him! I’ve got him!” he cried.

-“Oh, you little beauty! You’re worth at least

-fifteen dollars. Oh, I’m glad I stopped the runaways!”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, you are a queer one,” murmured the

-truckman as he proceeded to tie the broken rein,

-and then he and his men made the slipping boat

-secure, to hold until they could cover the short

-remaining distance to the canal. “Stopping a

-runaway to save a grasshopper! That’s the

-limit!”</p>

-

-<p>“But it’s a yellow grasshopper, and very rare,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>

-put in the professor with a smile, as he placed

-the insect in one of the cases he always carried.

-“I doubt if any college but mine will have a

-specimen like this. How did the runaway happen?”</p>

-

-<p>The others told him about the dog that had

-scared the horses, and then the boys, having expressed

-their appreciation of what the professor

-had done, helped the men steady the boat for the

-rest of the trip.</p>

-

-<p>The horses were quiet enough now, and soon

-had the truck at the edge of the canal. There the

-work of getting the <i>Dartaway</i> into the water again

-was speedily accomplished, and, having paid the

-men, and called the professor away from an ant

-hill he was examining through a magnifying glass,

-the motor boys once more got underway.</p>

-

-<p>“Talk about excitement, it’s with us almost

-from the start,” remarked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, I thought our boat was a goner there,

-one spell,” added Jerry. “It took all my nerve

-to hold on.”</p>

-

-<p>“Mine too,” added Bob. “I think I’ll have

-to make a cup of coffee, and take some sandwiches

-to quiet down.”</p>

-

-<p>And this time neither Ned nor Jerry laughed

-at their fat chum.</p>

-

-<p>Their trip along the quiet canal was uneventful,

-and in a few days, after tying up nights along<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>

-shore of the river into which the canal opened,

-they swept out on the waters of the Alleghany,

-and were headed for Pittsburg.</p>

-

-<p>“I hope our auto is all ready for us, and that

-we don’t have to wait,” remarked Ned one evening,

-as they got ready to retire for the night.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we’ll know by this time to-morrow,”

-spoke Jerry. “We ought to be in Pittsburg

-then.”</p>

-

-<p>“What are you going to do with the boat?”

-asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ve arranged to store it until we get back,”

-replied the tall lad. “We’ll have to spend at

-least a day here, trying out the auto, and laying in

-some supplies. In that time we can see that the

-boat is properly put away.”</p>

-

-<p>Professor Snodgrass sat up rather late that

-night arranging and classifying some specimens

-he had caught, and it was nearly midnight when

-he turned in. The boys were sound asleep, and

-the little scientist was soon in the same blissful

-state.</p>

-

-<p>What time he was awakened Jerry did not

-know, but he sat up suddenly in bed, for he heard

-someone moving stealthily about on the after-deck.

-Then the door of the cabin was cautiously

-tried:</p>

-

-<p>“Who’s there?” cried the tall lad suddenly.</p>

-

-<p>There was no answer, and reaching out his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>

-hand Jerry sought for the switch that would

-turn on the electric lights which were operated

-by a storage battery. As he felt the button, he

-heard a boat scraping against the side of the

-<i>Dartaway</i>.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a><br />

-<small>OFF IN THE AUTO</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“What’s the matter?” cried Ned, as he heard

-Jerry’s voice.</p>

-

-<p>“Anything wrong?” demanded Bob sleepily.

-“Has anything happened, Jerry?”</p>

-

-<p>“Not yet,” was the tall lad’s answer. “I fancy

-I was too quick for them. But I thought I heard

-someone on board, and I’m certain that a boat

-scraped against our side. I’m going to have a

-look.”</p>

-

-<p>“Better be careful,” advised Ned, as he pulled

-on some garments. “They may be river

-thieves.”</p>

-

-<p>“Thieves! Thieves!” cried Uriah Snodgrass,

-sitting up suddenly. “Are they after my

-specimens! Don’t let them get anything, boys!

-Those specimens are more valuable than gold!

-Oh, where are my glasses? I can’t see a thing.”</p>

-

-<p>“Switch off all the lights!” whispered Ned to

-Jerry. “They can see us in here, and we can’t

-get a glimpse of them. Turn ’em off!”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>Jerry did so, and at once there came another

-sound as if someone was out on the small after-deck.</p>

-

-<p>“Who’s there?” challenged Ned.</p>

-

-<p>There was no answer. Once more came the

-noise of a boat rubbing against the side of the

-<i>Dartaway</i>, and a cautious voice could be heard

-whispering:</p>

-

-<p>“Come on! Can’t do anything now!”</p>

-

-<p>“Who are you? What do you want?” demanded

-Jerry, but he received no answer.</p>

-

-<p>With a quick spring Ned was at the cabin door

-that opened out into a sort of cockpit, and thence,

-by a short companionway to the deck. Throwing

-the portal open, Ned flashed on a small searchlight.

-As he played it about the river he picked

-up a small boat, containing two persons, who were

-rowing quickly away.</p>

-

-<p>“What did you want? Were you on our

-boat?” demanded Ned, and then, as the two in

-the small craft maintained a silence, Ned flashed

-the light full in their faces. As he did so he gave

-a cry that brought Jerry and Bob out to him.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter?” cried the tall lad.

-“Are you hurt, Ned? Did they attack you?”</p>

-

-<p>“No, I’m all right. But look at that boat!

-See who’s in it!”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry and Bob gazed across the stretch of

-black and swirling water, illuminated by the shaft<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>

-of light from the search lantern. It threw into

-bold relief the boat and the occupants.</p>

-

-<p>“Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry, as he saw the

-face of the bully.</p>

-

-<p>“But who’s with him?” asked Bob. “I’ve

-never seen him before, that I know of.”</p>

-

-<p>“He’s a stranger, I guess,” said Ned. “Noddy

-must have hired him to help get ahead

-of us.”</p>

-

-<p>“But what were they doing here?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Trying to sneak up while we were asleep, to

-see what they could get, I suppose,” remarked

-Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“My specimens!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass,

-who had come out to join the boys.

-“That’s what they were after. That yellow

-grasshopper is what they wanted!”</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t believe so,” said Jerry in a low voice,

-as he watched the two rowing rapidly away—Noddy

-and a tall man, the latter with a sleek

-appearance, as though he was always trying to

-figure out the easiest way of getting something

-for nothing.</p>

-

-<p>“Hello you, Noddy!” suddenly called Ned.

-“What did you want here?”</p>

-

-<p>The bully and his companion kept silent.</p>

-

-<p>“If you come around again I’ll turn the hose

-on you,” threatened Bob.</p>

-

-<p>There was no reply, and a moment later the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>

-rowboat went around the end of a projecting

-dock, and was out of range of the light.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, if they weren’t after my specimens

-what did they want?” inquired the professor.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ll tell you what I think,” went on Jerry as

-they returned to the comfortable cabin, for it was

-cool in the night air, and they were lightly clad.

-“I believe they sneaked on board to see if they

-could get any clews as to where we are bound

-for.”</p>

-

-<p>“You mean Snake Island?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes. You see Noddy doesn’t know the exact

-location, even if, in some way, he has guessed, or

-overheard, some of us saying that we were going

-to the Grand Canyon. He needs to know more

-definitely just where we’re going, so he can sneak

-along, and try to get ahead of us.”</p>

-

-<p>“Do you mean he was looking for a map?”

-asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, or something like that. Maybe he

-thought we would be leaving our traveling directions

-lying around loose.”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, maybe it would be a good scheme to

-fix up a fake map, and leave it where he could

-get it,” suggested Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Hardly,” decided Jerry. “He’d get on to

-the fact that it was a fake, for he knows we

-wouldn’t be as careless as that. I think the best

-way is to do just as we have been doing—make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>

-no map or sketch of where we’re heading for.

-In fact we can’t, for we’ve got to prospect around

-ourselves to find Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then we’ve got to be on our guard against

-Noddy,” suggested Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“All the while I’m afraid, since he’s taken to

-trailing after us,” resumed Jerry. “I’d like to

-know who that fellow was with him. He looks

-like a sleek rascal.”</p>

-

-<p>“Like Bill Berry, only different,” was Ned’s

-opinion. “I wonder where Bill is?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, probably hanging around somewhere,”

-came from Bob. “He and Noddy generally

-travel together.”</p>

-

-<p>There was nothing more that could be done

-that night, save to see to it that the cabin doors

-and windows were securely fastened. Jerry left

-the searchlight aglow, as he thought this would

-discourage any further attempt to board the

-motor boat. And, as a matter of fact, our

-friends were not disturbed again that night.</p>

-

-<p>They made an early start for Pittsburg the

-next morning, keeping a watch for Noddy, but

-they did not see him. By noon they had tied up

-at the wharf where their boat was to be hauled

-out for storage.</p>

-

-<p>“Now for the auto!” exclaimed Jerry, when

-the craft had been safely put away, and such stores

-as they needed, together with their clothing,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>

-weapons and other things, had been piled up ready

-to be put in the motor car.</p>

-

-<p>They found that the repairs to their machine

-were almost completed, and that the car had been

-greatly improved. A new body had been put

-on, giving more room, so that, if necessary, they

-could sleep on board. And a small gasolene

-stove had been fitted up, so that a simple meal

-could be prepared. You can easily see that this

-was Bob’s idea.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we can start in a couple of days,” announced

-Jerry after a visit to the auto shop.</p>

-

-<p>“And we’ll need that time to give her a try-out,”

-added Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“And buy what grub we will need!” put in

-Chunky.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, forget the everlasting ‘eats’!” begged

-Jerry. “We don’t need to take much. We can

-buy it as we go along, and it will be fresher.”</p>

-

-<p>“I meant a few things like sandwiches, pickles

-and cake,” went on Bob. “To eat between

-meals, you know. I often get hungry before it’s

-meal time.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, we know it! You needn’t tell us,” cried

-Ned with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>They tried their auto the next day, having put

-up at a hotel near the repair works. The car

-made good speed, and seemed to have more power

-than before.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“She’s great!” cried Jerry. “Now for a

-long trip West!”</p>

-

-<p>Their preparations were complete. Almost at

-the last minute, though, the professor nearly

-backed out. He found a curious bug in the hotel

-where they stayed, and he wanted to remain a

-week or more, to hunt for others.</p>

-

-<p>“You’d better come on and look for that

-two-tailed toad, Professor,” advised Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, I think I had,” agreed the little scientist.

-“But on our way back we’ll stop here, and I

-can have another look for more of those rare

-bugs.”</p>

-

-<p>The auto, well filled with the goods of our

-friends, and themselves, was ready for a start,

-and, having inquired the best route on from Pittsburg,

-the boys, with Jerry at the wheel, set off

-one fine morning. What lay before them they

-little realized.</p>

-

-<p>On and on they went, over fairly good roads,

-until they came to the open country. Then, having

-fixed the spark and gasolene levers to carry

-them at a moderate pace, Jerry settled back to

-enjoy the scenery.</p>

-

-<p>They had covered perhaps ten miles, and Bob

-was wondering whether he dare mention cooking

-a light lunch, as they whirled along, when Ned,

-who had looked back, uttered a cry.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s up?” asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>For answer Ned took a pair of powerful field

-glasses from a pocket inside the car. He focused

-them on an auto that was coming rapidly along

-behind the car of our friends.</p>

-

-<p>“They’ve been following us for some time,”

-spoke Ned, “and I want to see who they are.”

-He was silent a moment, and then he exclaimed:</p>

-

-<p>“I thought so! Noddy Nixon again, and this

-time Bill Berry is with him, as well as that other

-man! Fellows, he’s on our trail!”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, here’s where he gets off!” cried Bob,

-as he reached his hand in his pocket, and pulled

-out a small wooden box. He opened it, and

-scattered something out on the road.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s that!” cried Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Big tacks!” answered Bob. “I thought

-something like this might happen, so I got ready

-for Noddy. Some of those tacks will stick point

-upward, and maybe something will happen.

-They’re good and sharp, and rather bad for pneumatic

-tires,” he added with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>He tossed the empty box away, and he and Ned

-looked at the car coming on behind them.</p>

-

-<p>“Think they’ll hit ’em?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“I hope so,” replied the stout lad.</p>

-

-<p>Suddenly there was a commotion, and the pursuing

-auto was seen to swerve to one side.</p>

-

-<p>“There they go!” cried Bob. “Two tires

-to the bad, I think! I guess they won’t follow us

-right away. Speed her up, Jerry!”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a><br />

-<small>HELD UP</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“That’s the way to do it, Bob!” exclaimed

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“I never imagined you were such a plotter,”

-complimented Jerry. “How’d you come to think

-of it, Chunky?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, it just sort of came to me,” explained the

-stout lad, as he looked back to see Noddy and

-his companions leap from their auto, and examine

-the burst tires. “I figured that after the

-way Noddy’d been spying on us that he’d try to

-follow us, so I got ready for him. I thought it

-out that tire trouble was the easiest for me to

-bring about, and it would hold him back as well

-as if it was something else. So I bought the

-tacks.”</p>

-

-<p>“And made good use of ’em!” chuckled Jerry.

-“You’re all right, Bob!”</p>

-

-<p>Noddy Nixon straightened up from an examination

-of his stalled auto. He shook his fist at our

-friends who were rapidly drawing away.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ll—fix—you—for—this!” yelled the bully

-in a loud voice.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Well, you’ll have plenty of time to do it in,”

-remarked Bob with a laugh. “You’ll have to use

-new shoes, and inner tubes too, I’m thinking.

-Speed her up, Jerry.”</p>

-

-<p>“All right,” and the tall lad turned on more

-gasolene, until the big car was going along at a

-rapid pace.</p>

-

-<p>“Not too fast,” cautioned Ned. “We don’t

-want to be taken in for speeding, you know.”</p>

-

-<p>“Not much danger,” returned Jerry. “It’s

-rather a lonely stretch of country for several miles

-yet.”</p>

-

-<p>“How do you think he managed to get after

-us so quickly?” asked Professor Snodgrass, who,

-wonderful to relate, was neither looking at his

-specimens, making notes about, nor seeking to capture

-others. He had been too much interested in

-the chase and its sudden termination.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, he must have heard Andy Rush say we

-were going to Pittsburg,” spoke Jerry, “and he

-merely came on here ahead of us, by train, while

-we traveled by boat. Then he simply got his

-auto ready, and lay in wait for us. But you put

-a spoke in his wheel, Bob.”</p>

-

-<p>“Two or three,” chuckled Ned.</p>

-

-<p>As they sped on they talked of Noddy, and

-speculated on what his plan might be in regard

-to following them.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“It’s all guess work,” declared Jerry. “No

-matter what we do he may turn up on our trail

-sooner or later. The only thing to do is to fight

-him when we see him, be on our guard all the

-while, and not to worry.”</p>

-

-<p>“I agree with Jerry,” said Uriah Snodgrass.

-“Now, as long as we’re so far ahead, Jerry, can’t

-you go a little slower?”</p>

-

-<p>“Why, does the speed make you dizzy?”

-asked the steersman, for indeed the pace was very

-rapid.</p>

-

-<p>“No, but I’d like a chance to look for insects

-on the bushes as we pass. You never can tell

-when you may come across a rare specimen,” and

-through his big glasses the professor anxiously

-scanned the bushes on either side of the highway,

-for Jerry obligingly slackened the speed of the

-big car.</p>

-

-<p>“Are we going to sleep in the car or a hotel to-night?”

-asked Ned, as the afternoon drew to a

-close, finding them about a hundred miles away

-from Pittsburg.</p>

-

-<p>“I vote for the car,” spoke Jerry. “We

-haven’t tried it in some time. Besides, we can do

-as we please, and won’t have to bother with fixing

-up, as we would at a hotel.</p>

-

-<p>“Another thing. If we go to a hotel, Noddy

-may find it out, and he can thus keep closer tabs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>

-on our movements. Whereas, if we sleep in the

-car, on some country road, we can start off before

-daylight, breakfast when we please, and no one

-will be any the wiser.”</p>

-

-<p>“All right, the car it is,” agreed Ned. Anything

-suited the professor.</p>

-

-<p>“Another good point about the car,” said Bob,

-“is that we can——”</p>

-

-<p>“Eat whenever we want to,” finished Jerry

-with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>“I wasn’t going to say so,” retorted Bob. “I

-was going to say we could sleep better here, for it

-will be quieter out under the trees than in a

-hotel.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s the time he had you, Jerry,” laughed

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, pick out a good place as you go along,”

-advised the tall lad, “and we’ll pull up there and

-stop.”</p>

-

-<p>“That hill looks to be in a good location,”

-suggested Bob, pointing to a rise in the distance.

-“There is a grove of trees there, and we can pull

-into them for the night. Speed up, and make it,

-Jerry.”</p>

-

-<p>The lad at the wheel was about to pull over the

-gasolene lever, and adjust the spark, when, out

-from a little country lane, just in front of the auto,

-leaped a man, with a shining badge on his coat, a

-club in one hand and a revolver in the other. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>

-held out his arms to obstruct their passage, at the

-same time crying in loud tones:</p>

-

-<p>“Halt! Hold on there! You can’t go any

-further! I’m the law, an’ I says so. You’ve got

-to come with me!”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry looked quickly at the speedometer, and

-saw that it registered only about six miles per

-hour. He was glad he had not sent the car racing

-ahead.</p>

-

-<p>“Come on now! No tricks! Stop that car!”

-commanded the evident official. “You’ve got to

-come with me.”</p>

-

-<p>“What for?” asked Jerry. “Not for speeding

-evidently, for we were going like a snail.”</p>

-

-<p>“I didn’t say nothin’ about no speedin’,” replied

-the man. “It’s a more serious charge than

-that. I’ve been on the lookout for ye a long time,

-an’ I got ye, by heck! Come along!”</p>

-

-<p>By this time Jerry had easily brought the car

-to a stop not far from the grizzled man.</p>

-

-<p>“What right have you got to stop us?” demanded

-the young steersman. “Who are you,

-and what is the charge against us?”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m Constable Enberry Snook,” was the answer,

-“and this here is my authority,” and he

-tapped his badge with the club. “I derive my

-authority from th’ selectmen of Huckleberry

-Township, an’ these likewise is th’ main instruments

-that I use,” and he glanced from his club<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>

-to his revolver, and back at the party in the auto.

-“Now be ye goin’ t’ come along peaceable like,

-or have I got t’ use force?”</p>

-

-<p>“But I don’t understand,” said Jerry, while a

-puzzled look came over the faces of the others.

-“We haven’t been speeding, and we haven’t assaulted

-any one that I know of.”</p>

-

-<p>“Of course not!” declared Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I’ve been instructed t’ arrest ye,” went

-on Constable Snook, “an’ I’m goin’ t’ do my duty,

-by heck! Now will ye come along peaceable, or

-have I got t’——”</p>

-

-<p>He did not finish the sentence, for with a cry

-that was startling in its suddenness Professor

-Snodgrass, who had been sitting in front with

-Jerry, fairly leaped from his seat, and dashed at

-the constable.</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t move! Don’t stir!” cried the excited

-scientist. “I’ve got it! It’s on you! Don’t

-move! I’ve been looking for it ever and ever so

-long!”</p>

-

-<p>A moment later he had hold of the constable’s

-coat.</p>

-

-<p>“Here! Let me go! Onhand me! This is

-treason! Ye’re assaultin’ an officer in th’ performance

-of his office, an’ it’s ten years’ imprisonment

-fer that offense. Let me go, I tell ye! Don’t

-ye dare t’ strike me! I’ve got assistants with me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>

-Help! Help! He’s chokin’ me! He’s chokin’

-an officer of th’ law!”</p>

-

-<p>Mr. Snook, dropping both his club and revolver,

-sought in vain to pull away from the grasp

-of Professor Snodgrass, and then the constable,

-finding that the scientist had too firm a hold,

-pulled out a whistle, and blew a shrill blast. A

-moment later two men, evidently farmhands,

-each armed with a pitchfork, leaped out of the

-bushes at the side of the road.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a><br />

-<small>NODDY IN ADVANCE</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>There was a moment’s pause, during which all

-the actors in the little rural comedy looked at

-each other. And, as for the professor and the

-constable, they did more than look, for the scientist

-still had a firm hold of the other’s coat, and

-the man was pulling desperately to get away.</p>

-

-<p>“Are ye there, Sim an’ Jake?” gasped the

-constable.</p>

-

-<p>“Thet’s what we be!” cried the taller of the

-farmers, evidently Sim, as he advanced with

-ready pitchfork.</p>

-

-<p>“Me too,” put in Jake. “What’s up, Enberry?

-Have them highwaymen attacked ye?”</p>

-

-<p>“Attacked me? I should say they had!” cried

-the constable. “That’s why I whistled for help.

-Jab ’em!”</p>

-

-<p>“Hold on!” cried Jerry, fearing the professor

-might get hurt. “Come on, boys,” he urged Ned

-and Bob. “We’ve got to take a hand in

-this!”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“But what in the world does it all mean?”

-asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“And what makes the professor act so queer?”

-Bob wanted to know.</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t stop to ask questions!” cried Jerry,

-vaulting from his seat. “Come on!”</p>

-

-<p>The three boys advanced toward the group of

-men who now surrounded Uriah Snodgrass. The

-scientist still retained his grip of the constable

-with one hand, while with the other he was making

-cautious advances toward the coat collar of

-the farmer-officer.</p>

-

-<p>“Let me be!” cried the constable. “Jab him,

-Sim an’ Jake! Jab him!”</p>

-

-<p>“Keep still,” ordered Professor Snodgrass.

-“I’ll have him in another minute!”</p>

-

-<p>“Ye’ve got me now, consarn ye!” snapped the

-constable, trying in vain to pull away. “If ye lay

-another hand on me I’ll have ye sent t’ jail fer

-life! Let me go, I tell ye!”</p>

-

-<p>“Look out with those pitchforks!” cried Jerry,

-as he saw Sim advance the prongs dangerously

-close to the professor’s legs.</p>

-

-<p>“There! I’ve got it!” suddenly exclaimed the

-little scientist. His hand made a descent on the

-farmer’s collar, and then, with something tightly

-clasped in his fist, Mr. Snodgrass leaped back.

-Sim and Jake closed up alongside of the man who

-had summoned them by whistle.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“What’d you take offen me?” demanded Mr.

-Snook suspiciously. “My badge? Ef ye

-have——”</p>

-

-<p>“I only took one of the most beautiful specimens

-of a green spider I have ever seen,” was the

-answer of the professor. “I saw it on your coat

-collar, and I was so afraid it would get away. I

-had to act quickly. The only way was to grab

-you, for if you had felt the spider on your neck,

-it might have tickled you, and you would have

-brushed it off. Then it would have been lost for

-ever. Ah, but I have you, my little beauty!” and

-the professor peered in between a crack in his

-fingers to make sure that the spider had not escaped.

-A moment later he had popped it into one

-of his specimen boxes.</p>

-

-<p>“A—a spider?” gasped Mr. Snook, as if he

-had not understood.</p>

-

-<p>“A <em>green</em> spider,” corrected Mr. Snodgrass.

-“A most perfect specimen. It was on your coat

-collar. A moment later it would have crawled on

-your neck.”</p>

-

-<p>“An’ if it had, I’d have squashed it, sure!”

-cried Mr. Snook. “I sure would have squashed

-it! A green spider! Why I’d a squashed it, if

-it had been a red, white an’ blue one! I hate ’em!

-Ye must be crazy t’ want ’em!”</p>

-

-<p>“I want them for scientific purposes,” said

-Uriah Snodgrass, and then he briefly explained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>

-that he traveled for a college that wanted all the

-specimens he could collect.</p>

-

-<p>“A college perfesser,” murmured Sim. “Say,

-Jake, it’s a good thing we didn’t jab him.”</p>

-

-<p>“I guess it is. An’ t’ think of any mortal man

-wantin’ such things as bugs!”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, everybody to their notion,” said Mr.

-Snook grimly. “If ye want spiders ye’re welcome

-t’ ’em. But that don’t alter th’ fact that

-you folks have got t’ come along with me.” He

-was less excited now.</p>

-

-<p>“But I don’t understand,” spoke Jerry.

-“What is the charge, and who makes it? Were

-you waiting here for us?”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s what I was,” declared the constable.

-“I got a telephone t’ be on the lookout for ye.

-I was warned ye’d be desperit, an’ try t’ escape,

-so I swore in Sim an’ Jake as my special deputies.

-It looks like I’d need ’em, too. Jake, stand by on

-this side of me, an’ Sim, you git on th’ other. If

-they starts t’ run, jab ’em. Now, I arrest ye in

-th’ name of th’ law,” and in turn he laid his hand

-on the shoulders of Jerry, Bob, Ned and the professor.

-“Are ye comin’ along peaceable, or shall

-I have t’ use force?” he asked again.</p>

-

-<p>“If this is a regular arrest, by a regular officer

-we certainly will come along peaceably,” replied

-Jerry. “But who makes the charge?”</p>

-

-<p>“That I can’t tell ye. I got my authority from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>

-Judge Amos Blackford. Ye’ll have t’ appear before

-him. It were him as were telephoned t’, an’

-he passed it on t’ me.”</p>

-

-<p>“And you really have the authority to arrest

-us?” asked Ned, still doubting.</p>

-

-<p>“There’s th’ warrant, sworn t’, all reg’lar an’

-in due form, according t’ law,” said the constable,

-pulling out a paper with a flourish. “Ye kin

-look at it.”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry read it quickly. It was merely a short

-form of bench warrant, “sworn to on information

-and belief,” wherein the judge himself appeared

-as the accuser, the real party’s name not

-being mentioned.</p>

-

-<p>“If ye don’t believe that, ye kin ask Jake an’

-Sim here if I ain’t th’ regular constable fer this

-township,” added Mr. Snook proudly.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s what he is!” chorused the two farm

-hands.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, then I suppose we will have to go with

-you,” admitted Jerry, “though I don’t understand

-it. Come along, boys. Do you want to

-ride with us?” he asked, turning to the two farm

-hands and the constable.</p>

-

-<p>“Not for me,” spoke Sim, and Jake, too,

-shook his head. “I wouldn’t ride in one of them

-gasolene wagons fer a month’s wages,” added

-Sim.</p>

-

-<p>“Then I guess we can find room for you, Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>

-Snook,” went on Jerry. “That is if you’re not

-afraid of the machine, and don’t imagine that such

-desperate characters as we are will do away with

-you.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I guess I kin trust ye,” said the constable

-with a sheepish grin. “Th’ judge’s house is about

-a mile down th’ road. He kin hold court there,

-an’ fine ye, I suppose.”</p>

-

-<p>“But I don’t see what for,” said Jerry. “However,

-come along.”</p>

-

-<p>They were soon in the auto, and had started

-off, the two hired men, with their pitchforks,

-standing in the road with open-mouthed wonder

-as the car shot away. Ned noticed that Mr.

-Snook grasped the sides of the seat with nervous

-hands, as if he expected something to happen at

-any moment. Chunky was a bit nervous, and

-Jerry was clearly puzzled. As for the professor

-he was too much occupied in making notes about

-the green spider to care whether he was arrested

-or not.</p>

-

-<p>It was not a long run to the house of Judge

-Blackford, who lived in a comfortable residence.

-He himself proved to be a genial, old-fashioned

-gentleman.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, Enberry,” he observed with a twinkle

-in his eyes as the auto drove up, “you got the

-desperadoes, I see.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yep,” answered the constable shortly.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Did they abuse you much; have much trouble

-in capturing them?”</p>

-

-<p>“Nope. They come along peaceable enough,

-though at one time——” and then, thinking that

-he had not proved himself much of a hero in the

-spider episode, the constable stopped.</p>

-

-<p>“Out with it!” cried the judge with a laugh.

-“I’ll find it out sooner or later.”</p>

-

-<p>“I’ll tell ye later,” promised Mr. Snook nervously.</p>

-

-<p>“May I ask what this is all about?” inquired

-Jerry. “The constable says we are charged with

-assault and battery. By whom?”</p>

-

-<p>“By Noddy Nixon!” was the unexpected answer

-of Judge Blackford.</p>

-

-<p>“Noddy Nixon!” cried Jerry. “Is he here?”</p>

-

-<p>“No. I’ll tell you how it was,” went on the

-magistrate. “I received a telephone this noon,

-from Judge Lawton, of Middleville township.

-He said a party of autoists had come to him, and

-had sworn that another party of autoists, naming

-and describing you, had caused them to burst two

-tires. And, as the tires burst, Mr. Nixon and his

-party were thrown to one side of their car, painfully

-bruising and contusing them, as the warrant

-says.</p>

-

-<p>“So Judge Lawton, before whom the original

-warrant was sworn out, asked me to issue a supplementary

-one, and to intercept you as you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>

-came through here. Which I had to do, it being

-my duty. Now you can consider yourself

-charged with the crime, and how do you plead.

-I’ll hold court right here. Did you or didn’t

-you?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I guess I did it,” answered Bob. “I

-threw the tacks in the road. But it was to prevent

-Noddy from following us.”</p>

-

-<p>Thereupon the judge was told as much of the

-story as Jerry and his chums thought necessary to

-explain of their conduct, no mention being made

-of the radium on Snake Island. He was told how

-Noddy had repeatedly tried to take a mean advantage.</p>

-

-<p>“Hum. That makes it different,” spoke Judge

-Blackford. “I reckon that Nixon chap didn’t tell

-this to my friend Judge Lawton. Otherwise he

-wouldn’t have asked me to issue a warrant. Now

-this is how the matter stands.</p>

-

-<p>“I was requested to apprehend and hold you

-for examination. That I must do. This Nixon

-fellow promised to be here in the morning, at nine

-o’clock, to give his evidence. I don’t believe he’ll

-come and face you. But I must hold you until

-then. I ask you, in the meanwhile to be my guests.

-Then, in the morning, if he does not appear, I

-shall discharge you, and explain matters to Judge

-Lawton. I know he will approve of it. Will you

-stay and dine with me? I’ll be glad of your company,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>

-and you needn’t consider yourselves prisoners.

-You’re out on bail, so to speak. Supper

-will soon be ready. Will you stay?”</p>

-

-<p>“I—yes—of course we will!” cried Bob so

-quickly that both his chums laughed, and Mr.

-Blackford looked at them curiously.</p>

-

-<p>“Then the court is adjourned,” went on the

-magistrate. “Come in, boys, after you leave

-your auto in the barn. You needn’t wait, Enberry.”</p>

-

-<p>“All right,” answered Mr. Snook, who hurried

-off, looking over his shoulder as if he feared he

-might see more spiders.</p>

-

-<p>The boys found Judge Blackford to be a most

-congenial host. It developed that he and Professor

-Snodgrass had once attended the same preparatory

-school, and the pair exchanged pleasant

-memories.</p>

-

-<p>The judge explained how Noddy had probably

-proceeded.</p>

-

-<p>“After his tires were repaired,” he said, “the

-Nixon fellow must have hurried on, following

-you. He figured out that you would have to pass

-through here, as this is the main road. Then he

-went to Middleville, swore out a warrant, which

-he had no right to do under the circumstances,

-and the rest you know. I am sorry you were inconvenienced.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, it’s all right,” said Bob. “We’ll probably<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>

-have a better meal than if we ate in the auto;

-eh, fellows?”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, Chunky, you are the limit!” cried Jerry,

-and then he had to explain to the judge their

-chum’s failing.</p>

-

-<p>The magistrate, however, took quite a liking

-to Bob, and soon there was a merry party gathered

-at the table. The evening was spent pleasantly,

-and there were plenty of comfortable beds

-in the judge’s big, old-fashioned house, where he

-and his wife lived with some old servants.</p>

-

-<p>Nine o’clock came next morning, but Noddy

-Nixon did not appear.</p>

-

-<p>“He only did this to delay us,” declared Jerry,

-and the others agreed with him.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, if he isn’t here by ten I’ll formally discharge

-you, and send the warrant back to Judge

-Lawton with an explanation,” said Judge Blackford.</p>

-

-<p>Ten o’clock brought no change in the situation,

-and holding court in his library, the magistrate

-discharged the “prisoners.” Constable Snook

-was on hand, and looked rather disappointed

-when he saw that he was not to have the pleasure

-of taking the boys and the professor to jail.</p>

-

-<p>“But we have strict laws agin’ speedin’ here,”

-he warned them, as Jerry got out the car to resume

-the trip. “If I catch ye’ speedin’ I’ll have t’

-take ye in.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“We won’t come this way soon again,” replied

-Jerry. Then, good-byes having been said to the

-judge and his wife, our friends started on their

-journey.</p>

-

-<p>“I wonder what happened to Noddy?” spoke

-Ned, who had taken his place on the front seat

-with Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, he has either turned back, or else he’s

-waiting until we get far enough ahead of him so

-that he can follow as he pleases,” replied the tall

-lad.</p>

-

-<p>They had turned off the main road to reach the

-home of the judge, and were now coming out of a

-sort of long country lane, thickly bordered with

-trees, to reach the main highway again. As they

-were about to swing around a turn they all heard

-the chug-chug of an auto.</p>

-

-<p>“Someone’s coming,” remarked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes. I guess we’ll let ’em get ahead of us,

-so we won’t have to take so much dust,” decided

-Jerry. “We can wait here in the shade.”</p>

-

-<p>He stopped the car, behind a screen of trees

-and bushes, not far from the main road. <a href="#image03">A moment

-later a car shot past</a>, and, as it did so, Ned

-uttered a low exclamation.</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 381px;">

-<a name="image03" id="image03">

- <img src="images/image03.jpg" width="381" height="600" alt="" title="" />

-</a><br />

-<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_102">A MOMENT LATER A CAR SHOT PAST.</a></div>

-</div>

-

-<p>“Did you see that?” he asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“I sure did!” replied the tall lad.</p>

-

-<p>“What was it?” inquired Bob, who was in the

-rear with the professor.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Noddy Nixon!” answered Jerry. “He’s

-ahead of us now, and that’s where we want him.

-He can’t follow us now. I guess, Noddy, you’ve

-over-reached yourself,” and Jerry smiled grimly.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a><br />

-<small>DISAPPOINTMENT</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“What do you suppose his game is?” asked

-Bob, as the auto containing Noddy and two others

-shot around a curve in the main road, leaving a

-cloud of dust behind.</p>

-

-<p>“His game was to delay us long enough to

-catch up to us, I think,” explained Jerry. “You

-see he lost time when he had to stop to fix his

-tires, and he’s depending on us to show him the

-way to Snake Island, since he failed to get any

-clews as he sneaked around. But he spoiled his

-own chances. We’re behind him now, and he’ll

-have his own troubles tracing us.”</p>

-

-<p>“Are you going to let him get a long way in

-advance?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“I think so. The more trouble we can give

-him to pick us up the better—for us. I’m even

-going to get off the main road, if I can, and take

-a less-used route.”</p>

-

-<p>“The nerve of him charging us with assault

-and battery, just because he happened to run over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>

-a few tacks!” exclaimed Bob, with an air of virtuous

-indignation.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I suppose it did batter them up a bit,”

-remarked Jerry with a smile. “The auto stopped

-rather suddenly, you remember.”</p>

-

-<p>“It sure did,” agreed Ned. “But say, I wonder

-who that other chap is with Noddy. I saw

-Bill Berry plainly enough, but I can’t imagine who

-the other fellow is.”</p>

-

-<p>“I had a glimpse of his face,” said Professor

-Snodgrass, looking up from his note book. “I

-have seen him before, somewhere, but I can’t

-recollect where. I never forget a face, but the

-association sometimes escapes me. However, I

-may recall it later. I think—hold on, Jerry, don’t

-move!” he exclaimed suddenly, for the tall lad

-had reached forward to start the car. “There’s

-a fine, big yellow-backed toad at the foot of that

-stump. I must get it. It isn’t as valuable as the

-two-tailed one, but it is a very good specimen,”

-and the scientist leaped out and was soon in possession

-of the toad, which he clapped into a box.</p>

-

-<p>“All ready now?” asked Jerry, with his hand

-on the gear lever.</p>

-

-<p>“All ready—unless I see something else,” answered

-Uriah Snodgrass, and the auto rolled

-slowly forward. Noddy had been given enough

-start so that there was no danger of catching up

-to him unless he halted, and he was not likely to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>

-do that, Jerry thought. At the first farmhouse

-they stopped to inquire their way on some less

-frequented road, and, learning it, they took another

-highway, which, while not so good to travel

-on, made it less likely that they would meet or

-pass the bully.</p>

-

-<p>For three days they traveled on, having fine

-weather on all but one—the day after their “arrest.”

-Then it rained from morning until night,

-and they progressed through water and mud,

-which cut down their speed.</p>

-

-<p>They were dry and fairly comfortable, however,

-for the closed car was as snug as a bungalow,

-and they could cook and sleep inside. Then

-the weather cleared, and, save for muddy roads,

-there was no discomfort.</p>

-

-<p>“And we seem to have given Noddy the slip,”

-remarked Jerry, one day, for they had neither

-seen nor heard anything of their enemy or his

-companions. “We’re having fine luck.”</p>

-

-<p>They had been traveling by auto over a week,

-and were getting close to Denver, whence they

-would make the rest of the trip by airship, when

-there came a turn in the good fortune that had, so

-far, accompanied them.</p>

-

-<p>They were going down a hill, one evening into

-a little town when the foot brake unexpectedly

-broke, and they started off at a rapid pace. Jerry,

-however, quickly threw in the emergency, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>

-brought the car up before any harm had resulted.</p>

-

-<p>“Hum! This is a nice pickle!” exclaimed the

-tall lad. “Now we’ve got to lay over until this is

-fixed.”</p>

-

-<p>“Maybe we can have it fixed over night,” suggested

-Ned. “There’s a combined blacksmith

-shop and garage just ahead,” and he pointed to

-it. “If we pay extra we can have the man work

-all night on the brake, and have it ready for us

-in the morning. There must be some sort of a

-hotel here, where we can put up.”</p>

-

-<p>“Fine!” cried Bob. “Then I won’t have to

-cook supper.”</p>

-

-<p>“No, but you’ll eat it,” said Jerry. “But I

-guess Ned’s plan is a good one.”</p>

-

-<p>The blacksmith, who also did auto repair work,

-agreed, for an extra fee, to put in the night fixing

-the brake, and the car being left at his shop, the

-boys went to the only hotel in the village of Lafayette.</p>

-

-<p>“Here’s the register,” spoke the landlord,

-handing over the book to the boys and the professor.

-“Supper’ll soon be ready.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s good,” murmured Bob, and his chums

-laughed as they advanced to sign their names. As

-Jerry put his down first, he uttered a cry of surprise,

-and pointed to the signatures just above

-where theirs were to go.</p>

-

-<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Ned, looking over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>

-his chum’s shoulder. “Noddy Nixon, and Bill

-Berry! They were here a couple of days ago!”</p>

-

-<p>“And that must be the mysterious man who

-was with them,” added Jerry, pointing to the signature

-of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.</p>

-

-<p>“Kirk Belgrade! Kirk Belgrade!” murmured

-Professor Snodgrass, as he saw the signature.

-“Where have I heard that name before? Where

-have I seen that face?” He was in deep thought

-for a moment, and then he exclaimed:</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I have it! Belgrade. Yes, he was an instructor

-at my college a few years ago. A smart

-man, but he did some underhand work, and he

-was asked to resign. The last I heard of him he

-had started a sort of mushroom correspondence

-school. Poor Belgrade! He was a brilliant

-scholar, but he wanted to live by his wits, instead

-of working.”</p>

-

-<p>“What can he be doing with Noddy?” asked

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Give it up,” murmured Bob. “I wonder

-when supper will be ready, and what we’ll have to

-eat?”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry was in deep thought.</p>

-

-<p>“Professor Snodgrass,” he asked suddenly,

-“what branch of science did this Dr. Belgrade

-teach in college?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, his specialty was electricity, and I remember

-when radium was first discovered that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>

-he took a great interest in it. He even wrote a

-paper on it, that was considered very good. Another

-thing, though perhaps I should not speak of

-it. Our college had a small specimen of radium,

-that one of the founders bought, and presented to

-the laboratory. One day it disappeared, and it

-was the same day Belgrade was asked to resign.</p>

-

-<p>“There was talk that he might know something

-about it, but the faculty considered that he

-had disgraced our school enough by something

-else he did, so they did not press the radium

-matter. Belgrade sold examination papers to

-some of the students. He was too brilliant, I’m

-afraid, for his own good. And now to think he is

-in with Noddy Nixon!”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, and I believe I know what for!” exclaimed

-Jerry. “Noddy has taken him along as

-an authority on radium, for Noddy wouldn’t know

-it from a lump of clay. I begin to see things now.

-Fellows, we’ve got to be on our guard. I wish

-Noddy was behind us instead of ahead of us!”</p>

-

-<p>“Why, do you think he’ll get to Snake Island

-before we do?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“He may,” replied Jerry grimly. “But he’ll

-have his work cut out to beat us. I wish that

-brake hadn’t smashed. I’d like to be traveling

-now.”</p>

-

-<p>But there was no help for it. They had to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>

-wait until morning, and then they took to the road

-again. For two days more they traveled on and

-then, unexpectedly running out of gasolene one

-night they had to lay over again for a half hour

-while the garage dealer supplied them. He was

-out, too, but the tank wagon, with a supply was on

-its way, he said.</p>

-

-<p>“Had another auto here, a while ago, and they

-took my last gallon,” explained the garage attendant.

-“Fellow by the name of Blixen, or something

-like that. Mighty fresh, too. He wanted

-to beat me down on my price.”</p>

-

-<p>“Wasn’t it Nixon, and not Blixen?” asked

-Jerry quickly.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, that might have been it. I didn’t pay

-much attention. His auto was badly in need of

-repairs, and I sort of asked if he didn’t want me

-to fix it. He said he didn’t as they were only going

-on a little farther.”</p>

-

-<p>“A little farther,” remarked Jerry, for it was

-still some distance to Denver, where Noddy was

-undoubtedly headed for. It was common knowledge

-that the <i>Comet</i>, the airship of our heroes,

-was in Denver, for the papers had contained many

-accounts of how it had broken records at the big

-meet. Noddy could not have helped seeing them,

-and, naturally, he would suspect that the motor

-boys were going to pick up their craft.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, he said he and his crowd were going to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>

-take a train the rest of the way,” went on the garage

-man. “They were going to Belmont station,

-and take the train there. Here comes the gasolene.

-I’ll soon have your tanks filled.”</p>

-

-<p>“Fellows, we’ve got to do something!” exclaimed

-Jerry to his companions, as the gasolene

-was being put in. “Noddy may get ahead of us

-after all, and reach Denver first, if he takes a

-train.”</p>

-

-<p>“What can we do?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Leave the auto, and take a train ourselves,”

-replied the tall lad.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s it!” cried Bob. “Beat him at his

-own game!”</p>

-

-<p>“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “How far

-is it to Belmont?” he asked of the garage man,

-as he paid for the gasolene.</p>

-

-<p>“About twenty miles.”</p>

-

-<p>“Can you get a through train there for Denver,

-Colorado?”</p>

-

-<p>“No, only locals stop there. But if you want

-to go to Denver, I can tell you a better way. Why

-don’t you go to Meldon station. That’s only ten

-miles farther on, and the Denver Limited stops

-there. You can make it I guess,” and he looked

-at his watch. “She leaves there at nine o’clock

-to-night, and it’s one of the few stops until she hits

-Denver. You can only get locals at Belmont. The

-Limited beats them all to pieces.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“We’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on, fellows!

-On to Meldon!”</p>

-

-<p>“You’ve got to travel pretty fast,” the man

-warned them. “And the roads aren’t very good—especially

-at night.”</p>

-

-<p>“We can do it!” cried Jerry. “Meldon for

-ours, and we’ll beat Noddy on his local!”</p>

-

-<p>They were soon chugging down the road, in

-the gathering darkness. Bob started to get supper,

-when Jerry stopped a little later to light the

-powerful gas lamps, and then they went on at increased

-speed. Jerry drove the car as fast as was

-safe, but their bad luck pursued them, for they

-took the wrong turn at a point five miles from

-Meldon, and went eight miles out of their way.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh hang it!” cried Ned when they were set

-right by a truck farmer on a load of produce.

-“Can we make it, Jerry?”</p>

-

-<p>“I guess so,” and the tall lad threw the gasolene

-lever over a couple more notches, and advanced

-the spark full.</p>

-

-<p>The big car fairly bounded along, and it

-seemed as if they would get to Meldon in time to

-catch the Limited. But they struck a stretch of

-sand that held them back. However, Jerry drove

-on like mad, and soon the lights of the station

-came into view.</p>

-

-<p>“What are you going to do with the car?”

-cried Ned above the noise of the motor.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Leave it with the agent, and have him store

-it for us,” replied Jerry. “I guess we’re in

-plenty of time, fellows,” he cried with a look at

-his watch. “I thought it was later.”</p>

-

-<p>He stopped the car with a screech of brakes at

-the station, and jumped out.</p>

-

-<p>“You fellows get out the baggage, and I’ll see

-to the tickets!” he cried.</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t leave any of my specimens!” cried the

-professor.</p>

-

-<p>Jerry rushed up to the ticket agent behind his

-little barred window.</p>

-

-<p>“Four tickets through to Denver!” exclaimed

-the tall lad. “On the Limited! We’ve got quite

-some baggage and I’d like to leave our auto in

-your care. We’ll pay you well.”</p>

-

-<p>“The Limited pulled out of here about an hour

-ago,” said the man. “You’re too late.”</p>

-

-<p>“Too late? Why it isn’t nine o’clock yet!”

-and Jerry looked at his watch.</p>

-

-<p>“Guess you must be wrong, friend,” spoke the

-agent. “That clock is standard time for this

-section of the country.”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry looked at his watch and gave a low

-whistle.</p>

-

-<p>“By Jove! She’s stopped,” he cried. “That’s

-it. I forgot to wind my watch last night. Oh,

-what a chump!”</p>

-

-<p>“Then we’ve missed the Limited,” said Ned.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“And Noddy Nixon is ahead of us,” added

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m afraid so,” admitted Jerry, a look of disappointment

-on his face. “Has the local from

-Belmont gone?” he asked.</p>

-

-<p>“Some time ago,” replied the agent. “She

-doesn’t stop here. The Limited will have passed

-her by now, though.”</p>

-

-<p>The boys said nothing. They did not know

-what to do. Their enemy was ahead of them, and

-they were stranded. The professor was calmly

-looking for bugs on the wall of the depot.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a><br />

-<small>THE PROFESSOR’S LUNCH</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Well, what are we going to do?” asked

-Ned, after a long and rather gloomy pause.</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t know,” answered Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Might as well go on in the auto,” suggested

-Bob. “We’ll get to Denver to-morrow or next

-day, won’t we?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, yes,” agreed the tall lad, “but Noddy

-will be a good deal ahead of us, even if he is on a

-slow local. Hang it! Why didn’t I think to wind

-my watch. I meant to, but we had so many

-things to think about that it slipped my mind.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, there’s no use crying over spilled milk,”

-consoled Ned. “The thing now is to decide

-what’s best to do. We might have looked at our

-watches.”</p>

-

-<p>The station agent had gone outside to attend to

-some of his duties, leaving the boys and the professor

-alone in the depot. The scientist seemed

-to have shaken all cares from his shoulders, as he

-walked about, peering through his powerful spectacles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>

-for any stray specimens he might be able to

-capture.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, the only thing I see,” spoke Jerry, “is

-to take the Limited to-morrow. We can stay here

-in town to-night. I guess we’ll go to a hotel, for

-I want to stretch out in bed. Then I can arrange

-with some garage man myself, about looking after

-the auto, instead of leaving it for the station

-agent to do. But I certainly am sorry we missed

-that train. We’d be ahead of Noddy by this

-time.”</p>

-

-<p>“It wasn’t your fault any more than it was

-ours,” spoke Ned. “We ought to have looked at

-our watches, too.”</p>

-

-<p>Bob said nothing. He had strolled over to the

-far side of the depot where there was a lunch

-counter. But the place was closed by glass partitions,

-through which the food could be seen.</p>

-

-<p>“Just look at Chunky,” said Ned in a low

-tone.</p>

-

-<p>“Here, come away from there!” called Jerry

-in a loud voice to his chum. “Hands off!”</p>

-

-<p>Bob started.</p>

-

-<p>“Can’t I look at it if I want to?” he asked.

-“I was seeing if they had any nicer stuff than we

-did in the auto. If they did we might better eat

-here instead of going to the hotel. Supper’ll be

-over there, anyhow.”</p>

-

-<p>“Come away, or you’ll get wireless indigestion,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>

-advised Jerry. “Oh, say, I wish I knew

-what to do,” he added impatiently.</p>

-

-<p>“Guess the only thing is to go to bed and take

-the first train in the morning,” advised Ned.</p>

-

-<p>At that moment a young woman came into the

-depot. She walked with a business-like air, and,

-advancing to the lunch room, opened the door

-leading into it. Then she began taking down the

-glass windows that closed it off. Bob, who had

-walked back toward his chums, started for the

-counter again.</p>

-

-<p>“Would you look at Chunky!” remarked Ned

-again. The stout lad was eagerly looking over

-the collection of food, at the same time casting

-stray glances at the young woman—she was little

-more than a girl.</p>

-

-<p>“Are—are you going to serve lunch?” asked

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“If anybody wants it—and I hope they do,”

-was her reply with a bright smile, showing two

-rows of white, even teeth.</p>

-

-<p>“I—I guess I do,” went on Bob, with a half-ashamed

-glance at his chums.</p>

-

-<p>“Here, Bob! You come away from there!”

-ordered Ned in a loud voice. “Don’t go to bothering

-the young lady. You mustn’t mind him,

-miss,” went on the joking Ned. “He’s harmless.

-We’re taking him back to the asylum. He just

-got out to-day—escaped. He thinks he’s always<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>

-hungry. Did he annoy you?” and with a half-fierce

-air Ned started for Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“No—no, sir, he didn’t say anything out of the

-way,” replied the girl, with a startled air.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, he doesn’t mean anything,” explained

-Ned without a smile. “He always imagines he’s

-hungry. That’s his peculiar form of insanity.

-You wouldn’t believe it, but he just ate three roast

-chickens, not half an hour ago, and my partner

-and I have had the hardest work to prevent him

-breaking into your lunch room. Come over here,

-I say, or we’ll put the strait-jacket on you!”

-ordered Ned to his fat chum.</p>

-

-<p>For a moment Bob could only gasp, he was so

-surprised. Then he ripped out:</p>

-

-<p>“Well of all the nerve! I’ll fix you for that!

-Don’t you believe him!” he went on. “I’m not

-crazy at all, I’m only hungry.”</p>

-

-<p>“They all say that,” put in Jerry, carrying on

-the joke.</p>

-

-<p>“Jerry Hopkins!” cried Bob. “I—I’ll——”</p>

-

-<p>He did not say what he would do, for at that

-moment Professor Snodgrass, who had been unsuccessful

-in his search for insects, approached

-the lunch counter. The girl had started the coffee

-machine, and an aromatic odor filled the waiting

-room.</p>

-

-<p>“Ah, that smells good!” exclaimed the professor.

-“I believe I will have a cup of coffee,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>

-and some sandwiches. Will you join me, boys,

-as long as we have to wait?”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, do,” urged Bob, and he glanced appealingly

-at his chums. They did not have the heart

-to plague him further, and with a laugh, at which

-the girl seemed much relieved, Jerry clapped his

-stout companion on the back, and linked arms

-with him.</p>

-

-<p>“I believe I can take something myself,” spoke

-Ned. “Bob, you do the ordering, and then we’ll

-go to the hotel, and try to forget our troubles in

-sleep.”</p>

-

-<p>They drew the tall stools up to the marble-topped

-lunch counter, and the girl, evidently much

-relieved, and pleased at so many customers at that

-hour, began setting out plates, spoons, knifes and

-other table utensils in front of them.</p>

-

-<p>“Chicken pies!” exclaimed Bob, rubbing his

-hands as he scanned the bill of fare. “That

-sounds good. We’ll start with them.”</p>

-

-<p>“I think I will take some fruit first,” said the

-professor. “Those bananas look tempting,” and

-he motioned to some under a glass cover.</p>

-

-<p>“Just help yourself to them, please,” invited

-the lunch girl. “I’ll put the chicken pies in the

-oven to heat.”</p>

-

-<p>Mr. Snodgrass lifted the cover off the bananas,

-and, as he did so he uttered one of his usual cries

-of delight.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“There it is! There it is!” he exclaimed.

-“Oh, what a beauty, and such a long tail! Oh,

-I must get that! Look out boys! Don’t let it

-get away.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, what is it?” screamed the girl. “It’s a

-mouse, I know it is! Oh, a mouse! A mouse!

-Father, come quickly!” and she leaped upon a

-small stool, and thence to the broad shelf back of

-the lunch counter, while Professor Snodgrass

-clapped a specimen box down over something amid

-the bananas.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a><br />

-<small>THE WRECK OF THE LIMITED</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>The door of the station opened, and the ticket

-agent rushed in. At a glance he sized up the situation,

-the girl on the shelf, screaming, the excited

-professor holding his hands over the bananas and

-three more or less startled boys looking on.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter?” demanded the agent.

-“Mildred, has anything happened? Have these

-people annoyed you?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, no, father. It’s a mouse—a mouse in the

-bananas, but the gentleman has captured it. But

-he acted so queer—he called out so, and—and——”

-She stopped, on the verge of tears.</p>

-

-<p>The agent took a step forward. His manner

-was rather threatening. Jerry saw that it was

-time to explain at once.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s all right,” he said in a quiet voice. “We

-did start to have a little fun with our friend,” and

-he nodded at Bob, “but we had no intention of

-annoying the young lady. We——”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, no, they didn’t annoy me, father,” the

-girl said earnestly. “It’s only the mouse.”</p>

-

-<p>“It isn’t a mouse at all!” broke in the professor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>

-“It is a very rare specimen of a long-tailed

-scorpion and——”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, a scorpion!” screamed the girl. “That’s

-worse! Oh, daddy, get a poker, or something,

-and kill the horrid thing. I saw one once, all

-covered with long hairs—a big spider—Ugh!”</p>

-

-<p>“You are thinking of a tarantula, my dear

-young lady,” said the professor calmly. “This is

-a scorpion, which is entirely different. But this

-species is harmless, I do assure you. It wouldn’t

-bite a fly. I am very fortunate to have captured

-it. I saw it on the bananas as soon as I took off

-the cover, and I knew I must get it at once, or it

-would escape. There, I have it safe,” and he slid

-a glass cover on the box, and held out to view

-some sort of an insect, like a crayfish, with an extra

-long tail, which was squirming about under

-the glass.</p>

-

-<p>“There is the little beauty!” cried the professor

-with enthusiasm. “It is worth at least ten

-dollars, and I am willing to pay that much to whoever

-owns it,” and he glanced at the girl.</p>

-

-<p>“Ugh! Take the horrid thing away!” she

-cried. “Are you sure there are no more?”</p>

-

-<p>“Not a one. I wish there were,” said the professor,

-looking carefully among the bananas.</p>

-

-<p>“Then I’ll come down,” went on the lunch

-girl, as she blushingly descended. “I’m sorry I

-made a scene, but I thought it was a mouse.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“That’s all right,” spoke Jerry gallantly. “It

-was our fault for wanting lunch at this unearthly

-hour.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I always serve lunch at this time,” spoke

-the girl. “There’s quite a crowd comes in from

-the Denver Express, and they’re ’most always

-hungry. They’ll be here in about an hour, won’t

-they, father? Is the train on time?”</p>

-

-<p>“About,” replied the agent. “But I don’t exactly

-understand. Is everything all right now?”</p>

-

-<p>“I think so,” said Jerry, and he explained how

-he and Ned had started to have fun with Bob,

-how they had made up their minds to have a

-lunch, and how Professor Snodgrass had discovered

-the scorpion amid the bananas. He told

-what a learned man the scientist was, always on

-the lookout for specimens. Uriah Snodgrass was,

-by this time, painlessly preserving his scorpion,

-and making notes about it, forgetting his desire to

-eat. Not so Bob, however, who was eagerly waiting

-for the hot chicken pies.</p>

-

-<p>The excitement soon quieted down, and matters

-having been satisfactorily explained the ticket

-agent became very friendly. He told the boys

-how he had secured the privilege of running the

-lunch counter at the station, and how his daughter,

-after the death of her mother, had taken

-charge of it. By this time the meal was ready,

-and even the professor sat up and ate.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“But I don’t see why you serve meals so late,”

-said Jerry, for it was now after ten o’clock.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, we have to accommodate the passengers

-of the Denver Express,” explained Miss Harrison,

-the lunch-girl. “At least they call it an express,

-though it doesn’t go very fast.”</p>

-

-<p>“And it comes from Denver?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“No, it goes <em>to</em> Denver,” she said.</p>

-

-<p>“To Denver?” cried Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, it’s the last train out of here to-night.

-It gets to Denver to-morrow noon, when it’s on

-time, and that isn’t very often. But there are

-always a lot of travelers who like to stop off here

-for lunch. The train waits ten minutes for a

-freight to clear. So I always come back here

-after supper to serve a little lunch. I won’t have

-much left, though, if you people come in often,”

-and with a mischievous look on her face she

-glanced at Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“A train to Denver!” cried Jerry. “That’s

-good news. I didn’t know there were any more.

-I supposed when we lost the Limited we were

-stranded here for the night. Boys, there’s a

-chance yet of beating Noddy Nixon!” he cried.</p>

-

-<p>“Good!” exclaimed Ned. “Then we’ll do

-it.”</p>

-

-<p>“Sure—we—blub—ugh—will,” added Bob,

-his mouth full of chicken pie.</p>

-

-<p>“Then finish up!” ordered Jerry. “We’ll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>

-arrange to have the auto left here, and take our

-baggage on with us. In Denver to-morrow noon!

-That’s fine!”</p>

-

-<p>“If you’re on time,” put in the agent. “I

-meant to tell you about that last train, but I had

-some freight matters to look after, and it slipped

-my mind. She’ll be along here pretty soon. Better

-get your tickets, and have your baggage

-checked if you’re going.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, and we’ve got to attend to our auto,”

-said Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“And my specimens!” cried the professor.

-“I think I will express back to the college those

-I have, and begin on a new lot. Oh, how lucky

-I am to get the long-tailed scorpion!”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, don’t speak of it!” cried Miss Harrison.</p>

-

-<p>While Ned ran the auto to the nearest garage

-and arranged to have it cared for while the boys

-were in the West, Jerry and Bob bought the

-tickets for Denver, and had the baggage checked.

-That is, Jerry did most of the work, while Bob

-paid occasional visits to the lunch counter.</p>

-

-<p>“Say, Bob,” asked Jerry at length. “Is it

-the girl or the grub that you’re fondest of?”</p>

-

-<p>“Ah—er—both!” stammered the fat lad.

-“Those chicken pies were fine!”</p>

-

-<p>There was some little time to wait after all

-their preparations were made, for the Express<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>

-was late, as usual, and in the interim the boys

-and the professor struck up quite an acquaintance

-with Mr. Harrison and his daughter. Bob even

-insisted on buying a lot of sandwiches to take

-along on the train, for he said he might get hungry

-in the night journey to Denver.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it’s better than staying in town all

-night,” remarked Jerry, when the agent informed

-him that their train would soon pull in. “But I

-wish we had caught the Limited.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, maybe we’ll get ahead of Noddy yet,”

-suggested Ned.</p>

-

-<p>The Express pulled in, and a score of hungry

-passengers besieged pretty Miss Harrison. She

-waved good-bye to the boys and the professor,

-and then began handing out food. Our friends

-got aboard, and settled themselves comfortably

-for the trip to Denver. At last they were underway

-again.</p>

-

-<p>Through the night rushed the Express. Jerry

-and his friends had taken sleeping berths, and

-they stretched out for a long rest, as they were

-tired. There was some regret that Noddy was

-ahead of them, but this could not be helped.</p>

-

-<p>“What do you think Noddy will do when he

-gets to Denver; if he arrives ahead of us?” asked

-Ned of Jerry, who had the berth below him.</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t know. I hope he doesn’t find out

-where our airship is, and try to damage that.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“He wouldn’t dare!”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, Noddy would do anything. Still, there’s

-no use in worrying until we have to.”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, will you boys get quiet and go to sleep?”

-begged a nervous man across the aisle. “I’ve

-got to get up early.”</p>

-

-<p>“Sorry we disturbed you,” spoke Jerry.

-“Good-night, Ned.”</p>

-

-<p>“Good-night.”</p>

-

-<p>“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.</p>

-

-<p>There was silence for a moment. Then, from

-the berth just forward of Jerry, came an inquiry.</p>

-

-<p>“Jerry, did you see what I did with that specimen

-of the long-tailed scorpion?”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, mercy!” screamed a woman from somewhere

-in the car. “I hate bugs!”</p>

-

-<p>“You expressed it back to the college with the

-other things, Professor Snodgrass,” answered the

-tall lad.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, so I did. Good-night.”</p>

-

-<p>“Good-night.”</p>

-

-<p>“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.</p>

-

-<p>There was silence throughout the sleeping car.

-The train swung on through the night, making

-occasional stops. Then came a long run.</p>

-

-<p>Suddenly there was a grinding of brakes. The

-train was halted so suddenly that many of the

-passengers slipped down to the ends of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>

-berths, all crumpled up. There was a series of

-shrill whistles.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter?” cried the fussy man.

-“Are you boys cutting up again? Can’t you let

-a man sleep in peace? I’ve got to get up early!”</p>

-

-<p>“Hello! Hello!” cried the professor. “What

-is it?”</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t know,” answered Jerry. “It isn’t

-us, anyhow,” he added, for the benefit of the

-fussy man.</p>

-

-<p>Just then a brakeman came hurrying through

-the car.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s up?” asked Jerry, poking his head

-through the curtains of his berth.</p>

-

-<p>“Wreck!” was the brief reply. “The Denver

-Limited, right ahead of us, has jumped the

-track. Our engineer stopped just in time, or we’d

-have been into her.”</p>

-

-<p>“The Limited wrecked!” gasped Jerry. “It’s

-a good thing, after all, that we missed it!”</p>

-

-<p>Then, from somewhere ahead, came screams

-and cries, and the crash of axes on wood.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a><br />

-<small>THE EXPRESS AHEAD</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Come on, fellows, tumble out!”</p>

-

-<p>Thus Jerry called to his two chums, but they

-needed no urging. The curtains of their berths

-were violently shaken as the lads drew on their

-clothes, and leaped out into the aisle.</p>

-

-<p>“Has anything happened?” asked the professor,

-hardly awake, even after his first question.</p>

-

-<p>“Not to us,” answered Jerry. “Our luck

-seems to have turned. But there must be a lot

-of people badly hurt on the Limited. Come on,

-we’ll do all we can to help.”</p>

-

-<p>Without stopping to dress fully, the three boys

-hurried out of the car. The professor and some

-of the other men passengers followed, the women

-remaining in frightened and tearful groups, discussing

-what had happened.</p>

-

-<p>Jerry saw a brakeman hurrying from the

-sleeping car with several tools under his arm—an

-axe, a saw and a crowbar.</p>

-

-<p>“Are passengers imprisoned in the wreck?”

-asked the tall lad.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Some of ’em,” was the quick response. “We

-need all the help we can get. There weren’t many

-on the Limited, and what few there are can’t do

-anything. It’s a good thing her tail lights were

-burning, or we’d have smashed into her. Come

-along, boys.”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, we’re right in the woods,” remarked

-Ned as he stumbled along the track in the darkness.

-Ahead of them they could see a glow of

-flames, reflected from the dark trees.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s on fire!” cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s why we need all the help we can get

-to chop the people out!” cried the brakeman.

-“Here, you boys, take those tools, and run ahead

-with ’em. I’ll get more from some of the other

-cars.”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry caught up a saw, Ned the iron bar and

-Bob the axe.</p>

-

-<p>“Isn’t there anything for me?” demanded the

-professor, who was anxious to help.</p>

-

-<p>“You’ll find more tools up ahead!” shouted

-the brakeman, with a wave of his hand toward the

-blazing wreck. “Hurry!”</p>

-

-<p>The screams and cries of the injured could be

-heard more plainly now, and the fire was burning

-brighter. The three boys hastened their pace,

-and Jerry headed for one car, around which most

-of the rescuers were grouped.</p>

-

-<p>“Here’s work for us, fellows!” he cried.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“That’s right!” shouted a brakeman. “Get

-busy!”</p>

-

-<p>The motor boys could see the havoc wrought

-by the wreck. The engine lay on its side, down a

-slight embankment, and one car—a combined mail

-and express coach—had followed. The other

-cars were on the track, with the exception of one,

-which had fallen on its side, and was partly

-smashed. It was from this coach that the cries

-were proceeding, but fortunately that was not the

-car that was burning. The one on fire was an

-express car.</p>

-

-<p>“There are people imprisoned in this car!”

-cried the conductor of the train, who was directing

-operations. “Chop and saw away at the windows,

-so we can get ’em out! Lively now, everybody!”</p>

-

-<p>“But the fire!” cried a man, pointing to the

-express car. “Hadn’t we better try to put that

-out?”</p>

-

-<p>“Can’t be done,” replied the conductor briefly.

-“We have no water.”</p>

-

-<p>“But the poor souls——” cried the man.</p>

-

-<p>“None in there,” was the quick answer. “The

-express messenger got out, and the stuff will have

-to burn. All the people in danger are in this

-car, and we’ve got to get ’em out. There’s no

-danger from the fire. It will have to burn out.

-Lively now!”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>The boys fell to with a will, as did the other

-passengers from the wrecked Limited and from

-the Express. Several of the unfortunates had already

-been rescued, and were being laid on the

-cushioned car seats, or carried back to the rear

-train.</p>

-

-<p>“Here’s someone under this window!” cried

-Jerry, as in the darkness, illuminated by the glow

-from the fire, he saw a white hand tapping on the

-glass, that had, through some strange agency, not

-broken.</p>

-

-<p>“Chop ’em out!” cried Bob, raising his axe.</p>

-

-<p>“Go easy there!” yelled Jerry. “You’ll do

-more harm than good!” The tall lad tapped

-on the pane, and a face was thrust close to it.</p>

-

-<p>“Protect yourself from the flying glass,” ordered

-Jerry. “We’re going to break it, and pull

-you out. Cover yourself up.”</p>

-

-<p>A few taps with the axe served to shatter the

-pane, after Jerry had noticed that the dim figure

-wrapped itself in a blanket, for this car was a

-sleeper. Soon the hole was big enough to haul

-out a fairly large person, and Jerry and Ned

-carefully scraped away the jagged points of

-glass.</p>

-

-<p>“Come on now!” cried Jerry, thrusting his

-hands down into the opening. “We’ll lift you

-out!”</p>

-

-<p>He caught hold of the wrist of someone, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>

-Ned the other hand. They lifted, and there

-came into view a little girl, with light, curly hair.

-She did not seem to have a scratch on her, but

-she was crying from fright. As soon as Jerry

-had her in his arms she screamed out:</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, where is mamma—and papa?”</p>

-

-<p>A man came bursting through the crowd at the

-sound of the child’s voice.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, Gladys! Thank the dear Lord!” he

-cried, fairly snatching her from Jerry. “You are

-saved! I thought you were gone! Your mamma

-is safe. Come. Oh, boys, I can’t thank you

-enough! You have saved my little daughter.”</p>

-

-<p>“And the glass didn’t cut me!” cried Gladys.

-“I was in a blanket. But, papa, I can’t go. Annabell

-is in there.”</p>

-

-<p>“What, another little girl!” cried Jerry.

-“Come on, boys. More work!”</p>

-

-<p>“Annabell is my doll!” explained Gladys,

-smiling now in her father’s arms. “But I want

-her. I love her.”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry looked in through the broken window.

-In a pile of blankets, on what had been a berth,

-he saw what seemed to be a tousled head of hair.

-Reaching in his arm he pulled out a big doll,

-minus one leg.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, poor Annabell is hurt!” cried Gladys.

-“Oh, papa!”</p>

-

-<p>“Never mind, you shall have a dozen dolls.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>

-Boys, I can’t begin to thank you! Montrose is

-my name, James Montrose, of Denver. I’ll see

-you again. I want your names. Now I must

-take Gladys to her mother. Mrs. Montrose is

-slightly injured. Oh, what a terrible wreck!”</p>

-

-<p>He hurried away, and Jerry and his chums

-looked for more work to do. But, so well had

-the rescue operations been conducted that, as far

-as could be learned, not another soul remained in

-the wrecked sleeper. From the other cars the

-passengers had hastened themselves, or been

-helped, after the crash, bruises and cuts being

-their worst injuries.</p>

-

-<p>And, strange as it may seem, no one was killed

-outright, though several were grievously hurt.

-The wounded had been carried back to the stalled

-Express, and made as comfortable as possible.

-Fortunately, there was a doctor aboard, and a

-supply of bandages and medicine. The conductor

-of the wrecked Limited checked over his passenger

-list, and reported no one missing.</p>

-

-<p>“I think everyone is out now, gentlemen,” he

-said to Jerry and his chums, and the little group

-of rescuers.</p>

-

-<p>“Then I suppose we must wait here until the

-wrecking crew comes,” said one man.</p>

-

-<p>“No,” answered the conductor, “we will go

-back, and get aboard the Express, just behind us.

-There is a switch, not far away, and we can go<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>

-around the wreck, and proceed to Denver, though

-we’ll stop at the nearest hospital with the worst

-wounded.”</p>

-

-<p>“On to Denver!” exclaimed Jerry. “Then

-we’ll beat the Limited after all. We’re going

-on ahead.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, but Noddy is still in front of us,” spoke

-Ned in a low voice. “We’ll never catch up to

-him.”</p>

-

-<p>“It can’t be helped,” remarked Bob. “Say,

-but we run into excitement and adventures when

-we least expect it.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s better than running into a wreck,” replied

-Jerry. “Hello, here’s someone evidently

-forgotten!”</p>

-

-<p>The boys and Professor Snodgrass were walking

-back toward the Express, and were somewhat

-by themselves, when Jerry noticed the figure of a

-man lying on a pile of seat cushions on the railroad

-embankment.</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s carry him back to the doctor!” cried

-Ned, and he advanced to take hold of one corner

-of the seat, which was like an improvised

-stretcher. The man on it never moved.</p>

-

-<p>“We four can carry it nicely,” said Jerry.

-“Catch hold here, Professor.”</p>

-

-<p>Mr. Snodgrass used one hand to reach for the

-corner of the plush-covered seat. His left he held

-clenched, some distance away from his body. As<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>

-might have been expected, with only one hand, he

-could not lift his corner.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Ned. “Is your

-hand hurt, Mr. Snodgrass?”</p>

-

-<p>“Hand hurt? No. Why?”</p>

-

-<p>“You’re not using it. Why do you hold it

-that funny way?”</p>

-

-<p>“Funny way? I—er—bless my soul! It’s

-my collar button. I’ve been holding my collar

-button all this while. I started to put it in my

-shirt when I heard the call for help, and I guess

-I was so excited and absent-minded that I’ve been

-holding it ever since. I wondered why I couldn’t

-do more work, and all the while it was because I

-only used one hand. The other held the collar

-button. How stupid!”</p>

-

-<p>He thrust the button into his pocket, while the

-boys could hardly restrain a smile. Then, with

-the professor’s two-handed aid, the sufferer on

-the seat was carried to the rear. He had fainted

-from a comparatively slight injury and was soon

-being cared for.</p>

-

-<p>A little later, with all the wounded from the

-Limited on board, and all the other passengers

-squeezed in somehow, the Express backed up, went

-around the wreck by means of a switch, and

-headed for Denver.</p>

-

-<p>The boys were beating the Limited, which they

-had missed, but they would reach the Western<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>

-city considerably in the rear of Noddy Nixon for

-all that, since the Limited could not now pass the

-local train on which the bully and his cronies were

-riding.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it can’t be helped,” remarked Jerry,

-as he saw Mr. Montrose, whose little daughter

-they had rescued, caring for his wife. Gladys

-was happy with her injured doll.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a><br />

-<small>THE AIRSHIP GONE</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>Stopping in the early dawn at a good-sized

-city, the wounded from the Express were taken to

-a hospital for treatment. Though Mrs. Montrose

-was not seriously hurt her husband decided

-that she also had better stop off, instead of making

-the trip to Denver. Accordingly, after having

-bidden the boys good-bye, giving them his address

-in the Western city, and telling them he

-expected to see them there, Mr. Montrose got

-off the train.</p>

-

-<p>“And I’m much obliged to you, too,” said little

-Gladys. “So Annabell would be, if she could

-talk, and I guess she doesn’t mind her leg being

-off—that is, not very much, for she’s been asleep

-most of the time, and when you sleep you don’t

-feel any pain.”</p>

-

-<p>“I guess that’s right,” agreed Jerry with a

-smile.</p>

-

-<p>The Express went on, but it was much behind

-time, and had to proceed necessarily slower each

-hour, on account of the wreck, for all the railroad

-schedules were set awry.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“But we’ll get there some time,” observed

-Jerry, though naturally he was nervous about

-what Noddy might do to get to Snake Island

-ahead of them.</p>

-

-<p>Noon saw our friends still quite a distance away

-from Denver, and they fretted over the delay.

-They ate dinner at a way-station lunch counter,

-and, though Professor Snodgrass looked eagerly

-among the bananas for more rare specimens, he

-found none.</p>

-

-<p>“But if I get my two-tailed toad I’ll not want

-anything else,” he said, as they got underway

-again.</p>

-

-<p>It was late that afternoon, when they reached

-Denver, and went at once to a hotel, for a good

-bath and a change of clothing, for they had

-brought their big valises with them on the

-train.</p>

-

-<p>“And now for a good hot meal!” cried Bob,

-as, much refreshed the chums sat together in the

-hotel parlor. “Railroad lunches are all right,

-even when a pretty girl serves ’em, but I want to

-sit down to a table where I can eat as long as I

-like.”</p>

-

-<p>“And as much,” added Jerry. “But I guess

-we’ll have to postpone our eating for a while,

-Bob,” and the tall lad winked at Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Postpone it!” cried the fat youth. “Why?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we ought to go out to Buffalo Park, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>

-look after our airship,” went on Jerry. The

-<i>Comet</i>, so Mr. Glassford had written them, was

-left at one of the hangars in Buffalo Park, where

-the aero meet had been held. The craft had not

-been taken apart for shipment back east, but

-had, in accordance with the instructions of the

-motor boys, been kept in readiness for a quick

-flight. A watchman, named Boise, had been left

-in charge, and Mr. Glassford had told him that

-Jerry and his chums would soon be on hand to

-claim their property.</p>

-

-<p>“Go to Buffalo Park!” exclaimed Bob blankly.

-“Why, that’s about seven miles out. It will take

-more than two hours to go there and back, and

-look at the <i>Comet</i>. That will make supper awfully

-late. I guess she’s all right. Can’t we wait

-until to-morrow, Jerry?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, that’s what I was going to propose,”

-remarked the tall lad, after what to Bob was a

-painful pause. “I guess we’re all too tired to

-chase out there, and our airship will probably

-be all right. I tried to see if I could get Boise

-on the ’phone, but I couldn’t.”</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll go out there the first thing in the morning!”

-decided Bob, with a look of relief on his

-face. “Now, I’m going to the dining-room, and

-look at the bill of fare.”</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t eat it,” advised Ned with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>“No danger. I’m not going to spoil my appetite,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>

-declared the fat one. “I never had a better.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then don’t say anything about it, or they’ll

-raise the rate on us,” cautioned Jerry. “Jove,

-but I’m tired!” and he stretched out in an easy

-chair, while Ned took another, and Bob strolled

-toward the dining-room, to find out how soon

-supper would be served.</p>

-

-<p>“And we didn’t hear anything of Noddy,” remarked

-Ned, after a pause.</p>

-

-<p>“Nor see anything,” added Jerry. “I inquired

-at the station, and they told me the local,

-which Noddy and the others must have taken, got

-in early this morning. He was several hours

-ahead of us if he was on that, and he probably

-was.”</p>

-

-<p>Bright and early the next morning they were

-on their way to Buffalo Park. The place of the

-aero meet was deserted, and the hangars looked

-gloomy in the big expanse of open field.</p>

-

-<p>“Wonder which is ours?” ventured Ned, as

-he and his chums alighted from the trolley car.</p>

-

-<p>“There it is,” remarked Jerry, pointing to a

-big shed with the word “COMET” in large letters

-across the big doors.</p>

-

-<p>“And now for a good flight!” cried Bob. “No

-more train wrecks for ours. Off for Snake Island

-and the radium!”</p>

-

-<p>“And my two-tailed toad,” added Professor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>

-Snodgrass, looking carefully on the ground as he

-advanced for a possible rare specimen.</p>

-

-<p>The boys found the hangar, where their craft

-was housed, closed and locked. They pounded

-on the doors, and Jerry remarked:</p>

-

-<p>“This is odd.”</p>

-

-<p>“Why?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Because Mr. Glassford said he had instructed

-Boise to just live out here until we came—not to

-go away at all. And yet he isn’t here.”</p>

-

-<p>“Maybe he didn’t expect us, and has gone to

-town for supplies,” suggested Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“In that case, as Mr. Glassford wrote, he was

-to have a friend on guard. Yet no one seems to

-be here.”</p>

-

-<p>“Maybe he’s asleep,” ventured Bob.</p>

-

-<p>Jerry kicked on the door, with enough force to

-awaken the soundest sleeper, but there was no

-response from inside. Suddenly, from the fields

-back of the boys came a hail.</p>

-

-<p>“Hey! What are you fellows doing at that

-hangar? Get away!”</p>

-

-<p>A man came running toward them. He seemed

-quite angry.</p>

-

-<p>“Get away!” he ordered.</p>

-

-<p>“Who are you?” asked Jerry, a sudden fear

-coming into his heart.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m the watchman—Boise is my name—but

-I’m on my way to Denver now.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Why?” faltered Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Because there’s nothing more here to watch.

-My job is ended. But who are you fellows, anyhow;

-and what do you want here?”</p>

-

-<p>“We’re the owners of the <i>Comet</i>,” replied

-Jerry, “and we came for our airship, that Mr.

-Glassford left with you.”</p>

-

-<p>“The—the owners!” gasped Mr. Boise.

-“Are you the motor boys?”</p>

-

-<p>“We are!” cried Ned. “Where is the

-<i>Comet</i>?”</p>

-

-<p>“It’s gone—gone!” faltered the watchman.</p>

-

-<p>“Gone; where?” Jerry wanted to know.</p>

-

-<p>“I delivered it to a young fellow named Noddy

-Nixon last night,” answered Mr. Boise. “He

-had a letter from Mr. Glassford, and one signed

-Jerry Hopkins, saying he had been sent to bring

-the airship to you—said you couldn’t get this far,

-as there was a wreck.”</p>

-

-<p>“Noddy—Nixon—has—our—airship!”

-gasped Jerry. “Fellows, he got ahead of us

-after all!”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a><br />

-<small>AN UNEXPECTED OFFER</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>Blank amazement, despair, fear and anger

-showed on the faces of the motor boys, as they

-looked at one another and then at the watchman,

-Boise. The latter, no less than our heroes, was

-startled. He saw at once that something was

-wrong.</p>

-

-<p>“And you let the airship go—our <i>Comet</i>?”

-asked Jerry, as if he could not believe the words.</p>

-

-<p>“I did. I thought it was all right. This

-Noddy Nixon said he was a friend of yours, and

-he had two letters. They were orders on me to

-give up the airship, and, as I was expecting you

-any day, I thought it was the thing to do. Here

-are the orders now,” and he pulled two pieces of

-paper from his pocket.</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s see ’em!” exclaimed Jerry eagerly.</p>

-

-<p>Bob and Ned looked over his shoulder as the

-tall lad read. Clearly enough the letters purported

-to be orders on Boise for the delivery of

-the <i>Comet</i>. But it needed only a glance to show

-that they were forgeries.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“I never signed that letter!” cried Jerry

-wrathfully. “I might have known Noddy would

-be up to some trick like this.”</p>

-

-<p>“And that isn’t Mr. Glassford’s writing,

-either,” added Ned. “I have a letter from him

-in my pocket, explaining where he would leave

-the <i>Comet</i> for us,” and he pulled out the epistle,

-comparing it with the one Boise had handed over.

-Though there was some similarity between the

-two signatures, the boys could easily see that the

-order for the airship had been forged. There

-was no question as to the letter purporting to be

-signed by Jerry. That signature was not a bit

-like his.</p>

-

-<p>“And yet these don’t look as if Noddy wrote

-them,” spoke Jerry, as he scanned the forged

-documents. “He couldn’t write as firm a hand

-as this.”</p>

-

-<p>“I shouldn’t be surprised but what that former

-college teacher did it,” suggested Professor Snodgrass.

-“He has probably added forgery to his

-other accomplishments. Let me take a look. I

-don’t know his writing, but I can tell an educated

-hand.”</p>

-

-<p>The professor looked carefully at the two documents,

-and said it was very evident that Dr. Belgrade

-had written them.</p>

-

-<p>“It is too finished a hand to have been penned

-by a lad like Noddy Nixon,” declared Uriah Snodgrass.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>

-“Probably Noddy did not feel equal to

-that part of the work, and got his crony to attempt

-it.”</p>

-

-<p>“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “But

-what did they do with the airship, Mr. Boise?”</p>

-

-<p>“Took her away, and right from in front of

-my face. Oh, I was a ninny to stand there and

-see ’em do it!”</p>

-

-<p>“It wasn’t your fault,” declared Jerry. “Almost

-anyone would have given up the craft, after

-receiving two such orders as these. But where

-did they go?”</p>

-

-<p>“That I can’t say. They seemed in very much

-of a hurry, and, after I had unlocked the big

-doors, and opened ’em, they wheeled the <i>Comet</i>

-out, and started her up. She ran beautifully, too,

-for Mr. Glassford had told me to keep her ready

-for a quick flight, and I did. There was plenty

-of gasolene in the tanks, and she was fit for a big

-journey.”</p>

-

-<p>“Were there three of them?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, the young fellow, who the others called

-Noddy, a rough sort of a chap, and a slick-looking

-man.”</p>

-

-<p>“Bill Berry and Dr. Belgrade, all right,” commented

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Did you hear them say where they were going?”

-asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“No, they didn’t talk much. Just a few words.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>

-They seemed to know how to work the machinery,

-and I never had a suspicion that anything was

-wrong. I did ask ’em where they expected to

-meet you boys, and Noddy said somewhere outside

-of Denver.”</p>

-

-<p>“I guess that part was the only true thing he

-said,” remarked Jerry grimly. “And when we

-do meet him, outside of Denver, or anywhere

-else, well——”</p>

-

-<p>He did not finish, but there was a stern look

-on his face.</p>

-

-<p>“Which way did they head, as they started

-off?” asked Ned, seeking for possible clews.</p>

-

-<p>“I couldn’t say,” replied Boise. “I watched

-’em until they got high in the air, and then they

-got beyond my sight. I haven’t very good eyes,

-so I couldn’t say where they did head for.”</p>

-

-<p>“Did they take any provisions along?” Bob

-wanted to know, and this time his chums did not

-laugh at him, for they realized the wisdom of his

-question.</p>

-

-<p>“None that I saw,” replied the watchman.

-“And there were none in the airship.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then they can’t go very far!” cried Bob.

-“Fellows, we’ve got to get right after ’em.

-They’ll have to come down to feed, and that will

-be our chance.”</p>

-

-<p>“But how can we get after ’em?” asked Jerry.

-“On foot? Our airship is gone, and our auto is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>

-hundreds of miles away. How are we going to

-do it?”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so,” agreed Bob, much downcast.</p>

-

-<p>“An airship is what we need,” commented

-Ned, “and that’s out of the question.”</p>

-

-<p>“There were plenty here a while ago,” remarked

-the watchman, “but they’ve been taken

-away since the meet. Oh, I’m so sorry I let those

-fellows fool me!”</p>

-

-<p>“You couldn’t help it,” declared Jerry kindly.

-“Now it’s up to us to get busy, and make Noddy

-pay for the trouble he has caused us. Come on,

-boys. We’ll get back to the hotel, and talk it

-over. Something has got to be done.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes,” agreed Professor Snodgrass, “we must

-get to Snake Island before they do, or they may

-get the only two-tailed toad that is there.”</p>

-

-<p>“And, naturally, they’ll get all the radium,”

-spoke Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything more for

-you,” said Boise. “I just came out this morning,

-after closing the hangar up last night, to get

-a few things I’d left behind. My work here is

-done, and I’m looking for a new job. If I could

-help you I would.”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m afraid you can’t,” replied Jerry, and,

-parting from Boise, they started for the trolley

-that would take them back to their hotel. They

-were sad and discouraged. After all their hard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>

-work and preparations, to be thus beaten by

-Noddy and his plotters! It was the worst of bad

-luck.</p>

-

-<p>“Gentleman here to see you,” remarked the

-hotel clerk when they went up to the desk to get

-the keys to their adjoining rooms. “He’s in the

-reading-room now, I think. Said he’d wait a little

-while for you.”</p>

-

-<p>“Who is he?” asked Ned eagerly.</p>

-

-<p>“He didn’t leave his name. Front!” he called

-to one of the bell boys, “tell that gentleman with

-the tall hat, in the reading-room, that the young

-gentlemen he was asking for have come in now.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, sir!” exclaimed the lad whose coat was

-a mass of buttons.</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll go in the reading-room, and talk to

-him,” suggested Jerry, wondering who their visitor

-could be. As the three lads entered the apartment

-they saw a familiar figure at the far end.</p>

-

-<p>“Mr. Montrose!” exclaimed Ned, as he recognized

-the father of little Gladys, whom they

-had rescued from the wreck.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, boys! I’m glad to see you!” cried Mr.

-Montrose. “I’ve been inquiring at half the

-hotels in Denver for you. I came on with my

-wife a while ago. She is much better, and as soon

-as I got home with her she insisted that I look

-you up. Gladys wants to see you also, and, as I

-forgot in the excitement to ask what hotel you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>

-were going to stop at, though I heard you say

-you were coming to this city, and as I mislaid

-your cards, the only way I had to find you was

-to describe you to the different hotel clerks. But

-at last I found you. I’m so glad! I want you

-to come out to my house at once.”</p>

-

-<p>Then, as if struck by something in the lads’

-faces the gentleman asked:</p>

-

-<p>“Why, what is the matter? Has anything

-happened?”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, there has!” exclaimed Bob impulsively.

-“Our airship has been taken by Noddy Nixon,”

-and then, in a few brief words the boys told of

-what had happened.</p>

-

-<p>“And so he got ahead of you, after all,” commented

-Mr. Montrose, “and flew away in your

-airship?”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, and we want to chase him, for he can’t

-get very far, but we haven’t anything to do it in,”

-remarked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“We need another airship,” added Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Another airship!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose.

-“How big a one? Would a biplane, carrying

-three, answer?”</p>

-

-<p>“Would it?” cried Jerry. “It certainly

-would! Even if we couldn’t take any provisions

-along for Chunky. But where could we get one

-on such short notice?”</p>

-

-<p>“From me!” suddenly exclaimed Mr. Montrose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>

-“Boys, I’ve been wondering how I could

-reward you for what you did for me—saving my

-daughter. I knew it would have to be something

-out of the ordinary. And this gives me just the

-chance I want. I’ll provide you with an aeroplane,

-so you can chase after Noddy Nixon!”</p>

-

-<p>“But we need it right away!” cried Jerry.

-“There isn’t time to have one made.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, that’s all right. I have one that’s in

-perfect order, if you can believe the man who

-made it. And it has flown recently, so it ought

-to go now. You can start this afternoon, I guess.

-Come and sit down, and I’ll tell you all about

-it,” and Mr. Montrose led the boys toward a

-quiet corner of the reading-room.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a><br />

-<small>ON THE TRAIL</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“How in the world does it happen that you

-have an airship, just when one is most needed?”

-asked Jerry, as he and his chums seated themselves

-near Mr. Montrose.</p>

-

-<p>“I admit it does sound like a fairy story,” said

-that gentleman with a smile, “but I assure you it

-is all plain facts. I am not an aviator, nor am I

-a dealer in airships. I’m a banker here in Denver.

-The quiet life for mine. I’d no more think

-of going up in an airship than I would of putting

-on a diver’s outfit, and going to the bottom of the

-sea. And yet I own what I am told is one of

-the best biplanes made. You see, it was this

-way:</p>

-

-<p>“When we had this meet, for aeroplanes and

-balloons out in Buffalo Park, there were a number

-of cranks, as there always are at an affair of that

-kind.</p>

-

-<p>“Some of them came to me, with plans for

-airships that I could easily see would never fly.

-Others seemed to have good ideas. They all

-wanted money to build their craft.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“There was one young fellow who seemed to

-have a plan for a good sort of airship, and I took

-quite a notion to him. I got an engineer to look

-over the drawings, and, on his report, I advanced

-the money for the young man to build his biplane.

-It was a success from the start, and he made several

-preliminary flights, and won some prizes in

-the meet.</p>

-

-<p>“Then he met with an accident, and not, as

-you might suppose, while up in the air. He was

-coming to the park one day to give an exhibition

-flight, when he was struck by a trolley car, and so

-badly injured that he died in a few days. That

-left me with a first-class airship on my hands, for

-I took it away from the grounds, and had it stored

-in my barn.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s how it happens that I have a biplane

-in good working order, and if it is of any service

-to you boys, you are welcome to her. I’d do

-anything for you, after what you did for me and

-I hope that you can make use of this craft.”</p>

-

-<p>“It is very kind of you to offer it to us,” spoke

-Jerry, “and I think it will be just the thing we

-need. Of course we don’t know anything about

-the engine, or how the biplane will sail, nor how

-fast. But I’m sure it will help us in our hunt for

-Noddy Nixon.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then suppose you come out to my place and

-look her over,” suggested Mr. Montrose. “I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>

-have my auto out in front, and it won’t take long

-to get to my house. Besides, I want you boys to

-pay me a visit, anyhow. Get your baggage from

-the hotel, and be my guests.”</p>

-

-<p>The boys could not refuse. They paid

-their bill at the hotel, and had their baggage

-taken to Mr. Montrose’s fine big house. As

-soon as the professor arrived there, he hurried

-out to a fish pond, with a small net, and was not

-seen again until night, when he came in with more

-specimens.</p>

-

-<p>As for the boys, their first visit was to the

-barn where the airship was stored. Mr. Montrose

-went with them, and he smiled in appreciation

-at what the three chums said.</p>

-

-<p>For perhaps two minutes they examined it carefully,

-Jerry paying particular attention to the engine.

-Then Bob burst out with:</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it’s not so bad. I see a place where

-we can fasten a box on to carry some lunch.”</p>

-

-<p>“Trust Chunky for that,” murmured Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“The engine is powerful,” was Jerry’s opinion,

-“and the propellers are well made. She has

-speed all right.”</p>

-

-<p>“And she’ll carry the three of us,” added Ned.

-“Of course we’ll have to come down after every

-trip of about a hundred miles, for she doesn’t

-carry gasolene for much more than that. But we

-can chase Noddy in ‘century’ stretches, and gasolene<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>

-is easy to get around here. I say, let’s take

-her, and have a try.”</p>

-

-<p>“We can stop for lunch anywhere if we happen

-to run short,” proposed Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“If you say lunch again, I’ll make you eat an

-onion!” cried Jerry, knowing how Bob hated

-them.</p>

-

-<p>“Do you think it will do?” asked Mr. Montrose,

-full of interest in the project of the motor

-boys.</p>

-

-<p>“Do? It’s just fine!” cried Ned. “We can’t

-thank you enough.”</p>

-

-<p>“It is I who am in your debt,” spoke the

-banker. “You are welcome to the machine. I

-don’t know anything about them, and you may be

-taking a big risk to run it, but I hope not.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, she’ll run all right,” answered Jerry,

-looking over the craft with a critical eye. “We’ll

-give it a try-out now.”</p>

-

-<p>The professor being engaged in capturing specimens,

-the boys had the test to themselves. They

-wheeled the aeroplane out in a big field, and, after

-trying the engine, and finding that it worked almost

-to perfection, got ready for a flight. Mr.

-Montrose and his wife, who could sit up in an

-easy chair, and Gladys, with her wounded doll,

-watched the lads from a safe distance.</p>

-

-<p>“Of course this isn’t like our <i>Comet</i>,” said

-Jerry to his chums. “It’s just a straight aeroplane,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>

-and if the engine stops we’ve got to volplane

-down. But I think she’ll enable us to get

-on Noddy’s trail. We’ll go up for a short flight,

-and then if she’s all right, we’ll start out, and go

-as far as we can before dark.”</p>

-

-<p>“Which way?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Toward the Grand Canyon,” answered Jerry.

-“That’s where Noddy and his crew will head

-for.”</p>

-

-<p>“Get busy then!” cried Ned. “We’re on

-Noddy’s trail once more!”</p>

-

-<p>Our motor boys were too experienced hands

-with all forms of airships to have much trouble

-with the fine one the unfortunate young man had

-perfected. It worked perfectly, and carried the

-three with ease. Of course it was nothing like

-the <i>Comet</i>, and could remain aloft but a comparatively

-short time. But it was a great help

-in an emergency.</p>

-

-<p>The lads soared upward, circled around over

-Mr. Montrose’s house, and then started straight

-away. They covered several miles and returned.</p>

-

-<p>“Now for the chase!” cried Jerry grimly, as

-they made a descent.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, what wonderful boys!” cried Mrs. Montrose.

-“You are so daring!”</p>

-

-<p>“No danger at all,” Ned assured her.</p>

-

-<p>It did not take them long to pack a few articles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>

-of clothing, a light lunch and a few other necessaries

-on the aeroplane, which they named the

-<i>Chaser</i>. They planned to travel as far as they

-could before dark, and then stop at some hotel

-or farmhouse over night. In the morning they

-would renew the pursuit of Noddy. Professor

-Snodgrass was to remain at the Montrose home,

-seeking specimens, and the boys promised to call

-back for him when they had succeeded in their

-quest, or had proved to their own satisfaction

-that they could not catch Noddy.</p>

-

-<p>“But we’ll get him!” cried Ned, as he and his

-companions took their places in the <i>Chaser</i>.</p>

-

-<p>“Come back to Annabell and me!” cried

-Gladys after them.</p>

-

-<p>“We will,” promised Bob.</p>

-

-<p>There was the clattering racket of the explosions

-in the cylinders. The big propellers

-whizzed around with terrific force. The biplane

-trembled, and then began to roll slowly across

-the smooth lawn on her bicycle wheels.</p>

-

-<p>“Good luck!” cried Mr. Montrose.</p>

-

-<p>His wife and daughter waved their hands to

-the motor boys.</p>

-

-<p>A moment later the stanch little machine rose

-into the air, and soared away over the treetops

-on the quest after the unprincipled bully who

-had taken away the <i>Comet</i>.</p>

-

-<p>“Now we’re on his trail!” cried Bob, as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>

-looked to see that the lunch basket was securely

-fastened.</p>

-

-<p>“I hope we catch him soon,” murmured Jerry,

-as he grasped the steering-wheel with a firmer

-grip, and peered ahead for a glimpse of their own

-beloved craft.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a><br />

-<small>A DESPERATE RACE</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>From Denver to that part of the Grand Canyon

-of the Colorado in Arizona where Snake

-Island might be located, the distance is about five

-hundred miles. Jerry had calculated this before

-starting, and he had told his chums that there

-was a chance of catching Noddy before the latter

-could reach the great gash in the earth that represented

-the canyon.</p>

-

-<p>“For I don’t believe Noddy is going to be

-very expert in managing our <i>Comet</i>,” commented

-the tall lad. “He may know how to run an ordinary

-aeroplane, but when he gets mixed up with

-our dirigible balloon he’ll come a cropper, sooner

-or later.”</p>

-

-<p>“Make it later,” advised Bob. “We don’t

-want him smashing our airship with any croppers.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I don’t know that he’ll take a tumble,”

-went on Jerry, “only he won’t know how to run

-her so as to get the best speed out of her. That

-means that he’ll be longer than he thinks he’ll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>

-be in getting to the canyon, and we’ll have a

-chance to catch up to him, even if he has a good

-start.”</p>

-

-<p>“I wonder what he’ll do, if he does get to the

-canyon?” asked Ned, as, in response to a sign

-from Jerry, he adjusted the carburetor so as to

-give the engine a richer mixture.</p>

-

-<p>“Why, he’ll hover over it, the same as we

-would, I suppose,” replied the tall lad, “and try

-to pick out Snake Island. He doesn’t know exactly

-where it is, any more than we do, but I

-guess there aren’t many islands in that part of

-the river, and so he won’t have much trouble

-picking it out. The only thing for us to do is to

-get there first.”</p>

-

-<p>“Can we do it with this machine?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it’s a pretty good craft,” replied Jerry,

-as he turned on more power, and did various evolutions

-in the air to ascertain how the <i>Chaser</i>

-responded to the helm. “Of course she isn’t

-as speedy as the <i>Comet</i>, but she might be, with

-Noddy tinkering with our machinery, and not

-getting the best out of it. We’ve got to take

-our chance.”</p>

-

-<p>The <i>Chaser</i> was indeed a fine craft of her class,

-and soon the motor boys were high in the air,

-sailing in an almost direct south-western direction

-from Denver, to reach the Colorado.</p>

-

-<p>For several miles they proceeded in a straight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>

-line, at a height of about a mile, as this gave

-them a good view ahead, unobstructed by any

-clouds which would have hampered them had they

-gone higher. But the clear air held not a speck

-that might be taken for the missing <i>Comet</i>. The

-boys strained their eyes in vain. They were making

-good time, and the wind cut into their faces,

-for there was no protection as in the comfortable

-cabin of their own craft.</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t you think you might slow up a bit?”

-suggested Bob after a while.</p>

-

-<p>“Why?” inquired Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Because it’s ’most lunch time, and—er—well,

-you know you can hardly breathe if you open your

-mouth going at this speed, and if we try to eat

-any sandwiches we may get choked. So if you

-slowed up——”</p>

-

-<p>“All right, Chunky, enough said!” cried Ned.

-“Slow up, Jerry, I’m hungry too.”</p>

-

-<p>Accordingly the <i>Chaser</i> was brought down to a

-speed that just kept her afloat, and Bob opened

-the lunch basket. It was no novelty for the boys

-to dine while high in the air, but it was rather

-more inconvenient in an open aeroplane than in

-the <i>Comet</i>. Still they managed.</p>

-

-<p>They spent the afternoon going straight on, or

-circling about at times to cover a wider area, but

-with all their looking, and peering through powerful

-binoculars, they had no glimpse of the craft<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>

-they sought. It was beginning to get dusk, and

-Jerry suggested that they had better go down,

-and seek a resting place for the night.</p>

-

-<p>“There’s no use flying after dark,” he said,

-“and we can pick out a better landing place if

-we do it now, than if we wait until later.”</p>

-

-<p>They were flying over a rather lonesome section

-of the country just then, and no houses were

-in sight. But, a little later, Jerry picked out a

-small cabin in the midst of a clearing in the woods,

-and said:</p>

-

-<p>“I guess this will do as well as anything. It

-doesn’t look very big, but we can sleep out-doors

-if we have to.”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry tilted the deflecting rudder, and the craft

-gracefully swooped down toward the earth.

-While yet a little distance from the ground the

-boys were surprised to see a tall, lank man, followed

-by a woman and several children, rush

-from the cabin, and take refuge behind a pile of

-wood. Then, as the airship came to a stop, after

-running across the ground on the bicycle wheels,

-a rifle was poked over the top of the logs, held

-unwaveringly on the three lads, while a voice

-drawled out:</p>

-

-<p>“Hold on, strangers! I may not be able to

-manage one of them consarned flippity-flop shebangs,

-but I’m a tolerable good shot with this

-gun, and she goes off on a hair trigger. So if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>

-you don’t want to be made into coffee strainers,

-git!”</p>

-

-<p>“Why, what’s the matter?” asked Jerry.

-“We don’t mean anything, we only want——”</p>

-

-<p>“Ye can’t fool me!” cried the voice of the

-man who held the gun. As for himself he was

-hidden by the wood. “Ye can’t come none of

-them games on me. Keep hid, ’Mandy, an’ don’t

-let the children stick their heads up. I’ll drive

-these pirates off.”</p>

-

-<p>“What do you take us for?” asked Jerry, in

-surprise.</p>

-

-<p>“Kidnappers—that’s what! I’ve read about

-ye in the papers. Kidnappers, an’ bomb throwers,

-that’s what ye be. They had a exhibition over in

-Denver, an’ the papers told how they dropped

-bombs from them airships, an’ how they took

-children up in ’em. Ye can’t do that here. I’ve

-got nine, an’ I want every one. Keep hid,

-’Mandy.”</p>

-

-<p>“I guess you’re mistaken,” spoke Jerry with

-a laugh, which was a bit forced on account of the

-gun that seemed pointed directly at him. “We

-are neither bomb throwers nor kidnappers. I

-don’t know how the papers could have said that

-anything like that was done at the Denver exhibition.

-Of course there may have been some

-bomb-dropping contests, but only harmless chalk

-balls were used, and, as for children, I never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>

-heard of any being taken up in an aeroplane.”</p>

-

-<p>“Ye know you didn’t read it yourse’f, pap,”

-interposed a woman’s voice from behind the wood

-pile.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, Gabe Ralston were tellin’ me about it,

-an’ I reckon he can read,” declared the man.</p>

-

-<p>“Now don’t be silly, pap!” went on the woman.

-“I’m sure them young men look harmless.”</p>

-

-<p>“I assure you we are!” cried Jerry, and he

-quickly told why they were on the wing, and how

-they had happened to come down. “We’d like

-shelter and a meal, and are willing to pay for it,”

-he concluded.</p>

-

-<p>At the mention of “pay,” the gun was at once

-withdrawn, and, after a moment of whispered

-conversation between the man and his wife, the

-former came out, looking rather ashamed of his

-action. He left his gun behind.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, strangers,” he said, “I guess maybe

-it’s all right. I have to be cautious, you know,

-livin’ all alone as I do, with a wife an’ nine

-children t’ protect. Come out, ’Mandy,” he

-called, and a woman, followed by the nine youngsters,

-ranging in sizes like a “pair of stairs,”

-came from behind the wood pile.</p>

-

-<p>The children, once they saw that no immediate

-harm was intended, gathered about the airship, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>

-did the man and his wife. Soon there was a

-feeling of confidence and friendship, and the woman

-at once set about getting a meal. Jerry and

-his chums told how the craft worked, and the

-solitary farmer was much interested. He admitted

-that all he knew about airships was what

-Gabe Ralston had told him.</p>

-

-<p>“An’ Gabe can’t read over’n above well,” the

-man added.</p>

-

-<p>There was hardly room for the boys to sleep in

-the small cabin, and so, after a generous supper,

-they were given blankets, and made their beds out

-of doors. The night was a fine one, and they

-slept well. Jerry’s generous payment for the accommodation

-brought a storm of protest from

-the man and his wife the next morning. But the

-tall lad said:</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, that’s not too much, but if you think it

-is——”</p>

-

-<p>“Have ’em put us up a lunch,” suggested Bob

-in a hoarse whisper.</p>

-

-<p>“Chunky suggests a lunch,” finished the tall

-lad with a smile, and the woman hastened to fill

-the basket.</p>

-

-<p>For the rest of that day the motor boys circled

-about, or advanced swiftly in straight lines, ever

-seeking the <i>Comet</i>. But she was not in sight.</p>

-

-<p>At noon they descended to renew their supply

-of gasolene, and the night was spent in a country<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>

-village, where they created considerable excitement

-and interest.</p>

-

-<p>It was about ten o’clock the next morning when

-Bob hastily caught up the binoculars, and directed

-them at a speck in the sky off to the left.</p>

-

-<p>“See anything?” asked Jerry quickly.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m not sure,” replied the fat lad, after an

-observation, “it’s either a big bird or——”</p>

-

-<p>He did not finish his sentence, but his hands

-trembled slightly as he passed the glasses to

-Jerry. Ned reached over and managed the wheel

-while Jerry looked.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s her all right!” suddenly cried the tall

-lad. “Now to catch him.”</p>

-

-<p>“Is it Noddy?” asked Ned eagerly.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s the <i>Comet</i> all right,” was the answer,

-“and I guess Noddy’s on board. Now to see

-what the <i>Chaser</i> is made of!”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry opened the motor full, and with a roar

-that fairly shook the comparatively frail craft

-from end to end, she shot ahead, her propellers

-beating the air relentlessly.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s going to be a desperate race!” cried

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“And we’re going to win!” declared Jerry

-grimly.</p>

-

-<p>The race was on. Faster and faster flew the

-<i>Chaser</i>, until, even without the glasses, it could

-be seen that she was drawing nearer to the <i>Comet</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>

-A view through the binoculars showed that those

-on board the stolen aircraft were rushing frantically

-about, doubtless trying to develop as much

-speed as possible.</p>

-

-<p>“Can you make it, Jerry?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“We’ve <em>got</em> to!” was the quick reply.</p>

-

-<p>It was evident that the only hope the motor

-boys had of recovering their craft lay in the inability

-of those on board her to get out of her all

-the speed possible. With the machinery of the

-<i>Comet</i> run to the best advantage, no other airship

-could catch her. But Jerry counted on Noddy

-and his cronies not knowing enough to do the

-right thing at the right time. Then, too, the

-<i>Chaser</i> was very speedy when rightly handled.</p>

-

-<p>Nearer and nearer crept the pursuing craft.

-She was directly in the rear of the <i>Comet</i> now.

-Suddenly Bob cried:</p>

-

-<p>“Jerry, they’re going up!”</p>

-

-<p>“Then we’ll go too!” was the answer. “We

-can hit as high an altitude as they can.”</p>

-

-<p>“And they’re flying as a dirigible, and not as

-an aeroplane at all!” added Ned. “They’re

-afraid to use the wing planes, Jerry! Maybe we

-can get ahead of ’em after all!”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</a><br />

-<small>A GAME IN THE AIR</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>With a pull on the lever of the ascending

-rudder, Jerry sent the <i>Chaser</i> shooting upward

-into the air. He made the craft take a long

-slant, for he had seen that the <i>Comet</i> was going

-up more vertically, and Jerry figured on getting

-under the stolen airship, and then, when once in

-advance, turning, and so approaching head on.</p>

-

-<p>“They’re going up fast!” commented Ned,

-watching their own craft narrowly.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes,” assented Jerry. “They’re using all

-the gas the generator can turn out. I only hope

-they don’t burst the bag, or ruin the machinery.”</p>

-

-<p>“If they do, we’ll make Noddy pay for it!”

-cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“That would be more bother than it would be

-worth,” was Jerry’s opinion. “We’ll try to get

-the machine away from him before he has a

-chance to do much damage.”</p>

-

-<p>Upward the <i>Comet</i> mounted steadily, for those

-on board were evidently pushing her to the utmost.

-On account of the limited facilities on the

-aeroplane, Jerry and his chums could not go up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>

-on such a sharp slant as could their enemies, but

-this suited our heroes just as well.</p>

-

-<p>The two airships were now comparatively close

-together. The <i>Comet</i> was still shooting upward,

-and the <i>Chaser</i> was directly below her.</p>

-

-<p>Suddenly, from the upper craft, came a cry of

-alarm.</p>

-

-<p>“They’ve discovered us!” was Bob’s opinion.</p>

-

-<p>“No, they did that some time ago,” said Jerry.

-“I’m afraid something has happened.”</p>

-

-<p>“It does seem so,” agreed Ned. “Look at

-that smoke!” he yelled. “She’s on fire!”</p>

-

-<p>“No, it isn’t that,” was Jerry’s retort, after a

-quick glance at their craft through the glasses.

-“They’ve been using too much lifting gas, and the

-generator is choked. It’s escaping through the

-safety valve. She won’t go any higher now, but

-she can still go forward. We haven’t got ’em

-yet.”</p>

-

-<p>As if to prove his words, the <i>Comet</i>, now that

-she had reached the limit of her climbing powers,

-darted forward. But Jerry had made good use

-of his opportunity, and he was now ahead of the

-<i>Comet</i>, though still slightly below her.</p>

-

-<p>“What are you going to do now?” asked Ned,

-as he saw his chum put his foot on a pedal that

-connected with the motor.</p>

-

-<p>“I’m going to use the last notch of speed, and

-see if I can stop ’em!”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>With a rush the <i>Chaser</i> mounted upward and,

-a few minutes later, she was on the same level

-as was the <i>Comet</i>, and considerably in advance.

-Both craft were moving with considerable speed,

-but, owing to the fact that her gas bag was so

-choked with vapor, causing a big wind resistance,

-the <i>Comet</i> must necessarily move more slowly

-than the <i>Chaser</i>.</p>

-

-<p>“What are you going to do, Jerry?” asked

-Ned, as he saw his chum reach for a rudder control

-lever.</p>

-

-<p>“Turn around, and come back at him head

-on,” answered the tall lad. “This is going to be

-a game of tag, and I’m going to make Noddy

-‘it.’ To do that I’ve got to head him off. He’ll

-try to dodge, I expect, but I think I can nab

-him.”</p>

-

-<p>Then began what was perhaps the most risky

-and sensational game of “tag” that was ever

-played—a game in the air, nearly a mile above the

-earth.</p>

-

-<p>Turning quickly to the left, <a href="#image01">Jerry sent the

-<i>Chaser</i> directly at the <i>Comet</i>.</a> As he had expected,

-Noddy, who was managing the craft from

-the pilot house, tried to dodge to one side. He

-could go no higher because the gas retort was

-choked. But Jerry was ready for him, and met

-the shift quickly. Once more Noddy dodged, this

-time on the other side, but Jerry was right there.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>The two craft were slowly coming nearer each

-other, for both had reduced their forward speed.

-They were like two big birds of the air, facing

-each other, hovering, twisting and turning, dodging

-this way and that, one seeking to escape, and

-the other endeavoring to catch her antagonist.</p>

-

-<p>First on one side and then on the other, Noddy

-dodged, but every time Jerry was there facing

-him. The <i>Comet</i> could not get past.</p>

-

-<p>“He’ll have to go down soon!” cried Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s what I want him to do,” answered

-Jerry grimly. “Once they are on the ground,

-we can deal with ’em.”</p>

-

-<p>“Where’s Bill and that fake doctor?” asked

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“In the motor room, probably,” answered the

-steersman. “I hope they don’t do any more

-damage to the machinery.”</p>

-

-<p>The game was nearing an end now. Noddy

-and his cronies were getting desperate. The

-bully made one last attempt to dodge past Jerry,

-but our hero was ever on the alert.</p>

-

-<p>Head on, the two ships of the air were almost

-nose and nose together. Noddy could not possibly

-get past.</p>

-

-<p>“Go down! Go down!” yelled Jerry. “Go

-down before I force you, and, if I do, I won’t be

-responsible for the consequences!”</p>

-

-<p>There was no help for it. Noddy’s unpleasant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>

-face, scowling in anger, peered from the window

-of the pilot house. Jerry saw him pull the

-lever of the deflecting rudder, for the bully had

-sneaked around the shop of the motor boys often

-enough to learn the rudiments of running the

-<i>Comet</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Down and down she went, fairly forced by

-the <i>Chaser</i> above her, by the <i>Chaser</i>, that frail

-little craft of the air, compared to which the

-<i>Comet</i> was like a battleship opposed to a torpedo

-destroyer. But those on the little ship

-knew their business, and, after all, brains and

-skill told.</p>

-

-<p>“Can he get by?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t believe so,” answered Jerry, watching

-every move of his rival. But Noddy had

-given up the fight. He was beaten at his own

-game.</p>

-

-<p>Still downward he forced the <i>Comet</i>, while

-Jerry and his chums prepared to alight the moment

-their craft touched the earth, to drive away

-their enemies.</p>

-

-<p>Bounding lightly, the <i>Comet</i> landed on the

-ground. A moment later the aeroplane followed,

-and Jerry let her run along on the bicycle wheels,

-the propellers urging her on, until she was almost

-in contact with the big craft. Then the tall lad

-yanked on the brake lever, and the <i>Chaser</i> came

-to a stop.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Come on!” cried Jerry, leaping out of his

-seat. Bob and Ned followed.</p>

-

-<p>Noddy Nixon lost no time in leaving the pilot

-house on the run, and from the motor room

-emerged Bill Berry and the college man. They

-leaped over the rail, and joined Noddy in flight.</p>

-

-<p>“If we ever catch ’em!” panted fat Bob, as

-he ran as fast as he could. “We’ll—make—’em—pay—for—this!”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</a><br />

-<small>OFF FOR THE CANYON</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>Jerry, who was in the lead of the chase after

-Noddy and his cronies, came to a sudden resolve.

-What was the use of capturing the bully, when

-the recovered airship might need attention?

-Clearly it would be more profitable to look after

-their craft, and let Noddy escape, for the time

-being. So Jerry shouted:</p>

-

-<p>“Hey, fellows, never mind. Let ’em get

-away. We’ll only have a fight on our hands,

-and it isn’t worth while. Let’s see how much

-damage they’ve done.”</p>

-

-<p>“But, don’t we want to catch ’em?” demanded

-Bob, who, though much out of breath, had managed

-to catch up to Jerry and Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“No; what’s the use?” asked the tall lad.</p>

-

-<p>“But look what he did to our airship!”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s just what I want to find out—what

-he did do to the <i>Comet</i>. That’s why I say don’t

-let’s chase after ’em any longer. It will only

-mean more trouble, and we’ve had enough.

-Come on back.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>Accordingly, the three chums ceased running,

-and turned back toward the two airships. Noddy,

-with a backward glance, had ascertained that

-Jerry and his two friends were no longer in pursuit,

-and so the bully slackened his pace. His

-companions did likewise and, a sorry-looking trio

-indeed, they made their way across the plain

-above which the air game had taken place.</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t you want to catch Noddy?” asked

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“No; what’s the use?” inquired Jerry. “He’s

-done all the harm he can. The thing for us to

-do is to remedy it. We must see to our own

-airship, and then get back, pick up the professor,

-and head for Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“But what will we do with Mr. Montrose’s

-aeroplane?” Bob wanted to know. “We don’t

-want it to keep.”</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll have to take that back to Denver with

-us. We can easily do it, as the side planes are

-detachable. Let’s get busy at that, and we may

-be in Denver to-morrow.”</p>

-

-<p>“And then for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado,

-and Snake Island!” added Ned.</p>

-

-<p>Giving a last glance to Noddy and his cronies,

-who were still fleeing across the plain, our heroes

-made their way to the <i>Comet</i>. Aboard they

-found a scene of confusion, but no serious damage

-had been done.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>True, a number of the machines were out of

-order, and the gas generator was badly clogged,

-but these were defects easily repaired. In

-general the stolen airship was in almost as

-good condition as when the conspirators had

-taken her.</p>

-

-<p>Beyond securing a few articles of clothing and

-personal effects, Noddy and his cronies had

-brought away nothing from the airship. It looked

-as if they had boarded her hurriedly with very little

-preparation, and had rushed away, without

-even enough provisions for a long trip. They

-must have stopped somewhere to get food, for

-some was found on board.</p>

-

-<p>It did not take the motor boys long to decide

-what to do. They soon ascertained that the

-<i>Comet</i> was in comparatively good running order.

-The clogged gas machine was fixed, and then,

-having enough food in the lunch basket, together

-with what they found on their own craft, to last

-them a day, they decided to sleep on board, even

-though they were in a lonely place, and start back

-for Denver in the morning.</p>

-

-<p>As for what became of Noddy and his cronies,

-they neither knew nor cared. The bully and his

-conspirators had disappeared, and were doubtless

-seeking shelter for the night.</p>

-

-<p>“We caught them just in time,” remarked

-Jerry, as they sat in the cabin of the <i>Comet</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>

-“A hundred miles more and they would have

-been over the canyon of the Colorado. Then

-they might have reached Snake Island, and it

-would have been all up with our chances.”</p>

-

-<p>“But now we’ll get ahead of him,” declared

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“If Noddy doesn’t do something else,” spoke

-Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>They spent the rest of the afternoon in taking

-apart the <i>Chaser</i> for transportation back to Denver

-aboard the <i>Comet</i>. Then they went to bed,

-tired out from the day’s chase.</p>

-

-<p>By pushing the <i>Comet</i> to her limit, and by making

-an early start, our friends were able to reach

-Denver the next night. Mr. Montrose was exceedingly

-glad to see them, and he and his wife

-and little girl listened with interest to the account

-of the adventures of the motor boys in the

-chase after Noddy.</p>

-

-<p>As for Professor Snodgrass, he was so busy

-classifying and making notes of the specimens he

-had caught, that it is doubtful if he heard much

-of what Jerry and his chums said.</p>

-

-<p>“And what are you going to do next?” asked

-Mr. Montrose, as the boys finished telling him

-they had brought his aeroplane back on their own

-craft.</p>

-

-<p>“Start for the Grand Canyon as soon as we

-can,” replied Jerry.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“But if this Nixon young man takes after you

-again?” inquired Mrs. Montrose.</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll have to do the best we can,” answered

-Jerry. “But I think it will be some time before

-he catches up to us this time. It was a very

-lonely spot where we left him.”</p>

-

-<p>“And the walking wasn’t very good,” added

-Ned with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>“Still, after what he had done in the past, I

-would be on the watch,” advised Mr. Montrose.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, we will be,” declared Jerry; and then,

-after a good night’s rest, they put in the next

-few days getting ready for their trip to the canyon.</p>

-

-<p>The <i>Comet</i> was thoroughly overhauled, and

-some needed repairs made. Though Noddy and

-his companions had not been careful in their treatment

-of the craft, still they had done no serious

-damage.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I think we are ready to start for the

-canyon to-day,” remarked Jerry one morning,

-after about a week spent at the Montrose home.

-“We can make it in two days, though it may

-take us a little longer to pick out Snake Island,

-and have the conditions favorable for a descent

-into the big gorge.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then you are really going down into it?”

-asked Mr. Montrose. “You know it is quite

-a fearsome place.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“From all accounts it must be,” admitted Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Think of it!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “I

-have seen it many times, but no one can ever describe

-it. A great trough or cut in the earth,

-over a mile deep, twenty miles wide, and many

-hundreds of miles long, winding in and out, and,

-at the bottom a river rushing along resistlessly,

-with waterfalls, rapids, calm stretches and vast

-depths of black, silently moving water. And the

-walls of that canyon! All the colors of the rainbow

-cannot compare with them. They are wonderful!

-Down in it are mountains, great in themselves,

-but which look small in that vast gorge.

-There is the glow of the Alps, the cold fogs of the

-Rockies, there are purple shadows, shifting lights,

-snowstorms and rainstorms. It is a place of terrific

-grandeur.”</p>

-

-<p>“And we are going there,” said Jerry quietly.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, to an unknown island,” went on Mr.

-Montrose. “On what may be a fruitless quest.

-Oh, boys, think twice before you go!”</p>

-

-<p>“We have thought,” went on Jerry. “We

-are going. We will start in the morning for the

-Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” he added.</p>

-

-<p>“And all for a bit of radium—a fortune

-though it may be,” proceeded Mr. Montrose.</p>

-

-<p>“No, not alone for the radium,” said Jerry

-solemnly. “I have not spoken of this before, as

-it seemed such a slim chance. But there may be,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>

-on that island, the missing scientist, whose body

-was never recovered. He may be there—in need—starving.

-We are going to try to rescue him,

-as much as to find the radium.”</p>

-

-<p>“Jerry!” cried Ned. “You never hinted at

-this.”</p>

-

-<p>“No, because I did not want to raise false

-hopes. But, now that we are at the last stage

-of the journey, I must speak of it. I hope we

-can rescue that unfortunate man. For the mere

-treasure I would not risk so much. But a life is

-at stake!”</p>

-

-<p>“Then go,” said Mr. Montrose softly. “I

-would be the last one to hold you back. And,

-boys, from what I have seen of you, I believe you

-will succeed. I wish you all success! But, do

-not be deceived. You have a hard task ahead of

-you. The Grand Canyon does not like to be

-conquered.”</p>

-

-<p>“We have the <i>Comet</i>,” replied the tall lad, as

-if that was much, as, truly, it was.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we will always be thinking of you,”

-said Mrs. Montrose, solemnly.</p>

-

-<p>“And I want you to come back,” added little

-Gladys. “I may have a new doll by then.”</p>

-

-<p>“We will come back,” said Jerry, and his voice

-had a new tone in it.</p>

-

-<p>Early the next morning, having said good-bye

-to their good friends, the motor boys and Professor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>

-Snodgrass set off in the airship for the

-Grand Canyon.</p>

-

-<p>As they waved their hands in farewell many

-thoughts came to them. Would they find Snake

-Island? Would they be able to discover the

-radium fortune? And, more than this, would

-they be able to find and rescue Mr. Hartley Bentwell,

-the daring scientist who had been missing

-for nearly a year? Was he, by any chance, on

-Snake Island?</p>

-

-<p>“If he is, we’ll get him,” said Jerry grimly,

-as he pointed the nose of the <i>Comet</i> toward the

-clouds.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</a><br />

-<small>OVER THE GREAT CHASM</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>There was no particularly difficult task in

-reaching the Grand Canyon from Denver. In

-fact the boys could have walked all the distance

-in time, or they could have gone by train, or in

-an auto. But their troubles, as they well knew,

-would not begin at the start. It was after they

-had reached the canyon itself—that awful gash

-in the earth’s surface—that they would have a

-problem to solve. And that problem was how

-successfully to descend into the gorge, and land

-on the island.</p>

-

-<p>“And the first thing to do is to find Snake

-Island,” said Jerry, as they settled themselves

-comfortably in the airship cabin, after their start.</p>

-

-<p>“Why, all we have to do is to sail along down

-in the canyon, and pick it out,” suggested Bob.

-“The canyon is miles wide—twenty in some

-places—so there will be room enough for us to

-get around.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes,” agreed Ned, who, with the others had

-been reading up some facts about the canyon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>

-“But it isn’t always clear in the canyon. There

-are sudden storms, snow or rain, there are fogs—and

-you know you can’t see anything in a fog,

-even if you have an airship.”</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, well, fogs don’t last forever,” declared

-Bob. “We’ll just have to keep on the lookout

-until we sight the island. Then we can lower

-ourselves, make a landing, get the radium, and

-come away, and——”</p>

-

-<p>“You forget about the missing scientist,” suggested

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s so. Do you really think he’s there,

-Jerry?”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it’s hard to say. There’s just a chance

-that he landed on the island when the others were

-wrecked in their boat, and he may be there yet.

-It’s a chance worth taking. I understand that a

-lot of provisions were lost out of the boat, and

-they may have caught on the island, as they

-floated down. Then, too, there must be fish in

-the river at certain seasons of the year, and there

-may be birds, or some kind of animals on the

-island that would do for food.”</p>

-

-<p>“It would be a sort of Robinson Crusoe way of

-living, but it might be possible. Of course it

-must be horribly lonely there, for one man alone

-on Snake Island,” said Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“With all the snakes,” put in Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“We don’t know that any snakes are there,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>

-remarked Jerry. “That may be just a name.”</p>

-

-<p>“I hope so,” exclaimed Ned with a shiver.

-“I don’t much care for snakes.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we won’t have much to do until we

-get to the canyon,” declared Jerry. “We can

-take it easy, and get in trim for the hard work

-ahead of us. I think we won’t make any night

-journeys. We’ll just land and rest. We’re in

-no special rush——”</p>

-

-<p>“Unless Noddy Nixon takes a notion to make

-another trial, Jerry,” suggested Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, I don’t believe he will. He’s practically

-stranded. How’s he going to get an airship, and

-land on the island?”</p>

-

-<p>“He might go by boat,” suggested Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s out of the question. No boat could

-live in the rapids. That’s how Mr. Bentwell

-came to be wrecked—he and his friends tried a

-boat.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then you don’t fear Noddy?”</p>

-

-<p>“Not much.”</p>

-

-<p>The trip that day was without incident, and at

-night they came to earth in a quiet spot where

-they remained until morning. They made an

-early start, and thoroughly enjoyed the fine, dry,

-crisp air through which they sailed. They passed

-from Colorado into Utah, and the next night

-they were within easy traveling distance of the

-Colorado River.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>The next day they sailed over the great sterile

-valley, or desert, and in the afternoon they had

-completed the first stage of their journey, and

-were at the head of the Colorado, where it was

-formed by the conjunction of the Green and

-Grand rivers.</p>

-

-<p>“From now on, we’ve got our work cut out

-for us,” announced Jerry, as they came to rest

-that evening, not far from the great river.

-“We’ll follow it, and as soon as we get anywhere

-near Grand View, we’ll begin making inquiries

-about Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“But I thought the island was between Grand

-View and Bright Angel Trail,” said Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“So it may be,” assented Jerry, “but I’m not

-going to take any chances. It may be either one

-side or the other of those places, and, if we inquire

-as we go along, we won’t be so far out.

-It won’t take us long, and it is better to be sure

-than sorry.”</p>

-

-<p>“All right, we’re with you,” assented Ned;

-and Bob nodded his head to show that he agreed.</p>

-

-<p>Their trip over the Colorado, hovering in the

-air about half a mile above the river, was devoid

-of incident for the first two hundred miles. They

-made that in one day, and camped the first night

-just over the border of Arizona. From there

-the Grand Canyon proper starts, though it is of

-comparative little grandeur until the Little Colorado,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>

-a salty stream, joins the main body of water.</p>

-

-<p>It was about noon, the next day, that the boys

-really got over the great canyon. They had

-been sailing along, talking of the prospect before

-them, and Professor Snodgrass had been

-classifying some of the specimens he had caught

-while at Mr. Montrose’s house, when the aspect

-of things suddenly changed.</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t you think it’s about time we ate?”

-asked Bob, with a look at his watch, as he started

-for the galley.</p>

-

-<p>Jerry happened to look down through the

-plate glass window in the floor of the main cabin,

-where they were all gathered, for the <i>Comet</i> was

-being steered automatically.</p>

-

-<p>“Eat!” cried the tall lad. “Eat! Look

-down there, and then say ‘eat’ again if you

-dare!”</p>

-

-<p>Ned, Bob and the professor looked. Below

-them they saw a great gash in the earth—a gash

-a mile or more in depth, and the sides of which

-were of black rock, mingled here and there with

-marble colored red, pink and blue, with an occasional

-bright yellow. Then came sandstone

-rocks, vivid in color. It was like looking into a

-great winding trough, wherein a painter had

-mixed his colors.</p>

-

-<p>And, at the very bottom, like a silver thread,

-ran the river, zig-zagging in and out amid the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>

-mighty cliffs that towered on either side. Cliffs

-now hemming in the powerful stream, and again

-spreading out for ten or twenty miles. But the

-river itself was kept in narrow bounds.</p>

-

-<p>And the very narrowness of these bounds made

-the stream rush along with such tremendous

-power, for it was a veritable Niagara in places.

-White and foam-capped, again black and deep,

-with awful power it hurled itself along.</p>

-

-<p>Above this scene of awful grandeur hovered

-the airship, and, as the boys looked, they saw how

-slight indeed was the power of their craft, compared

-to the mighty forces that had cut this gash

-in the earth, and which power still sent the river

-on its downward way.</p>

-

-<p>“And we’ve got to go down there?” asked

-Bob softly.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s it,” answered Jerry. “Do you wonder

-no boat ever lived to make the passage? Or,

-at best, very few of them?”</p>

-

-<p>“And that is where the scientist was lost,”

-murmured Uriah Snodgrass. “I wonder if we

-shall ever find him—alive—or dead?”</p>

-

-<p>And, as the boys gazed at the foaming river,

-down in the awful depths, it seemed impossible

-that human beings could ever have navigated it.

-But in the airship the problem was much easier.</p>

-

-<p>“Now for Snake Island!” cried Jerry, as,

-having stopped the <i>Comet</i> in order that all might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>

-get a good view, he started the motor again.

-“Now for Snake Island!”</p>

-

-<p>“And the radium!” cried Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“And my two-tailed toad,” added the professor.</p>

-

-<p>“And, perhaps, the poor scientist,” spoke Bob

-softly. “I—I hope he hasn’t starved to death.”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII</a><br />

-<small>THE BOAT IN THE RAPIDS</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Well, boys, we’re here at last,” remarked

-Jerry, after a while, when they had traversed

-some length of the canyon in the airship. “We’re

-here after a lot of hard work, and the next question

-is, what are we going to do; now that we are

-on the ground?”</p>

-

-<p>“Go to Snake Island at once,” suggested Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Eat,” advised Bob, who had started to get

-a meal, but who had come back to the cabin, to

-wait while some of the things cooked.</p>

-

-<p>“Chunky’s infallible recipe whenever anything

-goes wrong,” commented Jerry. “Still it

-wouldn’t be a bad idea. We can talk it over

-while we’re eating, and decide what’s best to be

-done.”</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter with going at once to the

-island?” asked Ned. “I thought that was what

-we came here for.”</p>

-

-<p>“It is, but I think it will be a good plan to

-see if we can learn anything about it before we

-go too far down the river. It may be that there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>

-is no such place as Snake Island. Or, it may be

-that, even in our airship, it is impossible to get

-to it. We want to find out all about it before we

-go too far.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, what’s your idea?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“I think we ought to——”</p>

-

-<p>“Dinner’s ready,” interrupted Bob, and they

-went out to the table, the professor carrying with

-him a book, carefully marking the place where he

-had been reading by putting his finger between

-the pages. The airship was moving at slow

-speed, and had been set to steer herself automatically.

-So the boys had nothing to interrupt

-their talk of the best plan to follow.</p>

-

-<p>Eventually they decided to travel on until they

-reached Grand View, the point where Berry Trail

-led down into the canyon to the banks of the rushing

-river. They would make their inquiries

-there, regarding the possible existence of Snake

-Island.</p>

-

-<p>It was night when they reached Grand View,

-and, in order that they might be among other

-tourists, who had come to visit the canyon, the

-boys and the professor put up at a hotel almost

-on the verge of the great chasm, storing the airship

-in a big open shed, sometimes used for autos.</p>

-

-<p>“Snake Island!” exclaimed the clerk, when

-Jerry asked him about it. “Never heard of the

-place. Don’t believe there’s an island in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>

-whole stretch of the river. But there are

-some guides around here. You might ask

-them.”</p>

-

-<p>Which Jerry and his chums did, but with little

-satisfaction, for it developed that few of the

-guides had been farther than the regularly traveled

-routes taken by tourists, and this had not

-brought them to the more inaccessible parts of

-the mighty river.</p>

-

-<p>“Snake Island?” repeated one grizzled guide,

-when Jerry had put the question to him. “If

-anybody knows whether or not there is such a

-place, it’s old Hance Stamford. Hance give up

-guidin’ long ago, but in his prime there wasn’t a

-better one at it. He’s gone in places no one else

-dared, and if there’s a Snake Island he’ll know

-about it.”</p>

-

-<p>The boys sought out Hance the next day. He

-lived in a little cabin, not far from the hotel,

-being cared for by his son, who was employed as

-a waiter. Hance was indeed old, being past

-eighty. Yet his dull eyes opened quickly when

-Jerry put to him the question that meant so much

-to the motor boys.</p>

-

-<p>“Snake Island!” exclaimed old Hance. “It’s

-been many years since I heard that name. Many,

-many years.”</p>

-

-<p>“But is there any such place?” asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Is there? Bless you, I don’t know, son.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>

-I’ll tell you as much as I can, however. It must

-have been forty years ago, and there weren’t

-many tourists in them days. Mostly Indians. I

-was making my way along the canyon with an

-Indian, for in them days I had a notion I’d like

-to discover things. Well, as you know, the canyon

-is narrow and steep in places, and when it

-rains you want to make tracks, for the river sometimes

-rises thirty feet in a short time. If you’re

-caught where you can’t climb up, well—it’s good-bye

-for yours.</p>

-

-<p>“A thunderstorm came up while the Indian

-and I were in a narrow part of the canyon, where

-the river rushed along between black walls like a

-mill stream down the flume. We knew we’d have

-to make tracks out of there, and we did. But

-the rain came faster than we’d calculated on, and

-we had to climb. Then came a fog that nearly

-did for us. We managed to get some distance

-down the stream, and then climbed up the steep

-sides of the chasm until we came to a niche in

-the wall. There we stayed until the river went

-down, and we were there a day and a night, with

-nothing to eat.”</p>

-

-<p>“But about the Snake Island?” asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“The island. Oh yes. Well, when we were

-hiding there in the hole in the wall, there came a

-rift in the fog. I happened to be looking down

-stream, and I saw something big and black rearing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>

-up, right from the river it seemed. I poked

-the Indian in the ribs—he was half asleep, you

-know—Indians’ll sleep anywhere if they think

-they’ve got to—anyhow I poked him, and he

-grunted and woke up. I pointed to the tall,

-black, wiggling thing, and the Indian said: ‘Snake

-Island.’</p>

-

-<p>“‘Snake!’ I yelled. ‘Who ever see a snake

-as big as that?’ Then he grunted some more,

-and went on to say that there was a sort of stone

-island in the middle of the river. It had been

-pretty well worn away except a big hill and a tall

-thing, like a tower, that stuck up in the middle,

-like a church steeple. It was this tall tower of

-black rock that seemed like a snake. Of course

-the fog made it indistinct, and the motion of the

-mist made it appear as if it was wiggling about.

-So that’s all I know about Snake Island. I never

-went there, and I never heard of anyone getting

-on it.”</p>

-

-<p>“There was a party of college men——” began

-Uriah Snodgrass.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, yes, I heard about <em>them</em>. But they never

-got there, and one of their number was lost. I

-tell you Snake Island is in a bad part of the

-river.”</p>

-

-<p>“But just where is it?” asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“As near as I can tell, between here and Bright

-Angel Trail,” replied the old guide, as he nodded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>

-in slumber again. “I wouldn’t go there, if I

-were you.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we’re going,” said Jerry softly, as he

-bade the old man good-bye.</p>

-

-<p>Saying nothing to anyone in the hotel about

-their plans, the boys made an early start the next

-morning, and were soon gliding down over the

-great chasm in their airship.</p>

-

-<p>Below them rushed and foamed the great river—below

-in its chasm trough, with walls of vari-hued

-marble, of sandstone that rivaled the rainbow

-in tints, while in other places, near the water

-itself, were black rocks, of flinty hardness.</p>

-

-<p>“And to think that it’s seven thousand feet

-from the top of that gulf to the water,” spoke

-Bob in awed tones. “I wouldn’t want to fall.”</p>

-

-<p>As they went on they could see fogs and mists

-arising, while, as the sun rose higher and higher,

-it made a scene of indescribable beauty, the tints

-on the walls of the canyon changing every moment.</p>

-

-<p>It was about noon, and Jerry had calculated

-that they had made about half the distance from

-Grand View, when Ned, who was looking at the

-rushing, foaming river below them, as it dashed

-along over a gorge filled with rapids, cried out:</p>

-

-<p>“Jerry, do you see anything down there?”</p>

-

-<p>The tall lad looked through the plate glass window

-in the bottom of the airship. Then he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>

-snatched up the binoculars and focused them.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s a boat!” he cried. “A boat in those

-awful rapids! They’ve lost control of her, and

-she’ll be dashed to pieces!”</p>

-

-<p>“Anyone in it?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>Once more Jerry looked carefully.</p>

-

-<p>“Three persons!” he exclaimed. “Well, it’s

-all up with them. That boat can never make the

-passage.”</p>

-

-<p>And, as he spoke, the frail craft was lost to

-view as a curtain of mist rolled down and hid the

-rushing river from sight.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV</a><br />

-<small>STRANGE GHOSTS</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Did you see that!” cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“They’re drowned!” gasped Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“What was it, an accident?” asked Professor

-Snodgrass.</p>

-

-<p>“It would be hard to say,” remarked Jerry.

-“Certainly the boat looked as if it was going

-to overturn in the rapids, but I can’t really say

-that it did. The fog rolled up just then and hid

-everything from sight. I hope those in the boat

-weren’t lost, but their chances were slim.”</p>

-

-<p>“Can we do anything for them?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Nothing, I’m afraid,” answered the tall lad.

-“We can’t even see them, and it would be useless

-to descend into that canyon of fog now. Besides,

-the current is so swift that the boat must

-be a good way from here by this time.”</p>

-

-<p>The airship was slowly floating along over the

-Grand Canyon, which, at this point, wound in

-and out among the many colored cliffs, like some

-great serpent. Jerry had shut down the machinery

-until it was barely turning the propellers, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>

-had not the gas bag sustained the craft, she would

-have settled down, for the motion was not enough

-to keep her afloat as an aeroplane.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, what are we going to do?” Ned wanted

-to know. “We must be nearly at Snake Island,

-if there is any such place, and if we’re going to

-get that radium fortune it’s time we got busy.”</p>

-

-<p>“And I haven’t seen anything of that two-tailed

-toad, either,” spoke Professor Snodgrass.

-“I had hopes of finding a specimen—even if a

-small one—before now, but fate seems against

-me.”</p>

-

-<p>“Wait until we get on the island,” suggested

-Bob. “There may be toads there, as well as

-snakes.”</p>

-

-<p>“What makes you think there are snakes

-there?” asked Ned. “Didn’t the old guide say

-he thought it got its name because the tall cliff

-in the middle seemed to wiggle like a serpent

-when there was a fog?”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, he did, and if we put on a little more

-steam, Jerry, we may get to Snake Island now,

-in time to see that same thing. I say let’s move

-faster,” went on the stout lad. “We ought to

-be nearly there.”</p>

-

-<p>“But we might pass right over the island in

-this fog,” objected Jerry. “It’s better to go a

-bit slow, I think.”</p>

-

-<p>However, the problem was soon solved for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>

-them, as, when they had proceeded a little farther

-the mist lifted and they had a clear view of

-the stream as it foamed along below.</p>

-

-<p>“But I don’t see anything of the boat, and

-the three men who were in it,” observed Bob,

-peering downward through the window in the

-cabin floor.</p>

-

-<p>“No. Either by this time they have been

-carried many miles down the river, or they are—drowned,”

-spoke Jerry softly.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, then let’s keep a lookout for Snake

-Island,” suggested Ned, and, knowing that they

-must be within a comparatively short distance of

-the place, if it was there at all, they all watched

-eagerly, even Professor Snodgrass laying aside

-his note-books.</p>

-

-<p>Bob served dinner and the watch was resumed.

-It was about two o’clock when the stout lad, who

-had just finished getting the galley in order,

-looked over the port rail on the bow of the air

-craft. No sooner had he glimpsed the river below

-him than he called out:</p>

-

-<p>“Here we are, fellows! There she is! We’re

-here at last! Now for the radium! There’s

-Snake Island. We’re right over it!”</p>

-

-<p>“Say, you’re as bad as Andy Rush!” cried

-Jerry as he hurried out of the pilot house, to

-join his chum.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, if it’s true, we’ll forgive him for making<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>

-such a fuss,” suggested Ned. “But say, I

-believe he’s right, after all!”</p>

-

-<p>“And if it is the island, oh! how I hope my

-two-tailed toad may be there!” cried the professor.</p>

-

-<p>There could be little doubt but that they were

-looking at Snake island. Down below them, in

-a comparatively calm stretch of the river, was a

-long and rather narrow strip of land, low on the

-edges, and rising abruptly in the middle. There

-was a big mound, like a great hill, covered with

-trees and bushes, and, in the center of this was the

-tall, curiously shaped tower of rock about which

-the guide had spoken.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s Snake Island all right,” agreed Jerry,

-“though I can’t say that the rocky tower in the

-center looks much like a serpent.”</p>

-

-<p>“Maybe it does from some other view,” suggested

-Ned. “Then, too, there is no mist now.

-I’d rather believe the place got its name from

-that, than because there were snakes there.

-Well, are we going down, Jerry?”</p>

-

-<p>“I guess so. I was just looking for a good

-place to make a landing. Let’s drop down to

-the lower end, and we can take our choice.”</p>

-

-<p>As they sailed slowly down the length of the

-curious island they noted that it was about four

-miles long, and about half a mile in width. The

-river here was quite broad, contrary to the usual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>

-character of the Colorado, and a glimpse over the

-surrounding territory showed it to be so wild and

-desolate that it is doubtful if it had ever been

-visited by a white man.</p>

-

-<p>The cliffs, too, at either side of the stream,

-where the island divided it, were so high, so

-rugged and precipitous, that it was positive that

-no one had ever descended them. And, had even

-the most daring explorer managed to get down,

-he never could have gotten up without a balloon.

-For that reason it was plain why the existence

-of the island was practically unknown.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I don’t see but what the upper end of

-the place is the best to land on,” remarked Ned,

-after a circuit had been made.</p>

-

-<p>“Guess you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “We’ll

-go down there.”</p>

-

-<p>The <i>Comet</i> was sent about, and, a little later,

-she began settling slowly down in the great chasm,

-at the bottom of which flowed the river.</p>

-

-<p>It was getting well on in the afternoon, and the

-sun, sinking in the west, no longer cast its beams

-into the great gulf. There was a twilight darkness

-hovering over it, a stillness broken only by

-the murmur of the foaming river, that cast a

-spell of gloominess over our friends. For a

-time no one spoke, and then, as the airship was

-about to settle down on a smooth strip of sand,

-near the upper end of the river, Jerry exclaimed:</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Say, what’s the matter with us all, anyhow?

-Anyone would think this was a funeral. Wake

-up, you fellows!”</p>

-

-<p>“All right! Wow! Let’s be jolly!” cried

-Ned in a loud voice.</p>

-

-<p>There was a sound like thunder, and then, from

-that vast gorge came a mighty voice, repeating in

-solemn tones:</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s be jolly!”</p>

-

-<p>“Bless my soul!” gasped Mr. Snodgrass.

-“It’s an echo.”</p>

-

-<p>“Echo!” came back in a voice like a bull’s

-bellow.</p>

-

-<p>After that they spoke in whispers, but even

-then their words were flung back at them from

-the sides of the cliffs in murmurs and trills that

-produced an uncanny feeling.</p>

-

-<p>“This sure is a strange place,” remarked Jerry,

-as he brought the airship to a stop.</p>

-

-<p>“Strange place!” howled the echo. Jerry

-had spoken louder than he thought. He laughed,

-and a giant’s chuckle was tossed back to him.

-The boys looked at each other, startled, until

-Bob said:</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, don’t let’s mind this. It’s only an echo.

-Let’s get busy, have a supper and to-morrow we’ll

-get the radium.”</p>

-

-<p>“Radium,” mocked the echo, but now they

-were beginning to get used to it.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Say, it looks as if there was a tide in this

-river,” remarked Ned, as he noted a sort of

-high-water mark, where sticks and driftwood

-were piled up on shore.</p>

-

-<p>“No, that shows where the river rises when

-there’s a flood, or too much rain,” explained the

-professor. “The Colorado rises rapidly at

-times, because the cliffs are so steep that the

-water from the clouds is almost instantly all

-poured into the stream. We had better get the

-ship above flood mark, Jerry, as there may be

-rain in the night, and we don’t want to go floating

-down.”</p>

-

-<p>Accordingly the <i>Comet</i> was wheeled farther

-from shore. Night came on early, in the depths

-of that gloomy chasm, for they were over a mile

-below the upper rim of the steep cliffs. But when

-the big gas lamps had been set aglow, making the

-circle about the airship one of radiance, and when

-they were gathered in the cozy cabin, they were

-all more cheerful.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we’ll start on a radium hunt the first

-thing in the morning,” suggested Jerry. And,

-being inside now, the echo was not so noticeable.</p>

-

-<p>“And I will seek the two-tailed toad,” said

-the professor. “I wonder if I could not have a

-look now? Toads come out at night, and if I

-take a light I may succeed in finding one.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>Supplying himself with an electric torch, the

-scientist let himself out of the airship. The boys

-heard him walking about outside, and then they

-began talking of their trip so far, and speculating

-as to how it would end.</p>

-

-<p>Suddenly, in the midst of the discussion, there

-came a cry from outside.</p>

-

-<p>“Hark!” exclaimed Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s the Professor,” said Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Maybe he’s found his toad, and it’s bitten

-him,” was Ned’s contribution.</p>

-

-<p>“Boys! Boys, come here!” called the professor,

-and the three lads rushed from the cabin.</p>

-

-<p>“What is it?” asked Jerry. “Where are

-you?”</p>

-

-<p>“In front of the ship,” came the answer. Then

-they saw the gleam of his light, and hurried toward

-him.</p>

-

-<p>“Look!” exclaimed the scientist in a whisper,

-and, as he pointed toward the middle of the

-island, whence arose that curious pinnacle of

-rock, the three chums saw several tall and ghostly

-shapes swirling slowly at them. Curious shapes

-they were, like tall beings wrapped in trailing

-clothes, with their long, thin arms raised as if

-in warning, and about them seemed to cling, like

-an enveloping haze, a weird, purplish light. The

-strange shapes seemed blown onward by the night

-wind.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“What—what are they?” gasped Bob in a

-whisper.</p>

-

-<p>“Ghosts, I guess,” answered Jerry, with a

-half-hearted laugh. “The ghosts of Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“Ghosts of Snake Island,” came back the echo.

-And then, as suddenly as they had appeared, the

-“ghosts” vanished, leaving the boys and the professor

-staring into the darkness.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV</a><br />

-<small>A NEST OF SERPENTS</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“What—what do you think they were?”

-asked Bob, after a few moments of silence. He

-spoke in low tones, so that the weird echo would

-not repeat his words.</p>

-

-<p>“I give it up,” said Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Maybe they were the ghosts of the three

-men in the boat, who may have been drowned

-around here,” suggested Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed the tall lad. “Don’t

-be silly, Ned.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I was only joking.”</p>

-

-<p>“Pretty poor joking,” commented Bob. “I’m

-going inside. It’s chilly out here,” and he shivered.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, I guess it is more pleasant inside,”

-agreed Jerry. “Did you see anything of your

-toad, Professor?”</p>

-

-<p>“No, not a thing, but I got several other valuable

-specimens, so my evening was not wasted.

-I guess I’ll go in with you.”</p>

-

-<p>“What do you think those queer shapes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>

-were?” asked Jerry of the scientist, when they

-were once more in the cabin.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it would be hard to say,” spoke Professor

-Snodgrass. “Of course none of us believe

-in ghosts, and yet there are queer manifestations,

-sometimes, that even science cannot satisfactorily

-explain. My honest belief is that this

-was some effect of the fog, or night vapors arising

-out of the damp ground.”</p>

-

-<p>“But they looked—er—just like men wrapped

-in sheets,” spoke Bob with a shudder.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, I dare say they did. And, if you tried

-hard enough you could imagine almost anything.

-Probably it will be easy to explain. To-morrow

-we will look at the place whence they seemed to

-arise from the ground. It may be that there is

-a hot spring there, and that the ‘ghosts’ were

-only wisps of steam vapor.”</p>

-

-<p>With this explanation the boys contented themselves,

-and they were soon in bed. Nor did they

-sleep any the less soundly because of the queer

-manifestation. For they were sensible and

-healthy lads, and it took more than a so-called

-“ghost” to disturb their rest.</p>

-

-<p>In the morning, accompanied by the professor,

-they made a careful examination of the place

-where the queer wraiths had been seen, but it afforded

-them no clew. The ground seemed no

-different from that in other spots on the island.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Well, there’s no use bothering over that any

-longer,” suggested Jerry, after a bit. “We can

-try and solve that problem later; maybe to-night.

-What I think we’d better do now is to explore

-the island, and see if we can find any of that

-radium. What do you think, Professor?”</p>

-

-<p>“I agree with you, and yet I am in two minds

-about it. You see, boys, while I want to help

-you find the treasure, which may or may not be

-here, it is very important that I look for that rare

-toad. Now what I am going to propose is this:</p>

-

-<p>“You go off by yourselves, and hunt for the

-radium. I’ll tell you in what sort of rock it is

-likely to be found, and you can collect specimens,

-and bring them back with you. At night I’ll test

-them. But you must mark, in some way, the exact

-location of each bit of rock specimen you

-take. Then, in case there are evidences of radium,

-we can find the spot again.</p>

-

-<p>“In the meanwhile I’ll be looking for the toad.

-I can soon tell if there are any on the island, and

-if I find there are none, or no traces of any, I’ll

-join you in the hunt for the radium treasure. Or,

-in case I do get what I am looking for, I will be

-satisfied, and in that case I will also join you.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s a good plan,” agreed Jerry. “Come

-on, Bob and Ned, and we’ll look for the radium,

-while the Professor is toad-hunting.”</p>

-

-<p>Uriah Snodgrass had already told the boys<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>

-much about radium, and the various forms in

-which it might be found. He only reminded them,

-now, of the main points to be remembered, and

-the three chums set off.</p>

-

-<p>With eager eyes Jerry, Ned and Bob scanned

-the various kinds of rocks as they passed along,

-making their way toward the lower end of the

-island. As they advanced the land gradually

-rose until they were quite a height above the river

-that flowed on either side of them. Across the

-stream could be seen the mighty cliffs; black near

-the water, and of various colors as the top was

-approached. There was the glow of the sun

-overhead, but, only in the middle of the day, did

-the beams penetrate to the bottom of the titanic

-canyon.</p>

-

-<p>Specimen after specimen of rock was picked up

-and cast aside, as none of them showed the characteristics

-of radium. Noon came, and the quest

-was unsuccessful. They ate their lunch on a

-shelf of rock, looking down into the wonderful

-river that had carved out such a channel for

-itself. Most of the afternoon was spent as fruitlessly,

-until finally Bob remarked:</p>

-

-<p>“Fellows, don’t you think we’d better get

-back? It’s getting dark all of a sudden.”</p>

-

-<p>“I think we’re in for a storm,” spoke Jerry,

-with a glance toward the clouds that hovered over

-the chasm. “And it looks as if it would be a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>

-bad one. The river is sure to rise, and I’m not

-altogether satisfied with the place where we left

-the <i>Comet</i>. She ought to be anchored higher up.

-Let’s get back and make her more secure.”</p>

-

-<p>They hurried to such good advantage that they

-were almost at the place where they had left

-the <i>Comet</i> when the rain came down. Professor

-Snodgrass had already returned, without his toad.</p>

-

-<p>“Boys!” he cried, “it’s going to be a deluge!

-There will be a lot of water, and the river is

-sure to rise very high. I think we had better

-get in the airship, and go up until it’s over.

-There may be air currents down here so powerful

-that we can’t make headway against them.

-My advice is to go up.”</p>

-

-<p>The others thought this good, and so, in the

-midst of the pelting rain, and against a current

-of air that every moment grew stronger, the

-<i>Comet</i> arose out of the canyon. Of course they

-did not escape the rain by going up, but they were

-in less danger. All night the storm continued,

-but the adventurers were in comfortable circumstances,

-for they had anchored in a little shelter

-of rocks, securely tying down their craft.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, now to see if there is any of Snake

-Island left,” remarked Jerry next morning, when

-the sun came out to dry up the dampness. “We’ll

-have another try for the radium.”</p>

-

-<p>Instead of stopping at the same place where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>

-they had made the first landing, Jerry sent the

-airship toward the lower part of the island.</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll begin there for a change,” he remarked.</p>

-

-<p>It could easily be seen that the river had risen

-considerably, and, had they remained anchored at

-the spot where they had seen the “ghosts,” they

-would have been in grave danger. Though the

-water was now going down, it had lodged on the

-upper part of the island many big trees and piles

-of driftwood.</p>

-

-<p>“Look at that!” suddenly cried Bob, as they

-were hovering over the lower end of the island,

-looking for a suitable landing place. “There’s

-a hut on the side of the hill that I didn’t notice

-before.”</p>

-

-<p>“That’s right,” agreed Jerry, gazing at a rude

-structure of logs built under a sheltering bluff,

-about a quarter of a mile from the shore. “We

-passed over this place in the airship, too, but I

-didn’t see that. We must see what it means.

-Maybe there is some one living on this island.

-Perhaps——”</p>

-

-<p>He did not finish, but they all knew whom

-he meant—Mr. Bentwell, the missing scientist,

-might be there.</p>

-

-<p>Ned took the binoculars, and directed them toward

-the hut.</p>

-

-<p>“I can’t see anyone there!” he cried. “But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>

-say—Oh, look! look!” and he almost screamed.

-“The snakes! The snakes! There’s a regular

-den of them, right in front of the hut! A nest

-of serpents! Look!”</p>

-

-<p>With trembling hands he passed the glass to

-Jerry. As the tall lad looked through the binoculars

-his face paled.</p>

-

-<p>“No wonder they call this Snake Island!” he

-murmured. “There must be thousands of them!

-I’m glad we didn’t stay on the island last night.

-Oh, look at those big snakes!”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI</a><br />

-<small>LIVE WIRES</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Where do you think they came from?”

-asked Ned, when all, including the professor, had

-viewed the snakes through the glass. Literally

-there were hundreds, if not thousands, of reptiles.</p>

-

-<p>They were wiggling and squirming, in and out

-among the rocks and brushwood, just above the

-mass of drift débris brought down by the flood.

-All about, in front of the hut the snakes writhed,

-seeming to be out of their usual haunts.</p>

-

-<p>“The water must have brought them out from

-their nests, or dens, or whatever it is that snakes

-live in,” decided Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Do you think so?” asked Jerry, of Professor

-Snodgrass. “Why would water bring out

-snakes. I thought they liked heat.”</p>

-

-<p>“They do,” answered the scientist, who was

-eagerly looking at the snakes through the glass.

-“But in this case I think the water brought them

-<em>down</em>, instead of bringing them <em>out</em>.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“How do you mean?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Why, I think the rising river inundated some

-place along the canyon walls, where these snakes

-lived. They were washed out, carried down

-stream by the flood, and deposited here—stranded,

-so to speak. I think it has been done

-often before, in years past, and that is why they

-call this Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “And

-I don’t think the big stone pile in the middle had

-anything to do with the name, though it may look

-like a snake at times. Probably the Indians, in

-years past, saw snakes brought down in the flood,

-and they named the island after the serpents.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I’m glad they’re not at the other end

-of the island,” spoke Ned, who disliked snakes.

-“We’d better go back there and start over again

-on our search for the radium. The river is going

-down fast.”</p>

-

-<p>“There may be snakes where we were before,”

-suggested Jerry. “We didn’t look very closely.”</p>

-

-<p>“Don’t mention it!” cried Ned with a shudder.

-“Let’s get away from here, anyhow. I

-can’t bear to look at ’em.”</p>

-

-<p>“Um,” spoke the professor musingly. “I

-think I should like to go down there.”</p>

-

-<p>“What! Among those snakes?” cried Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, as far as I can make out they don’t seem

-to be poisonous, and, though there are some good-sized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>

-ones there, I don’t see any of the constrictor

-variety. I think it would be perfectly safe to

-go down.”</p>

-

-<p>“But what do you want of snakes?” asked

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t want any snakes, but, where there are

-serpents, there may be toads, and I might find my

-two-tailed specimen. Of course if you boys don’t

-want to go down you can let me off at some spot

-where there are no snakes, and I can walk to this

-place. I’m not afraid.”</p>

-

-<p>“We’ll go down with you!” exclaimed Jerry

-stoutly. “I think——”</p>

-

-<p>But he never finished the sentence. At that

-moment the door of the hut, in front of which

-the serpents were writhing, was swung open, and

-three figures, each armed with a club, stood in

-the portal, waving their hands to our friends in

-the airship.</p>

-

-<p>“Look!” cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Quick! The glasses!” demanded Jerry, and

-when he had them he focused the binoculars on

-the trio in the hut on Snake Island. Then the tall

-lad uttered a cry of wonder.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry. “Noddy

-Nixon, and Bill Berry! And the other man is

-that dishonest professor! How in the world did

-they get there?”</p>

-

-<p>“Are you sure it’s them?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Sure!” answered Jerry, and, a moment later,

-the airship having approached closer, it could be

-seen, without the glasses, that those in the hut

-were indeed the bully and his cronies.</p>

-

-<p>“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his

-hands in appeal to the boys whom he had treated

-so meanly. “Help, or the snakes will kill us.”</p>

-

-<p>“They’re not poisonous,” shouted the professor.

-“Go at them with your clubs.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, they are poisonous!” answered Noddy.

-“There were some jack rabbits washed down

-with the snakes, and some of the serpents bit ’em.

-The rabbits died right away. They’re poisonous

-snakes, all right! Help us!”</p>

-

-<p>“That makes it different,” said the professor

-seriously. “I didn’t think they were poisonous,

-but they may be. I wonder what we had better

-do?”</p>

-

-<p>“Help! Help!” cried Noddy again. A mass

-of the serpents seemed to be advancing toward

-the hut. Bill Berry threw a stick at them, and

-the reptiles wiggled off in another direction.</p>

-

-<p>“How did you get in the hut?” asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“We came down the river in a boat. We

-were wrecked, and cast on this island. Oh, we’re

-nearly starved, and if you save us we’ll never

-bother you again!” promised Noddy. “Save us

-from the snakes!”</p>

-

-<p>“Shall we do it?” asked Ned of his chums.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“For the sake of humanity we can’t leave ’em

-there,” said Jerry. “We’ve got to save ’em;

-but how? We can’t go down there among all

-those snakes.”</p>

-

-<p>There was a pause, while the airship hovered

-over the hut on the island, in the midst of the

-snakes. The three conspirators eagerly watched

-the motor boys.</p>

-

-<p>“Those were the three persons we saw in the

-boat in the rapids,” said Bob in a low voice, and

-his chums nodded.</p>

-

-<p>“Can we save them?” inquired Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes!” cried the professor. “There is only

-one way.”</p>

-

-<p>“How?” demanded the tall lad.</p>

-

-<p>“By live wires! Take some uninsulated electrical

-wires, Jerry. Attach them to the dynamo,

-let them dangle down from the airship, and then

-sail over the mass of serpents. The wires will

-hit the snakes and electrocute them. It’s the only

-way!”</p>

-

-<p>“Then we’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on,

-boys, and we’ll drop the live wires, and save

-Noddy Nixon!” A moment later several coils

-of copper conductors, each one carrying a deadly

-current, were being dropped toward the surface

-of the island.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII</a><br />

-<small>THE TRANSPORTING OF NODDY</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Just a little lower down, Ned. That’s it.

-Now to the left, there’s a big bunch of ’em there.

-No, that’s too much! Back up a little. Whoa!

-Hold me there!”</p>

-

-<p>Jerry was in the motor room, working the connections

-to the dangling wires by means of which

-it was hoped to electrocute the serpents that had

-made prisoners of Noddy and his cronies in the

-hut on Snake Island. Ned was in the pilot house,

-directing the course of the <i>Comet</i>. The professor

-and Bob stood by, ready to lend whatever assistance

-was needed, while the prisoners in the

-hut, standing in the door, ready for an instant

-retreat, watched with anxious eyes the preparations

-for their rescue.</p>

-

-<p>“Are you going to try and electrocute every

-snake?” asked Bob of his tall chum.</p>

-

-<p>“As many as we can, Chunky.”</p>

-

-<p>“But that will take quite a while, to drag the

-wires across every one.”</p>

-

-<p>“We won’t have to do that,” replied Jerry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>

-as he looked through the plate glass window in

-the floor of the motor room, one hand on the

-switch that controlled the electrical current, while

-in the other he grasped a speaking tube, by which

-he gave orders to Ned in the pilot house. “You

-see, Bob, the snakes’ bodies are moist, and moisture

-is a good conductor of electricity. So if I

-can drag a live wire over a bunch of snakes, and

-only touch one, the current will go through all

-of ’em, and kill the whole lot. They’ll help to

-kill themselves.”</p>

-

-<p>“I see!” exclaimed Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Watch now, we’re going to begin!” cried

-Jerry, and his chum, looking down, saw the wires

-carrying the powerful current writhe and twist

-about, almost like snakes themselves. From the

-exposed ends there shot out a shower of blue

-sparks.</p>

-

-<p><a href="#image04">Suddenly one of the conductors touched a mass

-of snakes</a>, that seemed tied in knots. A moment

-before the snakes had been twining in and

-out, hissing stridently. The next instant they

-were as if turned to stone, for they had been

-killed at once.</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 379px;">

-<a name="image04" id="image04">

- <img src="images/image04.jpg" width="379" height="600" alt="" title="" />

-</a><br />

-<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_218">SUDDENLY ONE OF THE CONDUCTORS TOUCHED A

-MASS OF SNAKES.</a></div>

-</div>

-

-<p>“That’s the way to do it!” cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>Again a wire, twisting and turning, was

-dragged over a mass of serpents, and the life

-went out of them. Time after time this happened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>

-until the writhing snakes were more than

-half destroyed.</p>

-

-<p>“That’s a new and wonderful way to kill

-snakes,” said the professor, as he looked on. “I

-hope you aren’t killing any two-tailed toads.”</p>

-

-<p>“They’ll be just as good for specimens,” remarked

-Jerry as he turned on more power, sending

-the wires that dangled from the airship, swirling

-about, carrying death and destruction.</p>

-

-<p>At length, so great was the slaughter, that the

-snakes became terrified at the unknown power,

-and with angry hisses, they began crawling away

-in the crevices of the rocks, and under the bushes.</p>

-

-<p>“I guess that’s enough,” announced Jerry,

-when he could see none but dead serpents. “You

-can come out now, Noddy!” he shouted to the

-bully, for the airship was close to the hut. Jerry

-began pulling up the wires, the current having

-been shut off.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, take us away! Take us away from this

-awful island!” begged Noddy. “We won’t

-bother you again. We’re sorry we ever followed

-you; aren’t we, Bill?”</p>

-

-<p>“I am,” replied Noddy’s crony, thoroughly

-cowed.</p>

-

-<p>“But we have as good a right to stay and

-hunt for the radium as they have!” put in Dr.

-Belgrade sharply.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Then you stay!” cried Noddy. “I’ve had

-enough! I’m going back home.”</p>

-

-<p>“And desert me?” asked the renegade professor.</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t care anything about you! I wish I’d

-never come on this trip. Oh, Jerry, I’ll never

-bother you again, as long as I live if you only set

-me on the main land. We can’t get to shore unless

-you help us, because the current is too swift.”</p>

-

-<p>“What shall we do?” asked Jerry of his

-chums.</p>

-

-<p>“Transport him,” suggested Ned. “We

-want the island to ourselves, if we hunt for the

-radium treasure. This is an easy way to get rid

-of Noddy.”</p>

-

-<p>The others agreed to this, and accordingly the

-airship was let down in front of the hut. The

-professor began searching among the dead snakes

-for a two-tailed toad, but did not find any.</p>

-

-<p>Noddy lost no time in scrambling aboard the

-<i>Comet</i>. Bill Berry followed, and Dr. Belgrade

-much against his will, did likewise. He scowled

-at the boys and the professor, but they took no

-notice of him. As Jerry had said, the less they

-had to do with the plotters the better it would be.</p>

-

-<p>Noddy was hysterically thankful to the motor

-boys, but they well knew he might, at the first

-chance, play some mean trick on them.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“How did you come to get to the hut?”

-asked Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>Noddy briefly told his story. He did not mention

-taking the airship, nor the other unfair things

-he had done. He said he and his cronies had

-managed to reach the canyon, and, in spite of the

-advice of guides, they decided to try to float down

-the river in a boat. They took provisions with

-them, but were wrecked in the rapids. They

-managed to reach the island, and some of their

-provisions floated ashore. They had landed near

-the hut, which they found easily, and took shelter

-in there, hoping against hope for a rescue. They

-were at the opposite end of the island from where

-our friends had first landed.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we’ll give you some provisions, and

-you’ll have to get to civilization the best way you

-can,” said Jerry to the bully and his cronies, as

-they were landed on top of the bluffs, and supplied

-with food and water. “You’ve made trouble

-enough for us.”</p>

-

-<p>“We left some of our food and things in

-the hut,” said Noddy, as Jerry and his chums

-were about to sail away. “After the flood which

-brought the snakes down, we didn’t dare go out.

-There was some stuff in the hut when we reached

-it. I think someone had been there just before

-we were.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“What?” cried Jerry. “Someone had been

-in the hut recently?”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m sure of it,” spoke Noddy. “There

-was food in some boxes when we took shelter

-there. And some books, and papers with writing

-on. But we didn’t see anyone while we were

-there until you came, and we were never gladder

-to see anybody than you. We couldn’t find any

-radium. I’m sorry I treated you so mean,

-and——”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, never mind,” interrupted Jerry, in

-whose brain many thoughts were whirling about.

-“Are you sure someone had been in the hut

-recently?”</p>

-

-<p>“Positive. You can ask Bill Berry.”</p>

-

-<p>But Jerry had no desire to do this. He preferred

-to look for himself. Bill was sullen and

-angry, and so was Dr. Belgrade. Both knew

-that the game was up. But no attention was

-paid to them.</p>

-

-<p>With no very hearty good-byes, our friends

-watched the trio of unpleasant ones depart.

-They could reach civilization in a day or so, and

-they had enough to eat and drink for that time.</p>

-

-<p>“Now come on!” cried Jerry to his chums.

-“Come on, Professor,” for the scientist was chasing

-after a new kind of bug.</p>

-

-<p>“Where to now, Jerry?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Back to the hut on Snake Island. I’m going<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>

-to see who has been living there, and what has

-become of him.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then you think it might be——”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m going to make sure before I say anything,”

-interrupted the tall lad, as he sent the airship

-aloft.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII</a><br />

-<small>THE RISING FLOOD</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Well, I don’t see much here to help us,”

-remarked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“No, not much that tells anything definite,”

-agreed Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Except parts of what seem to be a journal,

-or diary,” added Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“But those same leaves from the journal tell

-a sad story,” spoke Professor Snodgrass.</p>

-

-<p>The three boys and the scientist were in the

-hut on Snake Island. It was the day after they

-had taken Noddy and his cronies off, and they

-were seeking for traces of the person who, according

-to the bully, had been in the hut before

-they arrived. They found some preserved food,

-older than any Noddy could have brought, and

-scattered pages of a diary.</p>

-

-<p>“It is evident that someone—most likely a

-man—lived here for a time,” went on the professor,

-“and that up to recently, he kept an account

-of his day’s doings, for here is the last entry

-we can find, dated about a month ago.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“What does it say?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“The same thing as for many days before.

-‘Searched for it, but could not find it.’”</p>

-

-<p>“What do you suppose ‘it’ can be?” asked

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>The professor was silent a moment, and then

-he said quietly:</p>

-

-<p>“Radium.”</p>

-

-<p>“What!” cried Jerry. “Do you think someone

-has been here ahead of us, looking for the

-radium treasure?”</p>

-

-<p>“I am sure of it,” said Uriah Snodgrass, “and

-what is more, I believe it was Mr. Bentwell.”</p>

-

-<p>“Then where is he now?” demanded Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“That I don’t know,” and the professor’s

-voice was solemn. “Probably he is dead. He

-must have been here on this lonely island nearly

-a year. How he lived in that time no one can

-tell. When he and his companions were wrecked

-there must have been some food saved. Or, he

-may have been able to trap, or kill, small animals

-that are on the island, or that were brought

-down by the floods. He may have caught fish.

-At any rate, we know that someone was alive

-here up to a month ago, for the date in the book

-tells us that. Where he went to, we can only

-guess.”</p>

-

-<p>“The snakes,” suggested Ned in a low voice.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, the snakes may have killed him,” agreed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>

-the professor. “It is a sad ending to the life

-of a noted scholar, alone on this terrible island.

-I shall preserve this record he has left, for his

-family.”</p>

-

-<p>“But where is the rest of it?” asked Jerry.

-“There are only a few pages here.”</p>

-

-<p>“The others were destroyed, somehow,” replied

-Professor Snodgrass. “The same agency

-that made away with Mr. Bentwell may have destroyed

-the record of his uneventful search, or

-Noddy and his cronies, not understanding the

-value of the book, may have used pages of it to

-light a fire with, for on the hearth you can see

-where a fire has recently been kindled. It is too

-bad, for a scientific person, like Mr. Bentwell,

-probably made valuable observations of what took

-place in this wonderful canyon of the Colorado.”</p>

-

-<p>“Well, it isn’t doing us any good to stay here,”

-spoke Jerry. “It’s only making us more gloomy.

-I vote that we get out, and make a careful search

-for the radium. We won’t be bothered by

-Noddy and his crowd now, and there isn’t likely

-to be another flood, right away.”</p>

-

-<p>“I agree with you,” said the professor. “We

-will be better off by doing some active work.

-I’ll take charge of what is left of the journal, and

-we’ll begin our search. What food is left we’ll

-pack away in the hut. Who knows but what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>

-some other daring adventurer, who seeks to navigate

-the river, may be wrecked here? It may

-save his life.”</p>

-

-<p>The food was carefully put away, and it was

-likely to keep for some time, since there were no

-evidences that the waters had ever risen quite as

-high as the hut. Then our friends began their

-search.</p>

-

-<p>It was kept up for several days, and, as thoroughly

-as they could, they covered every part of

-the island, beginning at the shore and working

-back toward the big mound in the center, with its

-tall pillar of sandstone rock.</p>

-

-<p>“I guess we’ll have to make a record in our

-notebooks, the same as poor Mr. Bentwell did,

-‘nothing doing,’” remarked Bob one day, after

-nearly a week of searching.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we’ve got all that hill to explore yet,”

-replied Ned. “And that’s the most likely place

-for the radium; isn’t it, Professor?”</p>

-

-<p>“No, I can’t say that it is,” was the reply of

-the scientist. “I think, if we find it at all, that

-it will be on comparatively low ground. But it

-begins to look as if our hunt for the treasure was

-likely to result in failure.”</p>

-

-<p>“And you haven’t got your two-tailed toad

-yet,” said Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“No, but I have hopes, boys,” and with that

-the professor, leaving the three chums to search<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>

-for traces of radium, went off by himself to look

-for the specimen he so much wanted.</p>

-

-<p>All that day the two searches were kept up,

-but without result. At night they assembled in

-the airship, which had been anchored on a level

-piece of high ground, near the upper end of the

-island, above the hut.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we’ll put in a few more days,” suggested

-Ned, as they arose from the supper table,

-“and then I think we’d better get back home, and

-admit that we’re beaten.”</p>

-

-<p>“I don’t like to give up,” said Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“Neither do I,” came from the professor.

-“And yet I think we had better get ready to

-leave. I don’t like the looks of the weather,

-and the barometer is falling more rapidly than

-I care to see it.”</p>

-

-<p>“Do you think a storm is brewing?” asked

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“I do, and a bad one, too. I think we had

-better stay here one more day, and then move.

-I’ll have to look in some other place for the rare

-toad.”</p>

-

-<p>When they went to bed that night there was a

-low muttering of thunder, and fitful lightning,

-and Jerry insisted on his chums helping him make

-the airship more secure by ropes attached to trees.</p>

-

-<p>“We don’t want to be blown away in the

-night,” he said.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>They all slept so soundly that they did not

-notice the increasing roar of the river, as it rose

-in flood, due to heavy rains above Snake Island.

-The river was always roaring, as it tore past the

-black cliffs, and split in twain at the island, and,

-though the rain added to this noise, it did not

-awaken the adventurers.</p>

-

-<p>It was not until early morning that Ned, sitting

-up in his berth, was conscious of an uneasy,

-bobbing motion.</p>

-

-<p>“Hello!” he cried, hopping out. “What’s

-the matter? Why did you start, Jerry? I

-thought you were going to stay another day.”</p>

-

-<p>“Start! I haven’t started!” cried Jerry.

-“What are you talking about?”</p>

-

-<p>Then, as he leaped out on the floor, he nearly

-lost his balance, as the <i>Comet</i> pitched and tossed.

-Jerry gave a hasty glance out of the window.</p>

-

-<p>“Boys,” he cried, “we’re afloat on the biggest

-flood the Colorado ever had, I guess! We’re

-still anchored, but the trees are under water!

-The ropes are holding us!”</p>

-

-<p>“But how can we float?” asked Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“On the hydroplanes, of course,” said Jerry.

-“You know we’ve been resting on them, instead

-of the bicycle wheels, for I wanted to take the

-weight off the tires. Lucky for us that I did,

-or we wouldn’t float. And now we’re on the surface

-of the river, and it’s still rising!”</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX</a><br />

-<small>IN THE CAVE</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>Steadying themselves against the swaying motion

-of the anchored airship, our friends crowded

-to the windows to look out. They beheld a terrifying

-and wonderful scene.</p>

-

-<p>Almost the whole of the island was under

-water. Only the high middle part, with its tower

-of rock, was out of the flood. Securely held by

-the anchor ropes, the <i>Comet</i>, as light as a chip on

-the surface of the waves, floated on the bosom of

-the flood. Her very lightness, due to the fact

-that the gas bag was partly filled, and the strength

-of the anchor ropes, had saved her. Then, too,

-the fact that she rested on hydroplanes, or pontoons,

-was in her favor. These were a new feature

-of the airship, which had only recently been

-added.</p>

-

-<p>“Say, it’s lucky you thought to let the hydroplanes

-down,” spoke Bob, as he looked out at

-the flood sweeping past them.</p>

-

-<p>“If he hadn’t, we’d probably be wrecked by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>

-this time,” was Ned’s opinion. The hydroplanes,

-I might explain, were light hollow boxes, made

-water tight, and attached to the <i>Comet</i> by long

-toggle-jointed arms. They could be raised or

-lowered at will, and allowed the <i>Comet</i> to float

-on the surface of water. If you boys have

-ever seen a water-spider, or bug, skimming along

-on the brook or lake, as you doubtless have, you

-will get a good idea of how the hydroplanes

-worked by recalling to mind the insect.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Ned,

-as he looked at the flood sweeping past. On the

-surface of the water floated all manner of débris,

-including much driftwood, and even whole trees.

-“We can’t stay here,” went on the lad, “for we

-may have a hole punched in us any minute.”</p>

-

-<p>Even as he spoke there was a grinding sound,

-and a log scraped along the side of the <i>Comet</i>.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, we’d better get out,” agreed Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“I’ll get breakfast right away,” said Bob

-briskly, “and then——”</p>

-

-<p>“No, you don’t!” cried Ned. “No breakfast

-until we’re out of danger. Why, we might

-be wrecked, and then I’d like to know how we

-could ever get out of this canyon,” and he looked

-up at the towering cliffs on either hand—cliffs

-that no mortal could scale. On each side—all

-around them—was the raging flood, in which no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>

-craft, save one as light as an airship, could have

-lived for a moment.</p>

-

-<p>“It all depends on the airship,” agreed Jerry.

-“We must get away while we can.”</p>

-

-<p>The words were hardly out of his mouth before

-there came a crash, and the craft trembled

-from end to end. There was a splintering noise,

-and Jerry sprang toward the stern.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“We’ve been hit! One of the hydroplanes is

-smashed and a bicycle wheel crushed! We’ve

-got to go up right away! Start the gas machine,

-Ned. Bob, you come in the pilot house with me,

-and help. Professor, you see that the motors get

-plenty of oil; will you? We’ll need all the power

-we’ve got.”</p>

-

-<p>Instantly the interior of the <i>Comet</i> was a scene

-of activity. The effect of the damage was at

-once apparent, for the craft had settled on one

-side. But as soon as the gas began flowing into

-the bag she began to lift, until she was once more

-on a level keel.</p>

-

-<p>“All ready now?” called Jerry to Ned, in the

-motor room.</p>

-

-<p>“All ready—let her go! But what are you

-going to do?”</p>

-

-<p>“I’m going to land on the high ground near

-the tower of sandstone. I can see a good level<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>

-place there, and the water can never get as high

-as that. Besides, I want to make some repairs

-before we try to make the mainland, and we can

-make ’em there. We’ll stay on top of the hill

-until the flood goes down. Give me full speed,

-Ned. Tell the Professor to use lots of oil.”</p>

-

-<p>As Ned turned to convey the request to the

-scientist, Uriah Snodgrass, who had been looking

-from a side window out on the flood, uttered a

-cry of delight. The next instant he caught up a

-small fish net, attached to a long handle, and

-thrust it out of the window, into the swirling

-water. Then he cried:</p>

-

-<p>“I’ve got it! I’ve got it! Oh, you little

-beauty! I’ve got you almost at the last minute,

-when I least expected you. Oh, what a rare

-find!”</p>

-

-<p>“What is it?” cried Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“The two-tailed toad! I saw it floating down

-on a log, and I made a grab for it. I have it!”

-and holding out the net he displayed a queer-looking

-object—a hideous toad, covered with

-“warts,” but having two unmistakable tails.</p>

-

-<p>“Ugh! What a creature!” cried Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“A most valuable acquisition to science,” declared

-the professor proudly.</p>

-

-<p>There came a shrill whistle through the tube

-leading to the pilot house.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“What is it?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Aren’t you going to start?” Jerry wanted to

-know. “The river is still rising, and more logs

-are coming down! Get a move on!”</p>

-

-<p>“Aye, aye!” answered Ned, and he yanked

-over the electrical switch. Instantly the propellers

-whizzed around, and the <i>Comet</i> strained

-at the mooring ropes.</p>

-

-<p>“Now’s the time!” cried Jerry to Bob, who

-had been provided with a light, keen hatchet, for

-the purpose of severing the lines. “Cut!”</p>

-

-<p>The little axe came down as the <i>Comet</i> lifted

-her dripping hydroplanes out of the water, and,

-freed from the holding cables, she soared aloft.

-Jerry directed her toward the big hill in the middle

-of the island, where there was room to land.

-Fortunately there was scarcely any wind to sway

-the craft, though the rain came down in torrents.</p>

-

-<p>Well aloft now, over the raging flood of the

-Colorado, the <i>Comet</i> was more like herself, and,

-with Jerry to guide her, there was comparatively

-little danger.</p>

-

-<p>“You’ve got to be careful how you let her

-down,” suggested Ned, when, having set the machinery

-to working automatically, he joined his

-tall chum in the pilot house. “You don’t want

-to smash that hydroplane and wheel any more

-than they are.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“Sure not. We’ll be down in a few minutes,

-and then we can get right to work.”</p>

-

-<p>“What about the radium?” asked Ned.</p>

-

-<p>“Oh, we’ll look for that, too, as long as we’re

-in no immediate danger. I hope we find it. The

-Professor got what he wanted, and it’s up to us

-to make good, too.”</p>

-

-<p>It was but a short distance from where the

-flood had floated the <i>Comet</i> to the place where

-Jerry proposed to anchor, and, a little while after

-arising, the airship came gently down. It required

-no small skill to make a landing without

-further damaging the broken parts, but Jerry

-managed it.</p>

-

-<p>“Make fast the ship! All hands out at anchor

-work!”</p>

-

-<p>The professor rather disliked to leave off making

-notes about the two-tailed toad that the flood

-had brought him, but he finally put the specimen

-away, and joined the boys in the work of making

-their craft secure.</p>

-

-<p>They had landed on a small plateau, which

-was, in a manner, cut in the side of the hill. Back

-of it arose a steep cliff of sandstone, while the

-surface of the shelf was covered with trees, grass

-and bushes.</p>

-

-<p>Ned, taking one rope, walked off to the left

-to fasten it to a big stump that he thought would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>

-hold. As he came near it he glanced behind a

-bush, and, as he did so he uttered a cry:</p>

-

-<p>“Fellows, look here!” he shouted. “Here’s

-a big cave leading right into the hill!”</p>

-

-<p>Through the rain, splashing over the soaked

-ground, came Bob and Jerry, the professor following.

-They stood grouped about a hole in the

-slope—a hole large enough to permit a man to

-enter upright.</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s go in and see what’s there,” proposed

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“I guess it’s safe,” came from Jerry.

-“There are hardly likely to be any bears on this

-island.”</p>

-

-<p>Together they advanced into the cavern. It

-was dark, but their eyes soon became somewhat

-accustomed to the gloom.</p>

-

-<p>“It’s too big to explore without a light,” remarked

-the professor. “This may be a place

-for valuable relics. Let’s fasten the airship, and

-then come back with electrical torches.”</p>

-

-<p>They turned to go, but, as they did so there

-came a sound which startled all of them. It was

-the sound of a human voice and, in cracked tones,

-as if the speaker had not used his vocal cords

-for some time.</p>

-

-<p>“Who are you? What do you want?” was

-demanded in hollow accents. And then there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>

-came a faint glimmer of light, and in the rays of

-it they beheld a man—apparently a very old man—with

-matted beard, tangled hair and hollow,

-sunken eyes, who stood staring at them from the

-depths of the cave.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<div class="chapter"></div>

-<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX</a><br />

-<small>THE RADIUM TREASURE—CONCLUSION</small></h2>

-

-

-<p>“Bless my soul!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass.</p>

-

-<p>Bob, with a catching of his breath, and a nervous

-tremor, started to run in a panic. But Jerry

-caught him by the shoulder.</p>

-

-<p>“Hold on!” the tall lad cried. “It’s only a

-man.”</p>

-

-<p>“A—a man!” gasped the fat lad. “I

-thought——”</p>

-

-<p>“Stop thinking!” commanded Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>The man in the cave advanced, and the boys

-and the professor saw that he carried a torch

-made from some resinous wood that burned with

-much smoke.</p>

-

-<p>“Who are you?” again demanded the man,

-holding his torch on high. “Who comes here

-to disturb me? Why can’t you let me die in

-peace?”</p>

-

-<p>The professor took a sudden resolve. Afterward

-he said he did not know why he did it.</p>

-

-<p>“Hartley Bentwell!” cried the scientist, “we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>

-have come to save you. You are not going to

-die. We have come to take you away from Snake

-Island!”</p>

-

-<p>The effect of these words on the unfortunate

-man was indescribable. He fairly leaped forward,

-and a cry came from his lips.</p>

-

-<p>“You know me!” he exclaimed. “You have

-come to save me? Oh, the dear Lord be thanked!

-Yes, I am Hartley Bentwell, but in a few days

-more I would not have known myself. I—I fear

-I was going mad. It was almost the end. Oh,

-what a life I have lived on this island! Unable

-to escape! Menaced by the snakes! Not a soul

-to speak to! In fear of the floods! Oh, even

-now, my mind is not right!”</p>

-

-<p>“There, there!” exclaimed the professor

-soothingly, as he would have talked to a child.

-“You are with friends. You will soon be away

-from here, and in your own home. We are going

-to restore you to the world again. You have

-seen the last of Snake Island.”</p>

-

-<p>“The last of Snake Island! Oh——” but the

-unfortunate castaway could say no more, for he

-had fainted, and would have fallen, had not Jerry

-and Ned caught him.</p>

-

-<p>“Quick! Carry him to the <i>Comet</i>,” directed

-the professor. “When he comes to, he must

-find himself in brighter surroundings.”</p>

-

-<p>This was quickly done, and, as the rain soon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>

-stopped, and the sun came out, when Mr. Bentwell

-became conscious, he found himself in a

-pleasant cabin, surrounded by his new friends.

-A look of wonder came over his face, and the

-wild, half-insane stare faded from his eyes.</p>

-

-<p>“Here, drink this,” commanded Uriah Snodgrass,

-and he held out a bowl of nourishing soup.</p>

-

-<p>And, following a refreshing sleep, that afternoon,

-while seated in the airship cabin, Mr. Bentwell

-told his story. He had been with the scientists

-who, about a year before, had come to search

-for the radium on Snake Island. There had been

-an accident, one boat was wrecked, and the unfortunate

-man was cast alone on the island. His

-companions escaped, and got back to civilization,

-believing him drowned.</p>

-

-<p>The cargo of the boat, consisting of a considerable

-quantity of provisions, stores and tools, was

-washed up on the island.</p>

-

-<p>He built the hut, and rudely furnished it.

-Then, having nothing else to do, being unable to

-escape from the island, he began a search for the

-radium, as told in his torn notebook. But he

-could not find it.</p>

-

-<p>Then floods came, there were several visitations

-of snakes, and, in terror, he fled to the hill,

-where he found the cave that he made his home,

-only going occasionally to the hut. He had been

-away from it for several days when Noddy and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>

-his companions took up their abode there. So

-despondent and gloomy was Mr. Bentwell over

-his plight that he withdrew to the cave altogether,

-and stayed there, living on scanty food. He did

-not come out, and so did not see the airship making

-trips over the island.</p>

-

-<p>“But now I am saved!” he cried. “Let us

-get away from this awful place!”</p>

-

-<p>“I am willing,” agreed the professor. “I

-have my valuable toad.”</p>

-

-<p>“But we haven’t the radium,” said Jerry.</p>

-

-<p>“I do not believe it is here,” said Mr. Bentwell.

-“I searched all over for it, and found not

-a trace.”</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, we saw your notes,” spoke the professor.

-“I saved what were left of them for

-you.”</p>

-

-<p>The weather soon became pleasant again, and

-the river went down. But the boys in their airship

-remained on the hill, as they liked it better

-there. Jerry asked for three days more in which

-to search for the radium treasure, and the others

-agreed to this.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, I give up,” admitted Jerry, on the

-afternoon of the third day, when, after a wearying

-search, he and his two chums were returning

-to the <i>Comet</i>. “We’ll start for home to-morrow

-morning. Mr. Bentwell is well enough to

-travel now.”</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“I sort of hate to go back empty handed,”

-spoke Ned regretfully. “It’s the first time we

-ever had a real failure.”</p>

-

-<p>“We can’t always be successful,” commented

-Bob. “Whew! I’m tired. I’m going to have

-a rest.”</p>

-

-<p>He sat down on a grassy spot. Just below

-them was the <i>Comet</i>, which had been fully repaired,

-and was all ready for the homeward trip.

-Ned and Jerry walked on a little way, and then

-took a seat on a log, for they, too, were weary.

-They talked over their adventures, agreeing that,

-even though they had not found the radium treasure,

-they had had a good vacation.</p>

-

-<p>Bob suddenly jumped up, and rubbed his thigh.</p>

-

-<p>“What’s the matter; sit on a thorn?” asked

-Ned with a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>“Something like that,” answered the stout lad.

-“Or else a bee stung me. Well, come on. It’s

-all over.”</p>

-

-<p>They were packing up that night, ready for

-the trip home in the morning, when Bob complained

-of a burning sensation in his leg.</p>

-

-<p>“Better let me look at it,” suggested the professor,

-who knew something of medicine. “You

-may have been poisoned by some insect.” But,

-when he had looked at a peculiar red spot on

-Bob’s leg he cried out:</p>

-

-<p>“Boys, that’s the most wonderful thing I ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>

-heard of! Bob has solved the riddle for us!”</p>

-

-<p>“What riddle?” demanded Jerry eagerly.</p>

-

-<p>“The radium riddle! That’s a blister caused

-by emanations from radium!” went on the professor.

-“Look at it, Mr. Bentwell, and see if

-you don’t think so!”</p>

-

-<p>The castaway, who had had his hair cut, and

-who had shaved himself, being attired in a spare

-suit of the professor’s, looked at the red spot.</p>

-

-<p>“That is undoubtedly a radium burn,” he said

-quickly. “How did it happen?”</p>

-

-<p>“It must have been when I sat down to rest,”

-explained Bob. “On the hill out there. I felt

-something sting me, and——”</p>

-

-<p>“It was the radium!” cried Mr. Bentwell.

-“Where is the place? Let us go to it at once!”</p>

-

-<p>“We can’t find it in the dark,” objected Jerry,

-but the professor and the castaway hurried out

-on the deck of the airship leading Bob with them.</p>

-

-<p>“Point out, as nearly as you can, where it was,”

-begged Uriah Snodgrass.</p>

-

-<p>Bob raised his hand, and, as he did so, he uttered

-a cry.</p>

-

-<p>“Look! Look!” he gasped. “The ghosts!

-The ghosts again!”</p>

-

-<p>There, floating down toward the airship, were

-tall whitish objects, wrapped in a bluish haze,

-like the tall forms of willowy beings shrouded in

-mist.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>“The ghosts!” cried Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Yes, radium ghosts!” fairly shouted Professor

-Snodgrass. “I understand it now. I wonder

-I didn’t guess it the first time. The ghosts

-we saw before were vapors, caused by radium.

-It is the same now. Boys, we have at last found

-the radium treasure! We will get it in the morning!”</p>

-

-<p>They were up at dawn, after an almost sleepless

-night. Bob pointed out the spot where he

-had rested, and digging there, under a thin layer

-of sod, was found the peculiar hornblende rock

-mixed with pitchblende, which contained the radium.

-It needed but a simple test to demonstrate

-this.</p>

-

-<p>“And the peculiar thing about it is this,” said

-Professor Snodgrass. “Usually it takes tons of

-rock to produce even a grain of radium, but in

-this case there is almost pure radium in this sample.

-We must be careful of it, for, not only is

-it very valuable, but it may seriously harm us if

-left exposed.”</p>

-

-<p>Accordingly the first sample was put in the

-lead receptacle prepared for it, and the work of

-digging the rock for more was begun.</p>

-

-<p>But if our friends hoped to find an enormous

-fortune of radium on Snake Island they were disappointed.

-For, after they had dug a little distance

-down, the rock disappeared, and there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>

-no more of it. Search as they did, there was

-only a comparatively small quantity. But that

-was of great value, sufficient to more than compensate

-them for the trip, for the radium, being

-almost pure, commanded an exceptionally high

-price.</p>

-

-<p>“But there must be some where we first saw

-the strange ghosts,” suggested Bob. They went

-to the place, but found nothing. As there was a

-deep hollow, where before there had been none,

-they concluded that the flood had washed the

-precious radium away.</p>

-

-<p>“But we have enough to satisfy almost anyone,”

-said Jerry, one evening a few nights later.</p>

-

-<p>In the days following Bob’s unexpected discovery

-of the precious stuff they had searched

-diligently, but no more was located.</p>

-

-<p>“I think we have all there is here,” was the

-professor’s opinion, and Mr. Bentwell agreed

-with him. There was no longer any use in remaining

-in that desolate place, and so they arose,

-and left behind Snake Island, and the rushing

-river cutting its way through the mighty chasm,

-a mile below the surface of the earth.</p>

-

-<p>Then, with her nose pointed toward Denver,

-the return trip began. Little worth mentioning

-occurred on it. Mr. Bentwell continued to improve

-and after a short stay in Denver, at the

-Montrose home, nearly all traces of his terrible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>

-year on the lonely island disappeared. Of course

-the story of the boys caused much comment, and

-they were regarded as heroes.</p>

-

-<p>They received many offers for their radium,

-but they refused nearly all of them, giving a share

-of the stuff to Mr. Bentwell, some to Professor

-Snodgrass, and a portion to Mr. Montrose. The

-latter was interested in a Denver hospital that

-very much wanted some of the precious metal for

-medical purposes.</p>

-

-<p>As for their portions the boys kept some for

-themselves for future use, and some they gave to

-the academy they attended. The rest they sold

-for a large sum.</p>

-

-<p>Nothing more was heard from Noddy Nixon,

-save that he and Bill got safely home, after much

-hardship. As for the renegade professor he

-and Noddy quarreled, and separated.</p>

-

-<p>“Let’s go all the way home by airship,” proposed

-Bob as they were about to leave Denver.

-“We can have the auto shipped to Cresville, and

-it’s much easier to get meals in the <i>Comet</i> than

-at hotels.”</p>

-

-<p>“Bob, if you mention eating again, until we

-get home, we’ll put you on a bread and water

-diet,” threatened Ned, and Bob went off to the

-galley in a huff. But he was soon heard whistling

-as he made himself some sandwiches.</p>

-

-<p>The airship trip was voted the best, and accordingly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>

-it was undertaken. All went well,

-and in due time they were near their home town.

-At his request, Mr. Bentwell was allowed to leave

-the ship at a place where he could get a train to

-his home, for he did not want to take his new

-friends out of their way. He had telegraphed,

-at the first opportunity, to his relatives, telling

-them of his rescue. To say that they, and the

-world at large, were surprised by his wonderful

-story, is putting it mildly.</p>

-

-<p>“Well, we got the radium treasure, after all,”

-remarked Jerry, one day a week or so later, when

-they were all assembled at his house.</p>

-

-<p>“And I caught the two-tailed toad,” added the

-professor. “My college has conferred additional

-honors upon me for that. I am indeed

-a lucky individual.”</p>

-

-<p>“I wonder what you’ll look for next?” spoke

-Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“And I wonder what we’ll do?” added

-Ned.</p>

-

-<p>Those of you who care to know, may learn by

-reading the next volume of the series, which will

-be called “The Motor Boys on the Border; Or,

-Sixty Nuggets of Gold,” a strange tale of the Far

-West and of Canada.</p>

-

-<p>“Well,” remarked the professor, “I think I

-will——” He stopped suddenly, sprang to a

-small table, and clapped his hand down on it so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>

-suddenly that he upset a pitcher of lemonade,

-which spilled all over Bob.</p>

-

-<p>“Ouch! Ugh!” gasped the fat lad. “What’s

-the matter?”</p>

-

-<p>“I just caught a most rare specimen of a red-winged

-fly,” answered the professor, pulling out

-a specimen box and imprisoning the luckless insect.</p>

-

-<p>“But—l-l-look at me!” gasped Bob. “I’m

-all wet!”</p>

-

-<p>“Never mind, it’s a hot day, and you aren’t

-the only lemon in the house,” laughed Jerry, as

-he helped his chum dry himself.</p>

-

-<p>Of course Professor Snodgrass apologized, and

-made amends by helping squeeze more lemons.

-And then, sitting about, he and the boys discussed

-their adventures on the trip after the radium

-treasure. And now, for a time, we will say good-bye

-to them.</p>

-

-

-<p class="p4 noic">THE END</p>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<p class="noic">A New Line By the Author of the Ever-Popular<br />

-<span class="noi adauthor">“Motor Boys Series”</span></p>

-

-

-<p class="noi adtitle">The Racer Boys Series</p>

-

-<p class="noi adauthor">by CLARENCE YOUNG</p>

-

-<p class="noic">Author of “The Motor Boys Series”, “Jack Ranger Series”, etc. etc.<br />

-Fine cloth binding. Illustrated. Price per vol. 60 cts. postpaid.</p>

-

-<p>The announcement of a new series of stories by Mr. Clarence Young is

-always hailed with delight by boys and girls throughout the country,

-and we predict an even greater success for these new books, than that

-now enjoyed by the “Motor Boys”. The stories are in Mr. Young’s

-best vein, full of vim and vigor from start to finish, and of a high

-moral order. They are in the same style that has made “The Motor

-Boys Series” the most popular young people’s line on the market.</p>

-

-

-<p class="noi adauthor">The Racer Boys<br />

-<small>or The Mystery of the Wreck</small></p>

-

-<p>This, the first volume of the new series, tells who the Racer Boys were

-and how they chanced to be out on the ocean in a great storm. They

-rescue another boy in a wrecked motor-boat and take him to their

-home only to discover later that the stranger has lost his mind and cannot

-remember who he is or where he comes from. Adventures follow each

-other in rapid succession, and the Racer Boys finally solve the mystery

-in a manner that only our author, Mr. Young, can describe.</p>

-

-

-<p class="noi adauthor">The Racer Boys At Boarding School<br />

-<small>or Striving for the Championship</small></p>

-

-<p>When the Racer Boys arrived at the school they found everything at a

-stand-still. The school was going down rapidly and the students lacked

-ambition and leadership. They lacked even the heart to take part in

-any athletic contests. The Racers took hold with a will, and got their

-father to aid the head of the school financially, and then reorganized

-the football team. Much to the astonishment of everybody, the school

-won the championship of the league.</p>

-

-

-<p class="noi adauthor">The Racer Boys To The Rescue<br />

-<small>or Stirring Days in a Winter Camp</small></p>

-

-<p>Here is a story filled with the spirit of good times in winter—skating,

-ice-boating and hunting. How the lads went out after big game, how

-they stumbled upon a queer trail and made a great discovery, and how

-they came to the rescue of a crippled boy who was virtually held a

-prisoner in a wilderness cabin, are related in a manner to chain the attention

-of the reader from beginning to end.</p>

-

-<p class="p2 noic">Other Volumes to Follow</p>

-

-<p class="noic">CUPPLES &amp; LEON CO., Publishers      NEW YORK</p>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<p class="noi adtitle">The Webster Series</p>

-

-<p class="noic adauthor">By Frank V. Webster</p>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 150px;">

-<img src="images/image05.jpg" width="150" height="197"

-     alt="The Webster Series" title="The Webster Series" />

-</div>

-

-

-<p class="p2">Mr. Webster’s style is very much like

-that of the boys’ favorite author, the late lamented

-Horatio Alger Jr., but his tales are thoroughly

-up-to-date. The stories are as clean as they are

-clever, and will prove of absorbing interest to

-boys everywhere.</p>

-

-<p>Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated.

-Stamped in various colors. Price

-per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</p>

-

-<ul class="p2">

-<li class="li1">Only A Farm Boy<br />

-<span class="ident">or Dan Hardy’s Rise in Life</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Tom The Telephone Boy<br />

-<span class="ident">or The Mystery of a Message</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The Boy From The Ranch<br />

-<span class="ident">or Roy Bradner’s City Experiences</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The Young Treasure Hunter<br />

-<span class="ident">or Fred Stanley’s Trip to Alaska</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Bob The Castaway<br />

-<span class="ident">or The Wreck of the Eagle</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The Newsboy Partners<br />

-<span class="ident">or Who Was Dick Box?</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Two Boy Gold Miners<br />

-<span class="ident">or Lost in the Mountains</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The Young Firemen of Lakeville<br />

-<span class="ident">or Herbert Dare’s Pluck</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The Boy Pilot of the Lakes<br />

-<span class="ident">or Nat Morton’s Perils</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The Boys of Bellwood School<br />

-<span class="ident">or Frank Jordan’s Triumph</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Jack The Runaway<br />

-<span class="ident">or On the Road with a Circus</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Bob Chester’s Grit<br />

-<span class="ident">or From Ranch to Riches</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Airship Andy<br />

-<span class="ident">or The Luck of a Brave Boy</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The High School Rivals<br />

-<span class="ident">or Fred Markham’s Struggles</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Darry The Life Saver<br />

-<span class="ident">or The Heroes of the Coast</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Dick The Bank Boy<br />

-<span class="ident">or A Missing Fortune</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Ben Hardy’s Flying Machine<br />

-<span class="ident">or Making a Record for Himself</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Harry Watson’s High School Days<br />

-<span class="ident">or The Rivals of Rivertown</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">Comrades of the Saddle<br />

-<span class="ident">or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains</span></li>

-

-<li class="li1">The Boys of the Wireless<br />

-<span class="ident">or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep</span></li>

-</ul>

-

-<p class="p2 noic">CUPPLES &amp; LEON CO., Publishers,      NEW YORK</p>

-

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="tnote">

-<p class="noi tntitle">Transcriber’s Notes:</p>

-

-<p class="smfont">A List of Illustrations has been provided for the convenience of the

-   reader.</p>

-

-<p class="smfont">Printer, punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently

-   corrected, except as noted below.</p>

-

-<p class="smfont">Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.</p>

-

-<p class="smfont">Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.</p>

-

-<p class="smfont">Variant spellings of Pittsburg for Pittsburgh (PA.) and Allegany

-   for Allegeny (River) have been retained as these have been used

-   consistently throughout the book.</p>

-</div>

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-<pre>

-

-

-

-

-

-End of Project Gutenberg's The Motor Boys After a Fortune, by Clarence Young

-

-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE ***

-

-***** This file should be named 47417-h.htm or 47417-h.zip *****

-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:

-        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/7/4/1/47417/

-

-Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed

-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

-

-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will

-be renamed.

-

-Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright

-law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,

-so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United

-States without permission and without paying copyright

-royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part

-of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm

-concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,

-and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive

-specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this

-eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook

-for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports,

-performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given

-away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks

-not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the

-trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.

-

-START: FULL LICENSE

-

-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

-

-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free

-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work

-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full

-Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at

-www.gutenberg.org/license.

-

-Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-

-1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to

-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property

-(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all

-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or

-destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your

-possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a

-Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound

-by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the

-person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph

-1.E.8.

-

-1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be

-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who

-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few

-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See

-paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this

-agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.

-

-1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the

-Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection

-of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual

-works in the collection are in the public domain in the United

-States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the

-United States and you are located in the United States, we do not

-claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,

-displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as

-all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope

-that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting

-free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm

-works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the

-Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily

-comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the

-same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when

-you share it without charge with others.

-

-1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern

-what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are

-in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,

-check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this

-agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,

-distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any

-other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no

-representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any

-country outside the United States.

-

-1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

-

-1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other

-immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear

-prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work

-on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the

-phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,

-performed, viewed, copied or distributed:

-

-  This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and

-  most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no

-  restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it

-  under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this

-  eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the

-  United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you

-  are located before using this ebook.

-

-1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is

-derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not

-contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the

-copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in

-the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are

-redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project

-Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply

-either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or

-obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm

-trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

-

-1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted

-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution

-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any

-additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms

-will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works

-posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the

-beginning of this work.

-

-1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this

-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.

-

-1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this

-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without

-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with

-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm License.

-

-1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,

-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including

-any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access

-to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format

-other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official

-version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site

-(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense

-to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means

-of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain

-Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the

-full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

-

-1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,

-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works

-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

-

-1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing

-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works

-provided that

-

-* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from

-  the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method

-  you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed

-  to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has

-  agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project

-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid

-  within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are

-  legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty

-  payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project

-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in

-  Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg

-  Literary Archive Foundation."

-

-* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies

-  you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he

-  does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm

-  License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all

-  copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue

-  all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm

-  works.

-

-* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of

-  any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the

-  electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of

-  receipt of the work.

-

-* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free

-  distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.

-

-1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than

-are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing

-from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The

-Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm

-trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

-

-1.F.

-

-1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable

-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread

-works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project

-Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may

-contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate

-or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other

-intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or

-other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or

-cannot be read by your equipment.

-

-1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right

-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project

-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all

-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal

-fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT

-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE

-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE

-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE

-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR

-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH

-DAMAGE.

-

-1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a

-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can

-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a

-written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you

-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium

-with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you

-with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in

-lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person

-or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second

-opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If

-the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing

-without further opportunities to fix the problem.

-

-1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth

-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO

-OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT

-LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

-

-1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied

-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of

-damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement

-violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the

-agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or

-limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or

-unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the

-remaining provisions.

-

-1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the

-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone

-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in

-accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the

-production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm

-electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,

-including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of

-the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this

-or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or

-additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any

-Defect you cause.

-

-Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of

-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of

-computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It

-exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations

-from people in all walks of life.

-

-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the

-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's

-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will

-remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project

-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure

-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future

-generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see

-Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at

-www.gutenberg.org

-

-

-

-Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

-

-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit

-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the

-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal

-Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification

-number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by

-U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.

-

-The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the

-mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its

-volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous

-locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt

-Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to

-date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and

-official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact

-

-For additional contact information:

-

-    Dr. Gregory B. Newby

-    Chief Executive and Director

-    gbnewby@pglaf.org

-

-Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg

-Literary Archive Foundation

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide

-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of

-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be

-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest

-array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations

-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt

-status with the IRS.

-

-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating

-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United

-States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a

-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up

-with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations

-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND

-DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular

-state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate

-

-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we

-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition

-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who

-approach us with offers to donate.

-

-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make

-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from

-outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

-

-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation

-methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other

-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To

-donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate

-

-Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works.

-

-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project

-Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be

-freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and

-distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of

-volunteer support.

-

-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed

-editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in

-the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not

-necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper

-edition.

-

-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search

-facility: www.gutenberg.org

-

-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,

-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary

-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to

-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.

-

-

-

-</pre>

-

-</body>

-</html>

+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+    <title>
+      The Motor Boys After a Fortune, by Clarence Young&mdash;A Project Gutenberg eBook.
+    </title>
+    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
+    <style type="text/css">
+
+/* DACSoft styles */
+
+body {
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+/* General headers */
+h1 {
+    text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+/* Chapter headers */
+h2 {
+    text-align: center;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    line-height: 1.5em;
+}
+
+/* Indented paragraph */
+p {
+    margin-top: .51em;
+    margin-bottom: .49em;
+    text-align: justify;
+    text-indent: 1em;
+}
+
+/* Unindented paragraph */
+.noi { text-indent: 0em; }
+
+/* Centered unindented paragraph */
+.noic {
+    text-indent: 0em;
+    text-align: center;
+}
+
+/* Non-standard paragraph margins */
+.p2 { margin-top: 2em; }
+.p4 { margin-top: 4em; }
+.p6 { margin-top: 6em; }
+
+/* Horizontal rules */
+hr {
+    width: 33%;
+    margin-top: 2em;
+    margin-bottom: 2em;
+    margin-left: 33.5%;
+    margin-right: 33.5%;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;}
+
+hr.r20 {
+    width: 20%;
+    margin-left: 40%;
+    margin-right: 40%;
+    margin-top: 1em;
+    margin-bottom: 1em;
+}
+
+/* Lists */
+ul { list-style-type: none; }
+
+li {
+    text-indent: 0em;
+    padding-left: 0em;
+}
+
+.li1 {
+    margin-top: 1em;
+    text-indent: 0em;
+    padding-left: 0em;
+}
+
+
+/* Tables */
+table {
+    margin-left: auto;
+    margin-right: auto;
+}
+
+/* Table cell alignments */
+.tdl      {text-align: left;}
+
+.tdrb {
+    text-align: right;
+    vertical-align: bottom;
+}
+
+.tdrt {
+    text-align: right;
+    vertical-align: top;
+}
+
+th {
+    font-weight: normal;
+}
+
+/* Physical book page and line numbers */
+.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */
+    /*  visibility: hidden;  */
+    position: absolute;
+    left: 92%;
+    font-size: x-small;
+    text-align: right;
+    color: gray;
+} /* page numbers */
+
+/* Blockquotes */
+.blockquot {
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+/* Alignment */
+.right    {text-align: right;}
+
+/* Text appearance */
+.smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+
+/* Small fonts and lowercase small-caps */
+.smfont {
+    font-size: .8em;
+}
+
+.smfontr {
+    font-size: .8em;
+    text-align: right;
+}
+
+/* Illustration caption */
+.caption  {
+    font-size: .75em;
+    font-weight: bold;
+}
+
+/* Images */
+img {
+    max-width: 100%; /* no image to be wider than screen or containing div */
+    height:auto;     /* keep height in proportion to width */
+}
+
+.figcenter   {
+    margin: auto;
+    text-align: center;
+    max-width: 100%; /* div no wider than screen, even when screen is narrow */
+}
+
+.figleft {
+    float: left;
+    clear: left;
+    margin-left: 0;
+    margin-bottom: 1em;
+    margin-top: 1em;
+    margin-right: 1em;
+    padding: 0;
+    text-align: center;
+    max-width: 40%;
+}
+
+/* Transcriber's notes */
+.tnote {
+    background-color: #E6E6FA;
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+    padding-bottom: .5em;
+    padding-top: .5em;
+    padding-left: .5em;
+    padding-right: .5em;
+}
+
+.tntitle {
+    font-size: 1.25em;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+/* Title page borders and content. */
+.title {
+    font-size: 1.75em;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+.subtitle {
+    font-size: 1.5em;
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+.author {
+    font-size: 1.25em;
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+.works {
+    font-size: .75em;
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+/* Advertisement formatting. */
+.adpage {
+    margin-left: 20%;
+    margin-right: 20%;
+}
+
+.adbox {
+    border: 2px solid black;
+    padding: 1em;
+    margin: auto;
+    max-width: 22em;
+}
+
+.adtitle {
+    font-size: 1.5em;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+.adauthor {
+    font-size: 1.25em;
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+/* Hanging indent. */
+.hang {
+    text-indent: -2em;
+    padding-left: 0em;
+}
+
+.ident {
+    padding-left: 2em;
+}
+
+    </style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 47417 ***</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="600" height="697" alt="cover" title="cover" />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 384px;">
+<a name="image01" id="image01">
+  <img src="images/image01.jpg" width="384" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</a><br />
+<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_170">JERRY SENT THE CHASER DIRECTLY AT THE COMET.</a></div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h1>THE MOTOR BOYS<br />
+AFTER A FORTUNE</h1>
+
+<p class="noic">Or</p>
+
+<p class="noi subtitle">The Hut on Snake Island</p>
+
+<p class="p4 noic">BY</p>
+
+<p class="noi author">CLARENCE YOUNG</p>
+
+<p class="noi works"><span class="smcap">Author of<br />
+“The Racer Boys Series” and “The Jack Ranger Series.”</span></p>
+
+<p class="p6 noic">ILLUSTRATED</p>
+
+<p class="p6 noic">NEW YORK<br />
+<span class="noi author">CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="adpage">
+<div class="adbox">
+<p class="noic adauthor">BOOKS BY CLARENCE YOUNG</p>
+
+<hr class="r20" />
+
+<p class="noic"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES</b></p>
+
+<p class="noic">12mo. Illustrated.</p>
+
+<p class="noic">Price per volume, 60 cents, postpaid.</p>
+
+<ul>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING</li>
+<li class="hang">THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE</li>
+</ul>
+
+<hr class="r20" />
+
+<p class="noic"><b>THE JACK RANGER SERIES</b></p>
+
+<p class="noic">12mo. Finely Illustrated.</p>
+
+<p class="noic">Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid.</p>
+
+<ul>
+<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S SCHOOLDAYS</li>
+<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S WESTERN TRIP</li>
+<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S SCHOOL VICTORIES</li>
+<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S OCEAN CRUISE</li>
+<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S GUN CLUB</li>
+<li class="hang">JACK RANGER’S TREASURE BOX</li>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+<p class="p2 noic">Copyright, 1912, by<br />
+<span class="smcap">Cupples &amp; Leon Company</span></p>
+
+<hr class="r20" />
+
+<p class="noic"><span class="smcap">The Motor Boys After A Fortune</span></p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<col style="width: 20%;" />
+<col style="width: 70%;" />
+<col style="width: 10%;" />
+<tr>
+  <th class="smfontr">CHAPTER</th>
+  <th class="tdl"></th>
+  <th class="smfontr">PAGE</th>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">I.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">To the Rescue</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">1</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">II.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">The Saving of Noddy</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">11</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">III.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Noddy Begins Plotting</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">22</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">IV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Planning a Fortune Hunt</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">33</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">V.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Noddy’s Plot Develops</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">40</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Off for Pittsburg</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">51</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">In Danger</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">58</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Down the Alleghany</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">69</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">IX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Off in the Auto</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">77</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">X.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Held Up</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">85</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Noddy in Advance</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">92</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Disappointment</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">104</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">The Professor’s Lunch</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">115</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">The Wreck of the Limited</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">121</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">The Express Ahead</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">129</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">The Airship Gone</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">138</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">An Unexpected Offer</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">144</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">On the Trail</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">152</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">A Desperate Race</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">159</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">A Game in the Air</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">168</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Off for the Canyon</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">174</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">Over the Great Chasm</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">182</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">The Boat in the Rapids</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">189</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Strange Ghosts</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">196</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">A Nest of Serpents</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">205</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Live Wires</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">212</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXVII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">The Transporting of Noddy</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">217</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXVIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">The Rising Flood</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">224</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXIX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">In the Cave</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">230</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">The Radium Treasure—Conclusion</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">238</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations">
+<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image01">JERRY SENT THE CHASER DIRECTLY AT THE COMET.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image02">WITH SURE AIM, NED SENT THE LIFE PRESERVER TOWARD NODDY.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image03">A MOMENT LATER A CAR SHOT PAST.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tdl"><a href="#image04">SUDDENLY ONE OF THE CONDUCTORS TOUCHED A MASS OF SNAKES.</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2>PREFACE</h2>
+
+
+<p class="noi"><span class="smcap">Dear Boys</span>:—</p>
+
+<p>I wonder if any of you are superstitious, or
+if you believe in “signs”? I, myself, do not,
+but as this happens to be the thirteenth book in
+the Motor Boys series, I just thought I’d mention
+it, more as a joke than anything else.</p>
+
+<p>You know some persons think thirteen is unlucky.
+I do not, and I am sure you do not,
+either. So I venture to hope that I have been
+lucky enough to write for you, in this thirteenth
+volume, a book you will like better than any of
+the preceding ones that I have been happy to
+pen.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly, Jerry, Ned and Bob, when they
+went after the radium treasure, on Snake Island,
+in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, had
+a chance to believe in “signs” if they were so
+inclined. But when they saw the strange
+“ghosts” they were not a bit frightened, and,
+later on, they discovered the cause of them.</p>
+
+<p>This story, though a complete tale in itself, is
+linked with the others in the series. It tells how
+the Motor Boys, hearing through Professor
+Snodgrass, of a place where radium was supposed
+to be located, set off to find it. They had many
+adventures, and were in not a little danger.
+Then, too, they had to proceed against Noddy
+Nixon, who had unlawfully taken their motorship.</p>
+
+<p>I venture to hope that you will like this story,
+and that you will care for more about the boys,
+whom I have come to regard as very good friends
+of mine. I should dislike, very much indeed,
+saying good-bye to them.</p>
+
+<p>So, wishing you all the pleasure possible in
+the reading of this story, I remain,</p>
+
+<p class="noic">Yours cordially,</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Clarence Young</span>.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<p class="title">THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER
+A FORTUNE</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a><br />
+<small>TO THE RESCUE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“But, Professor, do you really think it’s
+true?” asked Ned Slade, looking at the elderly
+gentleman, whose bald head glistened in the sunlight,
+as he sat leafing the pages of a scientific
+book.</p>
+
+<p>“Is what true, Ned?” inquired Jerry Hopkins,
+who had crossed the room to look out of
+a window.</p>
+
+<p>“What Professor Snodgrass was telling just
+now, about a fortune in radium being on a lonely
+little island in the Colorado River, somewhere
+in the Grand Canyon.”</p>
+
+<p>“Radium!” gasped Bob Baker, turning slowly
+in a big chair.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, radium,” answered Ned, at whose house
+the other motor boy chums had called to meet
+their old friend, the professor, who was paying
+a short visit to Mr. Slade. “Radium, Bob.
+Do you get the idea, or are you still trying to
+figure out how long it will be until lunch time?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Aw, quit it,” begged the fat lad. “I guess
+I can think of something besides grub, once in
+a while. But I wasn’t listening very closely.
+What is it about radium? That’s the stuff they
+use to set diamonds in, instead of gold; isn’t it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, what’s the matter with you, Bob?”
+cried Jerry, a tall, and well-built lad, as he
+wheeled around from the window. “Set diamonds
+in radium? You’re thinking of platinum,
+I guess.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, that’s right!” admitted Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Radium!” broke in Ned. “I guess they’d
+be more likely to set radium in a diamond, if
+they could; eh, Professor?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well,” admitted the little scientist with a
+smile, “it’s valuable enough to be set in diamonds,
+but I’m afraid it would be too dangerous
+to carry around that way. It can’t be exposed
+carelessly, you know.”</p>
+
+<p>“Dangerous?” asked Bob. “How’s that?”</p>
+
+<p>“Radium, that wonderful metal, as it is sometimes
+called, and about which so much has been
+written, yet about which even the greatest scientists
+admit that they know very little, can cause
+very severe burns if brought near a person, and
+not protected in some way.</p>
+
+<p>“The rays, or emanations from it, pass
+through almost all substances, you know, and
+not only does it cause burns, but also forms of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>
+mental diseases. It is a dangerous, as well as
+very valuable, metal.”</p>
+
+<p>“But what’s this Ned said about some being
+on an island in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado?”
+persisted Bob. “That sounds interesting.
+Maybe there’s a chance for us to take a
+trip, and get some. Let’s hear more about it,
+Professor, please.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I don’t know that I can say much,”
+came from the scientist. “I just happened to see
+a mention of radium in this book I was looking
+at, and I just told Ned that there was said to
+be a valuable deposit of it on this island—Snake
+Island, I believe it is called—though I don’t
+know why. Probably from some Indian name.”</p>
+
+<p>“And I asked him if he believed it was true,”
+added Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“As to that I can’t say,” resumed Uriah Snodgrass.
+“All I know is that some years ago a
+scientific expedition from Hartwell College set
+out to learn if the rumor about the radium was
+true. They had the story, I understand, from
+some prospectors who were searching for gold.
+The prospectors landed on this island, because
+their boat was wrecked, and one of them picked
+up a piece of stone, whether it was hornblende
+or pitchblende I can’t recall, but you know
+radium is often found in those substances.</p>
+
+<p>“At any rate, one of the prospectors kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>
+this piece of mineral, and when he and his friends
+left the island he took it with him, not knowing
+what it was. Later he gave it to a scientist, as
+a curiosity, and the latter at once recognized
+what it was, and learned where it came from.</p>
+
+<p>“It was sent to Hartwell College, with which
+the scientist was connected, and aroused a great
+deal of interest. An expedition was at once
+fitted up, and about a year ago started for Snake
+Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“Did they get there?” asked Bob eagerly.
+“And did they get any gold?”</p>
+
+<p>“They did not, I regret to say,” replied the
+professor rather solemnly. “As for gold, they
+would scarcely have picked it up, had there been
+any, if there was radium to be had, for there
+is no comparison in the values of the two. With
+radium at ten thousand dollars, or so, an ounce,
+you can easily figure what a little bit would be
+worth.</p>
+
+<p>“At any rate, the expedition never even got
+to Snake Island. They started down the Colorado
+in a boat, but it was wrecked, and the party
+barely escaped alive. This so discouraged them
+that they returned, and as far as I know, no
+one since has set foot on the place where the
+radium is supposed to be. Yes, it was a sad
+piece of business.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why sad?” asked Jerry Hopkins. “Because<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>
+science missed the chance to get the
+radium?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, yes, in a way, but one of the searching
+party was lost.”</p>
+
+<p>“Drowned?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“As to that no one ever knew. He fell into
+the water when the boat was wrecked, and none
+of his friends ever saw him again. They had
+a watch kept on the river below, but the body
+was never seen. The man disappeared completely.
+He was quite a friend of mine, too, in
+a way, for we corresponded, and exchanged scientific
+books, though I only saw him a few times.
+Hartley Bentwell was his name, and he was one
+of the best authorities on radium that I ever
+heard of. I often wonder what became of him.
+He gave his life up in the interests of science.”</p>
+
+<p>“And do you really believe there is radium
+there?” asked Ned, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I think I do,” answered the professor
+quietly. “I had the good fortune to see the
+piece of mineral, containing some, that the prospector
+picked up years ago. There was no doubt
+but that it contained radium, for all the manifestations
+were present. And if there was one bit
+of radium on that island, there must be more.”</p>
+
+<p>“Unless it’s all evaporated by this time,” put
+in Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Radium doesn’t evaporate,” said the professor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+with a smile. “The smallest piece you can
+imagine, will give off what you might call ‘rays’
+or ‘sparks’ for thousands of years, and, at the
+end of that time, the most delicate scales would
+show no loss of weight. It’s the same way with
+pure musk. A grain of it has been known to
+scent, say a box, or chest of drawers, for fifty
+years, and, at the end of that time, the whole
+grain of musk was still there.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s strange,” murmured Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, that’s not nearly all the strange facts
+about radium,” went on Mr. Snodgrass. “I
+could talk to you for hours about it and not half
+finish.”</p>
+
+<p>“Tell us more about Snake Island,” suggested
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s all I know,” and the professor closed
+the book that had started the conversation. “I
+only heard what I have told you. It was because
+I was interested in Mr. Bentwell, and felt
+his loss so much that the tale impressed me. I
+often thought I would like to have a try for
+that radium myself, not because of the fortune,
+but because of the scientific value of the metal,
+or mineral, whichever you choose to call it. But
+I never seemed to get the time, and I had so
+many other things to do, gathering——”</p>
+
+<p>The professor suddenly stopped talking, and
+made a dive for a certain spot on the carpet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>
+He came down on his hands and knees, holding
+his palms together.</p>
+
+<p>“I got it!” he cried triumphantly. “Ned,
+please get my smallest insect case. It’s in my
+right hand coat pocket,” and the scientist remained
+on his knees, a look of joy on his face.</p>
+
+<p>“Did you fall?” asked Bob innocently.</p>
+
+<p>“No, indeed, I jumped,” replied the professor.
+“As I was speaking I happened to see a
+new variety of pink-winged moth fluttering on the
+carpet, and as this moth——”</p>
+
+<p>“Moths in my carpet!” cried Mrs. Slade, entering
+the room at that moment. “Oh, Professor!
+Let me kill it at once! Where is it?”</p>
+
+<p>“I have it safe,” answered Mr. Snodgrass
+with a smile. “As for killing it, I’ll do that, but
+it must be carefully done, so as not to crush it.
+Have you the box, Ned?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, here it is,” and the lad drew out a
+small, glass-topped case from the professor’s
+pocket.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, as long as you have the moth, I suppose
+it can’t eat holes in my new carpet,” said
+Mrs. Slade. “I must put some cedar oil around,
+and kill the horrid things.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I beg of you, if you see any more to
+save them for me!” implored the professor.
+“There you are, my little pink beauty!” he exclaimed,
+as he put the moth in the case where it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
+soon died, for the box contained cyanide of potassium,
+the fumes from which are almost instantly
+fatal to insect life. “That is worth many
+dollars to my college collection,” went on the
+scientist. “I would not have missed that for the
+world. This has been a lucky day for me. Let
+me see, what was I talking about?” and he looked
+at the boys through his powerful spectacles, while
+he absent-mindedly brushed the dust from his
+trousers.</p>
+
+<p>“It was radium, and you said you’d like to
+go to Snake Island,” suggested Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, yes, and I had told you about how my
+friend lost his life seeking the place. Indeed I
+would like to go, but I am afraid it is out of
+the question. However, I suppose some one will
+get the fortune some day,” and the professor
+carefully put the insect box in his pocket, looking
+the while, carefully over the carpet for more
+specimens.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, that surely was a queer yarn,” remarked
+Bob. “I say, Ned, what do you say if
+we have something to eat on it. I’m hungry,
+and——”</p>
+
+<p>“You don’t care who knows it!” finished
+Jerry with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s all right,” put in Ned good-naturedly,
+for the chums were almost like brothers, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+made themselves perfectly at home in each other’s
+houses. “I guess it must be almost lunch time.
+I’ll go see if it isn’t ready. I reckon we can all
+eat some, even Professor Snodgrass, if he can
+spare the time from his specimens.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, yes,” laughed the scientist. “I am
+ready——”</p>
+
+<p>At that moment there came an interruption
+in the shape of a small boy, very excited, and out
+of breath, who dashed up on the porch, on which
+opened the library windows of the room where
+the three chums and the professor had been
+talking.</p>
+
+<p>“Whoop!” yelled the small lad.</p>
+
+<p>“Andy Rush!” cried Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Wow!” yelled Andy, getting his second
+wind. “Come on, fellows—’sawful—dam’s
+busted—river’s got loose—houses being washed
+away—people in the water—dogs—chickens—boats—fearful—terrible
+excitement—come on—don’t
+lose a minute—the whole place may go—big
+flood—whoop—come on—don’t wait—wow!”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the three chums gazed at the
+excited small lad. Then Jerry asked, sternly:</p>
+
+<p>“Andy, is this true, or are you joking?”</p>
+
+<p>“True? Of course it’s true! Come on—rescue—big
+damage—dam’s busted—save lives!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Fellows, I guess we’d better go!” cried
+Jerry, and, followed by his chums, and the professor,
+he rushed from the room, Andy coming
+after, and giving vent to excited whoops at every
+other breath.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a><br />
+<small>THE SAVING OF NODDY</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“How did it happen, Andy?” asked Jerry, as
+he ran along.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, tell us more about it,” urged Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Is it the big reservoir dam that’s broken?”
+asked Ned. “If it is, there’ll be a lot of damage,
+and yet I don’t hear any great excitement,”
+and he paused a moment to listen if he could
+catch the roar of rushing waters. But there
+came no unusual sound from the direction of the
+river which bordered the town of Cresville, where
+the boys lived.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know—didn’t see it!” panted Andy.
+“Old Pete Bumps told me—said it was the dam—terrible—everything
+washed away—come on—wow!”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, if it was old Pete Bumps, our hired man,
+who told you, it can’t be so bad,” returned Bob
+Baker. “Pete always makes a big fuss over
+everything. Let’s take it easy, fellows.”</p>
+
+<p>“You can’t tell,” interposed Jerry. “Something
+must have happened. I see a lot of fellows<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>
+running toward the river,” and he nodded toward
+a side street, through which could be had a
+glimpse of a thoroughfare parallel to the one on
+which our friends were, both extending to the
+stream. “Come on,” finished the tall lad.
+“We’ll see what it is,” and he increased his pace,
+his companions doing likewise.</p>
+
+<p>While I have just a few moments before the
+boys reach the river, and in which time they are
+doing nothing but running, and wondering what
+has happened, I will take the opportunity to tell
+you something about the chums, and the various
+books, previous to this one, in which they have
+figured.</p>
+
+<p>The first volume of the series entitled, “The
+Motor Boys,” told how the chums got together,
+and entered a bicycle race. Later on they got
+motor-cycles, and then an automobile in which
+they had many adventures. They took a long
+trip overland, got possession of a gold mine, and
+later went to Mexico, where they were in great
+danger. But they managed to escape, and, on
+a long trip across the plains they rescued the
+hermit of Lost Lake.</p>
+
+<p>After these adventures, our heroes decided that
+motor boating would suit them, and they succeeded
+in getting a fine craft. In the volume
+named, “The Motor Boys Afloat,” is told how
+the lads cruised in the <i>Dartaway</i>, and succeeded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>
+in finding the robbers who had broken into Mr.
+Slade’s department store.</p>
+
+<p>The lads liked motor boating so well that
+they took a cruise on the Atlantic, during which
+they solved the mystery of the lighthouse, and,
+later on, they went to the strange waters of the
+Florida Everglades.</p>
+
+<p>Naturally, after their adventures on the Atlantic,
+they turned their attention to the other
+ocean, the Pacific, and there they succeeded in
+locating a lost derelict.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the science of navigating the air
+was becoming better known, and aeroplanes and
+dirigible balloons were being perfected. It
+could not be expected that such lads as the motor
+boys could be kept from this field of activity, and
+with the assistance of an old balloonist of experience,
+Rupert Glassford, Bob, Ned and Jerry
+built a motorship. In the book called “The
+Motor Boys in the Clouds,” I told how they made
+a great trip for fame and fortune, and, some time
+later they went over the Rocky Mountains, and
+solved the mystery of the air.</p>
+
+<p>Thrilling indeed were the adventures that happened
+next, for when they made their voyage
+over the ocean they succeeded in rescuing from
+mid-air a certain Mr. Jackson, who was trying
+out a new kind of balloon. He and his crew
+were rendered unconscious by escaping gas, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+they were brought around all right after hard
+work.</p>
+
+<p>In the next book, “The Motor Boys on the
+Wing,” I told how the three chums sought and
+found the bank robbers, and recovered the stolen
+money. They had been home from this trip
+some little time, when the incident narrated in
+the first chapter of the present volume took
+place.</p>
+
+<p>I might add that the three chums lived in the
+town of Cresville, not far from Boston. Their
+names you are already familiar with. Bob
+Baker, the fat lad, was the son of Mr. Andrew
+Baker, a well-known banker. Ned Slade’s
+father was Aaron Slade, a wealthy department
+store owner, while Jerry Hopkins was the son
+of a rich widow, Mrs. Julia Hopkins. The three
+lads were about the same age, full of fun, grit and
+the love of adventure.</p>
+
+<p>Many times, though, their fun was spoiled by
+a mean, bullying lad of the town, Noddy Nixon
+by name, and his crony, Bill Berry. But the
+motor boys generally managed to get the best of
+Noddy in the end. In this they were sometimes
+aided by Andy Rush, the excitable little chap,
+who had given the alarm about the bursting dam.
+Andy was always excited, and sometimes by the
+slightest cause.</p>
+
+<p>Professor Uriah Snodgrass was a well-known<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+scientist. He often went with the boys on their
+trips, and he was continually on the lookout for
+rare bugs, or other specimens. He was employed
+by a well-known college, to get various
+articles for its museum, and often the professor
+would do odd things for the sake of getting a
+choice insect or reptile. He was a great friend
+of the boys, and often visited them at their
+houses. He had spent some time with Mr.
+Slade, who was one of the trustees of the college
+to which the professor was attached, and Mr.
+Snodgrass was about to return to his duties when,
+in a talk with Ned, the conversation turned to
+radium, as I have mentioned. But now all
+thoughts of that, and of Snake Island, were forgotten
+in the alarm raised by Andy.</p>
+
+<p>“What do you think can have happened, anyhow?”
+asked Ned, as he raced along beside
+Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“I give it up; but it’s something, anyhow,”
+was the tall lad’s answer, “and that, in spite of
+the fact that you’ve usually got to discount what
+Andy says. Look at the crowd!”</p>
+
+<p>As Jerry spoke he and the others reached the
+end of the street, and came in sight of the river.
+They could see that something out of the ordinary
+was taking place, but the stream did not
+seem to be unusually high, though it had risen
+somewhat on account of heavy spring rains.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“The big dam hasn’t burst, or we’d hear the
+roar of waters,” declared Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, and we’d see ’em, too,” added Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, something busted, because Pete Bumps
+told me!” insisted Andy. “Maybe the bottom
+dropped out of the river—water may be all running
+away—ground sunk in—we’ll all fall
+through—whoop!”</p>
+
+<p>“Andy!” cried Jerry. “Stop, or you’ll
+burst! Cool down; can’t you?”</p>
+
+<p>“I can’t seem to,” answered the small lad.
+“Hey!” he cried, “there goes one house, anyhow,”
+and he pointed to a structure floating down
+the stream.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so!” agreed Bob. “It’s a boathouse,
+too. I wonder what’s up?”</p>
+
+<p>They saw a moment later. Just above where
+the street on which they were running came out
+on the river front, was a small stream that joined
+the main one. This little stream had been
+dammed up, to provide a flow of water for an
+old-fashioned iron mill that used a turbine wheel.
+Part of this mill-dam had given way because of
+the heavy rains, and the waters that were held
+back had suddenly been released, to flow into the
+river proper.</p>
+
+<p>There was quite a crowd collected on the both
+banks of the river, and employees from the mill
+were endeavoring to repair the break in the dam,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+by putting timbers in it, and filling in the gap
+with stones, sod and earth.</p>
+
+<p>“Say, this isn’t such an awful flood!” cried
+Jerry as he took in the scene. “I thought you
+said the whole town was being washed away,
+Andy?”</p>
+
+<p>“And you said houses were being carried
+down,” added Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, there’s one house washed away, anyhow,”
+declared the small, excitable chap, as if
+to justify himself.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so!” cried Bob, “and it’s Noddy
+Nixon’s boathouse. It’s been washed away, and
+it’s going right down the river.”</p>
+
+<p>“It didn’t take much to wash it away,” said
+Jerry. “It was built too far out in the water,
+anyhow, and the piles it stood on weren’t much
+bigger than clothes poles. I always thought it
+would wash away if the water got high, and now
+it has.”</p>
+
+<p>Noddy Nixon had recently built a new boathouse
+on a piece of land near the river. It was
+just below the mill dam, and, naturally, when
+the rush of waters came, the structure was carried
+away, for it was not securely built. It was
+now floating down the stream, careening from
+side to side in the rushing waters.</p>
+
+<p>“Somebody ought to save that boathouse!”
+cried Andy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Let Noddy do it then,” answered Jerry.
+“It isn’t worth an awful lot, and it will be worth
+less when this flood gets through with it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Look!” suddenly exclaimed Ned. “Some
+one is in the boathouse!”</p>
+
+<p>He pointed toward it, and, at the same time
+a cry arose from the crowds on either bank.</p>
+
+<p>“Some one’s in the house!” was the shout.
+“He’ll be drowned!”</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a man!” yelled Andy.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s Noddy himself!” cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>The figure on the narrow platform in front of
+the floating boathouse could now be plainly seen.
+It was that of Noddy, as Bob had said, and the
+bully who had been endeavoring, by means of a
+long pole, to push his house toward shore, now
+threw up his hands, and cried for help.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s time he did that before,” commented
+Ned. “The current’s got him now, and he’ll
+never get that house to land.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where was he all this while?” asked Bob.
+“I didn’t notice him at first.”</p>
+
+<p>“Guess he must have been on the other side,
+out of sight,” spoke Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>Noddy was now frantically rushing up and
+down, calling at the top of his voice:</p>
+
+<p>“Help! Help!”</p>
+
+<p>“Say!” suddenly cried Ned. “The rapids!
+He’ll be down in them soon, and they’re dangerous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+with the water as high as it is now! That
+house will be knocked to pieces!”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so!” agreed Jerry. “Noddy ought
+to swim ashore while he has the chance. Otherwise
+he may be hurt! I forgot about the rapids.”</p>
+
+<p>The “rapids” were really not very dangerous
+at low water, but when the river rose, and dashed
+over the jagged rocks, about a mile below town,
+they formed eddies and whirlpools that were exceedingly
+risky to navigate. In fact no boats
+dare risk them with the stream at flood.</p>
+
+<p>It was toward these rapids that Noddy’s boathouse,
+torn away by the waters, was rapidly drifting.
+The crowd soon realized this and began
+shouting advice.</p>
+
+<p>“Swim ashore!”</p>
+
+<p>“Get a boat and save him!”</p>
+
+<p>“Jump off!”</p>
+
+<p>“Throw him a rope!”</p>
+
+<p>These were some of the expressions called to
+Noddy, but he paid no heed to them, continuing
+to race up and down on the platform, waving
+his hands, and yelling for help.</p>
+
+<p>“Say, something ought to be done to help
+him,” remarked Ned in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” agreed Jerry. “It’s Noddy Nixon,
+and he’s been pretty mean to us, but I suppose——”</p>
+
+<p>“Our motor boat!” interrupted Bob, pointing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+to a fine boathouse a little distance up the
+stream. It was where the boys kept their craft,
+and was above the point where the swollen mill
+stream joined the river, and so, consequently,
+was in no danger.</p>
+
+<p>“I guess it’s up to us to save him,” said Jerry
+slowly. “Nobody else seems to have sense
+enough to do it. There aren’t any other motor
+boats near by.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where’s Noddy’s, I wonder?” asked Mr.
+Snodgrass, for he knew that the bully owned a
+power craft.</p>
+
+<p>“He had a collision with the dock the other
+day, and sprung a leak,” explained Andy Rush,
+who had cooled down somewhat. “His boat is
+laid up for repairs.”</p>
+
+<p>“Like our auto,” put in Ned, for the machine
+of our heroes was across the river, in a distant
+town, being overhauled.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, if we’re going to save Noddy Nixon,
+we’d better be getting a move on!” cried Jerry.
+“Come on, fellows!”</p>
+
+<p>He raced toward their boathouse, followed by
+his two chums, the professor and Andy Rush.
+It was the work of but a few minutes to unchain
+the motor boat, run it out into the stream, start
+the engine and steer down after the floating
+boathouse with the frantic figure racing about
+on the platform.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Hurrah!” yelled the crowd, when they saw
+our heroes start out. “The motor boys to the
+rescue! Noddy’ll be saved now, all right!”</p>
+
+<p>“Help! Help!” yelled the bully, as his boathouse
+careened dangerously, almost throwing him
+into the water.</p>
+
+<p>“The flood’s getting higher,” said Ned in a
+low voice, as he looked over the side of the boat.
+They were opposite the dam now, and in the
+grip of the rushing waters.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, there goes another slice of the dam!”
+cried Bob, as they saw a large portion of it slip
+into the water. The men on top, who had been
+endeavoring to stop the gap, had to race for shore.</p>
+
+<p>“Say, we’re going to have our work cut out
+for us saving Noddy!” cried Jerry as he held the
+wheel in a firmer grasp.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a><br />
+<small>NODDY BEGINS PLOTTING</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Ned, give me a little richer mixture!” cried
+Jerry, as the motor boat shot down the current,
+pitching and rolling in the waves caused by the
+influx of the mill stream. “I need all the power
+I can get. Cut down the air a bit, and turn on a
+little more gasolene!”</p>
+
+<p>Ned bent over the carburetor, and adjusted it,
+while Jerry watched his own steering to see that
+he did not run the boat into the many floating
+logs and boards that had been carried into the
+river by the flood.</p>
+
+<p>“Need any help?” sung out Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Not up here, but I wish you’d sit on the
+other side, Chunky,” replied the steersman, giving
+Bob the nickname that had been applied to
+him because of his stoutness. “That will trim
+the boat better, and she’ll ride easier. Professor,
+would you mind moving up nearer the stern.
+I want to get the bow as high as I can.”</p>
+
+<p>“Just a moment!” exclaimed the scientist.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+“I thought I saw a new kind of water spider.
+Yes, there it is! Hold the boat back a moment,
+Jerry.”</p>
+
+<p>“Can’t do it!” cried the tall lad. “This
+current is fierce!”</p>
+
+<p>The professor suddenly made a lunge over the
+side with outstretched hands, and the boat careened
+dangerously.</p>
+
+<p>“Look out!” cried Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve got him!” answered the professor.
+“Oh, it’s a fine specimen! I never had one so
+good. Where’s my spider-box?” and with one
+hand tightly clasped, holding the water insect,
+the scientist, with the other, began searching in
+his pockets for the box to contain his prize.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll get it for you,” volunteered Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s in my left hand coat pocket,” said the
+professor.</p>
+
+<p>The insect was soon in captivity and then, as
+the boat shot ahead under increased power, due
+to the change in the gasolene mixture, all on board
+gazed at the floating boathouse, and the unfortunate
+owner of it, who was still rushing about,
+unable to do anything to help himself.</p>
+
+<p>“Look!” cried Andy. “It’s going to flop
+over!”</p>
+
+<p>It did seem as if the structure would turn turtle,
+but a swirl in the current righted it, and
+once more it floated on a level keel, so to speak.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his
+hands at the boys in the motor boat.</p>
+
+<p>“We’re coming!” shouted Ned. “Keep
+cool!”</p>
+
+<p>“Wow! Steady! We’ll save you—don’t
+jump—it’s all right—not as bad as it might be—hold
+fast!” excitedly cried Andy Rush.</p>
+
+<p>“Keep still!” ordered Jerry. “You’ll have
+him jumping overboard next, Andy.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right,” agreed the little lad, sitting down
+on the cushions, and holding to the rail to keep
+his nerves in control.</p>
+
+<p>The motor boat was now well down the flooded
+river, and aided by the current and her engine,
+was rapidly approaching the floating boathouse.
+The latter structure was whirling about, careening
+from side to side, now on one edge of the
+stream, and now on the other.</p>
+
+<p>“It’ll soon be in the rapids,” spoke Ned in a
+low voice.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll get there before that,” said Jerry confidently.</p>
+
+<p>“How you going to get him off?” asked Bob.
+“Run along side and have him jump, or make
+fast?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m certainly not going to make fast to that
+house,” replied Jerry. “It would pull us over
+the rocks, I’m afraid. I guess Noddy will have
+to jump, and swim for it. Then we can pick<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+him up. Ned, stand ready with that life preserver,
+and see that it’s fast to the rope.”</p>
+
+<p>“Aye, aye, sir!” answered Ned, seaman fashion.</p>
+
+<p>He made ready the cork ring, with its accompanying
+line, and took his place in the bow,
+ready to cast it when Jerry should give the word
+for Noddy to jump. The lad on the boathouse
+platform was standing, and looking at the approaching
+motor craft, waving his hands frantically,
+and occasionally calling for help.</p>
+
+<p>“Why doesn’t he keep still?” spoke Jerry.
+“We’re coming as fast as we can.”</p>
+
+<p>“Better not go much nearer,” advised Ned.
+“I can hear the roar of the rapids. They’re
+just around that turn.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m going to tell him to jump now,” said
+Jerry. “He’s a pretty good swimmer, and he
+can keep afloat until we can pick him up. Get
+ready with that ring, Ned.”</p>
+
+<p>“All ready!”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry stood up, and, bracing one knee against
+the wheel, to aid his hands in holding it steady, he
+shouted:</p>
+
+<p>“Jump, Noddy! Jump! We’ll pick you up!
+Jump!”</p>
+
+<p>“I—I’m afraid to,” whimpered the bully.</p>
+
+<p>“You’ve got to!” yelled the tall steersman
+determinedly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I—I——” Noddy looked as though he were
+going to slump down on his knees, but a sudden
+swirl of the current saved him the necessity of
+jumping, for he was thrown off the slanting platform
+into the water.</p>
+
+<p>“There he goes!” cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“The ring! The ring! Throw him the
+ring!” shouted Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>As Noddy went under the swirling waters,
+Ned leaped out on the bow deck of the boat,
+with the ring in his hand, watching for the reappearance
+of the bully.</p>
+
+<p>“There he is!” cried Andy Rush.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#image02">With sure aim Ned sent the life preserver toward
+Noddy.</a> It fell true, almost over his head,
+and, a moment later, he had grasped it with a
+desperation born of despair.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 381px;">
+<a name="image02" id="image02">
+  <img src="images/image02.jpg" width="381" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</a><br />
+<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_26">WITH SURE AIM, NED SENT THE LIFE PRESERVER
+TOWARD NODDY.</a></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Pull him in!” ordered Jerry, and Ned and
+Bob began hauling on the line. A few seconds
+later, half unconscious, pale, and with closed eyes,
+Noddy was pulled on board.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s dead!” cried Andy.</p>
+
+<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed Jerry, as he began
+to turn the boat toward shore. “He wasn’t in
+the water more than three minutes. He’s fainted,
+I guess.”</p>
+
+<p>“Better get him to shore as soon as possible,”
+suggested Professor Snodgrass. “He may have
+been injured.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I’m heading for that dock over there,” remarked
+Jerry, pointing to one on the Cresville
+side of the river. “We can lay him out there,
+and give first aid to the injured, and, if he’s swallowed
+any water, we can drain it out of him.
+Keep his head low and his feet high, fellows,”
+he said to Bob and Ned, who were holding
+Noddy. The rescued lad had not opened his
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>It was a hard fight against the powerful current
+of the flooded river to gain the dock, but Jerry
+made it, for the engine of our heroes’ craft was a
+fine one.</p>
+
+<p>“Get him out now!” cried the tall lad, as he
+made the boat fast on the lower side of the
+dock, where the swirl of the river would not
+affect it. “Use artificial respiration.”</p>
+
+<p>The motor boys knew how to do this, and in
+a little while they saw that Noddy was breathing
+more strongly. It developed later that he had
+been hit on the head by a piece of driftwood,
+rendering him partly unconscious, so that he swallowed
+more water than he would ordinarily have
+done.</p>
+
+<p>“I guess he’s coming around all right now,”
+said Ned, as he noticed a fluttering of Noddy’s
+eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>“Here comes Dr. Preston!” added Bob, as
+he saw a young man, accompanied by a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+throng of persons, racing toward the dock.
+“He’ll know what to do.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Preston, who had been summoned by some
+one of the crowd who had witnessed the rescue,
+was soon working over Noddy.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s out of danger now, though he’s not fully
+conscious yet,” said the doctor, after a few minutes.
+“It’s a wonder he had strength enough to
+hold on to the ring as you pulled him in.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, when Noddy gets hold of a thing, he
+hates to let go,” remarked Ned. “Say, fellows,”
+he added to his two chums, “a lot has happened
+since we started to talk about that radium deposit
+on Snake Island, in the Colorado canyon; hasn’t
+there?” he asked. “It seems like a week, but
+it hasn’t been half an hour.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s right,” agreed Bob. “I want to hear
+more about that radium. Let’s go back home,
+and the Professor can tell us. Noddy’s all right
+now. If we could go to Snake Island and get
+some radium——”</p>
+
+<p>“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed Jerry, nudging
+his chum.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter?” demanded the stout
+youth.</p>
+
+<p>“No use talking about that, where every one
+can hear you,” went on Jerry in a low voice.
+“Besides, Noddy is coming to, now. His eyes
+are open.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The rescued lad was much better now, and
+was sitting up, held by the doctor, who was administering
+a stimulant.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so, I guess I had better keep quiet,”
+admitted Bob in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>Quite a crowd had collected on the dock, and
+one man, who had a carriage, offered to take
+Noddy home. This was decided on, and soon,
+in the care of the physician, the bully was taken
+away. He had not recovered sufficiently to
+thank his rescuers, but the motor boys felt that
+the less they had to do with Noddy the better for
+them. They had done their duty, and were content
+to let it go at that.</p>
+
+<p>“Think we can go up against the current?”
+asked Ned of Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m not going to try it. The river will soon
+go down, for the water in the mill pond will all
+be out by night. We’ll just leave our boat tied
+up here. No use taking any chances on hitting
+a floating log, and stoving a hole in the <i>Dartaway</i>.
+We’ll come down and get her to-night.”</p>
+
+<p>The motor boys made their way out of the
+crowd, from the members of which came murmurs
+of praise at the plucky act of our heroes.
+Noddy’s boathouse disappeared around the bend
+of the stream, and, a little later, was pounded to
+pieces in the rapids.</p>
+
+<p>The three chums, with the professor and Andy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+Rush, made their way back to Ned’s house, talking
+on the way of what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it’s all over,” remarked Ned, as they
+came opposite the broken dam. “See, the pond
+is almost emptied. They can mend the break
+now. That was an exciting time while it lasted.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s right,” agreed the others.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s get that lunch we were starting on when
+Andy interrupted us,” suggested Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Chunky, you’re hopeless!” cried Jerry.
+“You’d eat if the world was coming to an end,
+I believe.”</p>
+
+<p>“I would if I had time,” admitted the fat lad.
+“But there’s no use letting the lunch spoil; is
+there, Ned?” and he appealed to his other chum.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I guess not,” agreed the merchant’s
+son. “Come on, Andy, have a bite with us,
+but don’t you get excited or you may choke on
+a piece of custard pie.”</p>
+
+<p>“And while we’re eating maybe Professor
+Snodgrass will tell us more about the radium on
+Snake Island,” suggested Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“I think I’ve told you all that I know,” replied
+the scientist, “but you may ask me any questions
+you like,” and, shortly afterward, while still at
+the table, the little man was fairly bombarded
+with inquiries about radium, its general properties,
+and in particular about the kind that was to
+be found on Snake Island.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Noddy was taken home, and
+nursed. He was weak and ill, but this did not
+prevent him, as he lay in bed, from doing some
+hard thinking.</p>
+
+<p>“Radium; that was what those motor boys
+were talking of,” he murmured to himself, as
+he felt of the bandage on his head. “Radium on
+some place in a canyon. Canyon—canyon—Grand
+Canyon. I wonder where that is? Radium;
+I know that stuff. It’s worth millions—but
+that canyon—Oh, I know—the Grand Canyon
+of the Colorado! That’s it. Snake Island!
+That must be a place in the river. I wonder
+if I could find it?”</p>
+
+<p>Noddy dozed off for a moment. Suddenly he
+sat up in bed.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m going to do it!” he exclaimed. “There’s
+no reason why they should have it! I’ll get
+ahead of them! I’ve got as good a right to it as
+they have!”</p>
+
+<p>He was in deep thought for a minute.</p>
+
+<p>“That college professor knows about it,” he
+resumed. “And if he knows, other scientists
+know too. Radium is used in colleges for experiments.
+I’ll do it! I’ll get Bill Berry, and
+we’ll find some other college professor, and start
+after that radium ourselves. I’ll get ahead of
+the motor boys for once in my life! Radium!
+It may be worth millions!” and Noddy’s eyes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+gleamed as he unfolded to himself the plot he
+was hatching against our heroes.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll start as soon as I can,” he went on. “It
+isn’t very far to that Colorado canyon. That’s
+what I’ll do. Me and Bill will get that radium.
+I guess I can find Snake Island as well as Jerry,
+Ned or Bob. They didn’t think I heard them,
+but I did. I just kept my eyes shut. Oh, I’ll
+fool ’em!”</p>
+
+<p>And, mean bully that he was, forgetting that
+the motor boys had saved his life, Noddy Nixon
+began making plans for going to Snake Island
+after the deposit of radium, which was worth
+such a fortune.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a><br />
+<small>PLANNING A FORTUNE HUNT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Well, I feel better now,” remarked Bob
+with a sigh of satisfaction, as he pushed back
+his chair from the table.</p>
+
+<p>“You look better, too,” spoke Jerry, with a
+laugh. “You haven’t that worn and hungry appearance
+you had a while ago, and I guess the
+rest of us can have a little peace now.”</p>
+
+<p>“Peace? What do you mean?” demanded
+the stout youth indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>“I mean that you won’t continually be talking
+about something to eat.”</p>
+
+<p>“I guess you were hungry, too,” went on Bob.
+“I notice that your plate is empty.”</p>
+
+<p>“Here, you two quit scrapping,” advised Ned
+good-naturedly. “I guess we were all hungry.
+It was the excitement over rescuing Noddy that
+caused it.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s right!” chimed in Andy Rush.
+“Whoop! That was exciting all right. Let’s
+go back and see if they’ve got the busted dam
+mended—maybe there’s a lot of men drowned—maybe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+we can see where Noddy’s boathouse went
+to pieces in the rapids—wow—some excitement
+all right—I’m going—come on, fellows!”</p>
+
+<p>“No, we’ve got business on hand,” answered
+Ned, a bit soberly. “But don’t let us keep you,
+Andy.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right, I’m going—I like excitement—maybe
+they’ll let me help mend the dam,” and
+taking Ned’s words as a sort of gentle hint, the
+excitable little lad arose from the table and was
+soon hurrying down the street.</p>
+
+<p>“I guess they’ll keep him away from the dam
+if they know what’s good for it,” remarked
+Jerry, as he watched Andy hurrying away.
+“He might talk so much that he’d put another
+hole in it. But what business did you mean,
+Ned?” and he looked across at his chum.</p>
+
+<p>“The radium business, of course,” returned
+Ned promptly. “You fellows don’t mean to say
+you’re going to let a chance like this slip!”</p>
+
+<p>“What!” cried Bob, “do you intend to go
+after it, Ned?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I’m willing, if you and Jerry are, and
+if the professor would like to go along——”</p>
+
+<p>“Go where?” asked Uriah Snodgrass, looking
+up from a scientific book he had started to
+read as soon as the meal was over. “Where
+do you want me to go?”</p>
+
+<p>“After the radium on Snake Island,” put in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+Jerry. “Ned thinks we can get it, but I don’t
+know that it’s possible, after what you have told
+us about how hard it is to get down into the
+Grand Canyon.”</p>
+
+<p>“It <em>is</em> hard,” said the professor seriously. “I
+haven’t in the least made up my mind to go on
+the expedition, but whoever does go, ought not to
+risk going in a boat, as the other scientists did.
+It is almost certain death. I really don’t know
+how one could make the descent into the canyon.
+The island, as I understand it, is in the middle
+of the river, near a place where there are dangerous
+rapids and whirlpools. The cliffs on either
+bank of the stream are impossible to scale.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course at certain points it is possible to
+make a descent into that great canyon. I remember
+reading an article on it and it stated that there
+were several trails that could be used, Bright Angel
+Trail is one, and then there are Bass’s, Boucher’s,
+Berry’s and the Red Canyon Trail. Berry’s is
+near Grand View, as it’s called, and Snake Island
+lies somewhere between that point and Bright
+Angel Trail. Oh, a boat is out of the question,
+I think.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then what’s the matter with our airship?”
+asked Ned quickly.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s it!” cried Bob eagerly. “Why
+didn’t we think of that before? We’ll go in the
+airship, fellows, and get that radium! It will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+be just the thing! Here it is almost vacation
+time, school will close in a couple of weeks, and
+that will be our summer outing—to go after the
+radium fortune in our airship.”</p>
+
+<p>“You forget that the airship is in Denver,”
+put in Jerry. “You know we loaned it to Mr.
+Glassford to give an exhibition at the international
+aero meet, and in his last letter he said he has
+won several prizes with it.”</p>
+
+<p>“But the meet is over; isn’t it?” asked Ned,
+who seemed unusually excited over the prospective
+trip.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, and I suppose Mr. Glassford will soon
+be sending our motorship back,” admitted Jerry.
+“But——”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, don’t go to finding a lot of objections,”
+broke in Bob. “What’s the matter with leaving
+the airship out in Denver?”</p>
+
+<p>“And walk out there to use it?” inquired the
+tall lad sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>“No, motor out there. Our auto will soon be
+out of the repair shop, and we could have a fine
+time going West in it. Say, things couldn’t happen
+better; could they, Professor?” and Bob began
+pacing up and down the room.</p>
+
+<p>“What has happened?” asked the scientist
+suddenly, for he had again become absorbed in
+his book, and had paid no attention to the talk
+of the boys. “Is anything the matter?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“We’re still talking radium,” explained Ned.
+“Trying to get Jerry enthused enough to go to
+Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I’ll go if the rest of you do,” agreed the
+widow’s son. “Only it doesn’t sound feasible.
+Our airship isn’t at hand, the motor is laid up
+for repairs, and——”</p>
+
+<p>“But we have the motor boat,” broke in Ned.
+“We can use that.”</p>
+
+<p>“On dry land!” laughed Jerry. “Say, you
+fellows have great ideas—great!”</p>
+
+<p>“Give us some of yours then,” suggested Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, my notion is——”</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve got it! I’ve got it!” fairly yelled Professor
+Snodgrass, leaping from his chair, and
+holding the book above his head. “I’ve got it!”</p>
+
+<p>“What is it this time?” asked Jerry. “A
+pink-eyed toad or a blue-nosed grasshopper?”
+for the scientist was continually on the lookout
+for strange and rare insects or reptiles.</p>
+
+<p>“Neither one,” answered Mr. Snodgrass,
+“but I have just found, in this book, an article
+telling about a strange double-tailed toad, very
+rare, which is said to be a native of New Mexico.
+It is a species of the horned toad, but very different.
+For years I have been investigating, trying
+to get on the trail of this sort of toad, and now,
+most unexpectedly, I come upon a clew. Boys,
+this has indeed been a fortunate day for me. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+shall start right away for New Mexico. I must
+telegraph the college president at once that I can
+get a most valuable specimen to add to our collection.
+Oh, this is indeed fortunate!”</p>
+
+<p>The professor was rapidly making notes from
+the article in the book. The boys looked at one
+another. Then Ned spoke.</p>
+
+<p>“Fellows,” he said, “this just fits in. New
+Mexico is on the way to the Grand Canyon—or
+at least it won’t be much out of our way to go
+there. We can have a try for the radium fortune
+and at the same time the professor can look
+for his tailless toad. How about it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Two-tailed toad! Two-tailed!” cried the
+little scientist. “Don’t make that mistake, Ned.
+But I think that will be a good plan. I was undecided
+about it before, but, since you are going,
+I will go with you, and I’ll do all I can to help
+you get to Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“And we’ll help hunt the two-tailed toad,”
+added Bob. “Now, how about you, Jerry?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I’m game. I’ll go along, but we’ve got
+to straighten out about our auto and motorship.
+First we’ll write to Mr. Glassford, asking him to
+hold the <i>Comet</i> in Denver for us. Then we must
+hurry the repairs on the auto.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Glassford, as my old readers probably remember,
+was the man who first helped our heroes
+to construct their motorship. He had recently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+borrowed their latest and largest craft for exhibition
+purposes.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, get busy,” advised Ned. “Here is
+some paper. Take my fountain pen and write
+some letters. It’s decided then; we’ll have a try
+for the radium, and we’ve got to get a move on
+to get ready.”</p>
+
+<p>“Here comes the postman,” spoke Bob. “I’ll
+get the mail, Ned.”</p>
+
+<p>The stout lad came back with several letters.
+One was for Ned Slade. He quickly tore it open,
+and, as he read it he gave a startled cry.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter—bad news?” asked
+Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Sort of that way,” replied his chum. “This
+letter is from the man who was repairing our
+auto. He says he discovered a flaw in the back
+axle, and, in order to have a new one properly
+fitted in he sent the car to Pittsburg, where there
+is a firm that makes a specialty of such things.
+Our auto is in Pittsburg!”</p>
+
+<p>“Then it’s all up with using it on the trip
+west!” exclaimed Jerry. “We’ll have to go by
+train I guess.”</p>
+
+<p>“No we won’t!” cried Bob eagerly. “Fellows,
+I’ve got a plan.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a><br />
+<small>NODDY’S PLOT DEVELOPS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>There was a moment of silence following
+Bob’s announcement. Then Jerry remarked:</p>
+
+<p>“Well, go ahead, Chunky, and let’s see what
+you’ve got up your sleeve. Are you going to suggest
+a wireless airship ride, or a motorless
+auto?”</p>
+
+<p>“Neither one,” said Bob. “But I was going
+to say I didn’t see why we couldn’t go in our motor
+boat as far as Pittsburg, pick up the auto
+there, when it’s finished, go on in that to Denver,
+get the airship and then keep on to Snake Island.
+I think——”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, that’s all to the ice cream!” burst out
+Ned. “Bob, you have got a head on your
+shoulders after all. That’s a fine idea, I think.”</p>
+
+<p>“So do I,” agreed Jerry. “But can we go all
+the way to Pittsburg by water?”</p>
+
+<p>“Sure,” declared Bob. “Where’s a map?
+Ned, hunt up a geography.” One was soon found
+and then the boys, bending over it, saw that by
+using the river that flowed past their town for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+number of miles, getting into a little lake, and
+thence into another river, they could, by means
+of a small canal get into a small river flowing into
+the Alleghany.</p>
+
+<p>“We’d have to have the boat carted about five
+miles, but all the rest of the way we can go by
+water,” explained Bob. “As soon as we hit the
+Alleghany we’ll be all right. What do you say,
+Professor?”</p>
+
+<p>“Anything you boys decide on will suit me,”
+answered the scientist, who was still busy making
+notes. “I want to get that two-tailed toad, and
+I’ll do anything in reason to secure a specimen.
+It strikes me that Bob’s plan is a good one.”</p>
+
+<p>“It won’t be monotonous, at any rate,” commented
+Ned. “A motor boat, an auto and an
+aeroplane and dirigible balloon combined, ought
+to furnish a variety of travel that would suit almost
+any one. I think it’s just the cheese, myself.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “I’ll write
+to Mr. Glassford, and the auto firm right away,
+and we can mail the letters on our way home,
+Bob. I’ve got to be going soon. I told mother
+I’d go calling with her this afternoon, but I’ve
+been here nearly all day.”</p>
+
+<p>The letters were soon written, and then Jerry
+and Bob taking leave of Ned, started for their
+homes. Professor Snodgrass also sent word of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+the prospective trip to the college authorities by
+whom he was engaged. The scientist arranged to
+stay at Ned’s house until the time of starting.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s go have a look at the broken dam,”
+proposed Bob when Jerry had dropped the letters
+in the box. Accordingly they went a short
+distance out of their way, down to the river.
+The excitement of the morning had passed, and
+there was only a small crowd watching the mill
+men at work. The waters had now subsided, but
+it would be some time before the dam would be
+in shape to again hold back the stream, and provide
+power for the turbine.</p>
+
+<p>“It was a hot time while it lasted,” remarked
+Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“It sure was,” agreed his chum. “I wonder
+how Noddy is getting on?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, all right, I guess. He’s so tough it takes
+a good deal to hurt him. I suppose we’ll hear
+from his folks.”</p>
+
+<p>The motor boys did, a few days later, Mr.
+Nixon sending Bob, Ned and Jerry a formal note
+of thanks for what they had done for his son.
+Noddy was getting on all right, his father said,
+and would soon be out of bed. From Noddy
+himself no word came.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t wish him any bad luck,” spoke Ned,
+“but I hope he stays in bed a couple of weeks.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why?” asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“So he won’t have a chance to interfere with
+us. I’d like to get started on our radium trip before
+he’s up and nosing around.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, he doesn’t even know we’re thinking of
+it,” put in Bob. “How can he interfere?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, somehow or other, he has always, more
+or less, made trouble for us whenever we go off
+on trips,” went on Ned. “I don’t know how it is,
+but it generally happens. Maybe this will be an
+exception.”</p>
+
+<p>“How soon before we can start?” asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Not for a couple of weeks,” replied Jerry.
+“School closes a week from to-day, and then it
+will take us a week to get ready after that. We
+haven’t much time now, on account of examinations.
+I’ve got to do some hard studying to
+pass.”</p>
+
+<p>“So have I,” admitted Bob. “Well, then,
+we’ll say in a couple of weeks. Maybe Noddy
+won’t be around by then, and we’ll be all right.
+Did you hear from Mr. Glassford, Jerry?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, and he says he’ll have the <i>Comet</i> all
+ready for us. He won’t be there himself, as he
+has to come east, but he’s paid a man to take
+charge of the motorship for us. The auto will
+be ready in two weeks, also, for I had a letter
+from the factory where they’re repairing it. I
+wrote to ’em to make a few changes in it, to bring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+it up to date. Our motor boat, the <i>Dartaway</i>,
+needs a little overhauling, and then that will be in
+shape.”</p>
+
+<p>Following the smashing of the original <i>Dartaway</i>
+in the freight wreck, the boys had bought a
+much larger and finer craft, with a cabin, and had
+named it after their first boat.</p>
+
+<p>Their auto I have described in previous books.
+It was a large touring car, with plenty of room
+for the passengers and also compartments where
+food and supplies could be carried, and also a
+small tent with folding cots, so that in case they
+desired they could camp out wherever night overtook
+them. Recently a closed body had been put
+on the car, so that it was very comfortable to
+travel in, even during a storm.</p>
+
+<p>The motorship <i>Comet</i> I have also described in
+other books, so I will only mention it briefly here.
+It was a combination of an aeroplane and dirigible
+balloon, and could be used as either or both.</p>
+
+<p>The gas used in the bag was manufactured on
+board, as needed, and there was a comfortable
+cabin, sleeping berths and an engine room, fairly
+filled with motors, dynamos, air pumps, a gas
+generator and many other mechanical contrivances.
+The motorship could be kept aloft a
+number of days, and plenty of food and supplies
+could be carried, in addition to several passengers.
+It was an ideal craft of the air.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the days that followed the motor boys were
+kept busy. When they were not “boning” away
+over their lessons they were getting the <i>Dartaway</i>
+in readiness for the trip. Professor Snodgrass
+remained as the guest of Mr. Slade, and the
+scientist spent most of his time wandering about
+the woods and fields looking for rare bugs.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m just as anxious to start as you boys are,”
+he said to them one day, when he had paid a
+visit to the dock where the boat was tied up, and
+where Bob, Ned and Jerry were cleaning the engine,
+and overhauling the mechanism.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it won’t be long now,” remarked
+Jerry. “To-morrow ends school, and then—for
+the best vacation we ever had!”</p>
+
+<p>“And the radium fortune!” added Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Hush!” suddenly exclaimed the tall lad.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter? Did you see Noddy
+Nixon?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, but there’s his crony, Bill Berry, in that
+boat,” and Jerry nodded toward a rowing craft
+which a shabbily dressed man was propelling up
+stream. “He’s pretending to be fishing,” went
+on Jerry in a low voice, “but I believe he’s just
+spying around here to see what we’re up to.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so,” admitted Bob. “I must keep
+quiet. But I’m glad it wasn’t Noddy. I guess
+he isn’t out of bed yet,” and the boys kept on with
+their work, the professor strolling off to see if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+he could get any specimens, while Bill Berry
+rowed around a bend of the river, and so out of
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>But Bob was mistaken about Noddy not being
+out of bed. That bully had gotten up for the
+first time that day, and, even while our heroes
+were talking of him, he was sitting in the parlor
+of his father’s house, trying to evolve in his mind
+a plan for learning more about the radium, said
+to be located on Snake Island.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll need some one to help me,” mused
+Noddy. “I can take Bill Berry, of course, but
+I need some scientific fellow who will know radium
+when he sees it, for I don’t, and Bill certainly
+couldn’t tell it from a lump of coal. I
+wonder what I can do?”</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the door bell rang, and, as the
+servant happened to be out, Noddy answered it.
+He saw, standing on the steps, a tall, lank man,
+whom the word “sleek” seemed to describe better
+than any other. The caller wore a long black
+coat, a flowing black tie, and had a tall hat, while
+he carried a small valise in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, good afternoon,” began the stranger,
+smiling at Noddy. “I believe I am speaking to
+the owner of the house?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, my father owns it,” replied Noddy, not
+a little proud of being taken for the head of the
+home. “But I can do any business, I guess. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+often help my father. His name is Nixon—I’m
+Noddy Nixon.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, yes, I have heard of you. Your father
+is known to me by reputation, and I have called
+to see him, as I have in the case of a number of
+the most prominent men in town. But I fear I
+will have to see Mr. Nixon personally.”</p>
+
+<p>“Won’t I do?” asked Noddy. “I know a lot
+about my father’s affairs.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I’ll tell you, and you can judge for
+yourself,” went on the man, as he entered the
+parlor and sat down. “I am Dr. Kirk Belgrade,
+head of the Mortaby Scientific School, a very
+important institution of learning. I am traveling
+about, seeking to enlarge the scope of our work,
+and, naturally I came to Mr. Nixon. I understand
+that he was one of the endowers of a number
+of colleges, and I thought perhaps he would
+give us a contribution. We confer degrees on
+those who aid us financially, and there are a number
+of scholarships available. Perhaps you yourself
+might be interested in taking up a new line
+of study.”</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know,” replied Noddy. “I go to a
+boarding school now, but it isn’t very good. I
+might change. Where is your school?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well—er—that is—well, to be frank we
+have no fixed place or headquarters,” said Dr.
+Belgrade. “The Mortaby Scientific School is a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>
+sort of correspondence institution. Our pupils
+are located all over the world, and they get their
+lessons by mail, and also recite by mail. There
+is a good profit in it, and I’m sure if your father
+invested he would get a large return for his
+money. Some of the other prominent men in
+town have given me encouragement.”</p>
+
+<p>“Did you go to Mr. Slade, or Mr. Baker—or
+to Mrs. Hopkins—she’s a rich widow?” asked
+Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“I did call on Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker, but
+I regret to say that they—er—they turned me
+down,” replied the educator with an oily smile.
+“They said they did not believe in my methods.
+But I assure you that they are most up to date.
+I will call on Mrs. Hopkins, at your suggestion,
+however.”</p>
+
+<p>“Better not,” advised Noddy with a grin.
+“She and the Slades and Bakers are all alike.
+They don’t want anything new. I know ’em.
+But maybe my father would invest. He’ll soon
+be home, and you can wait if you like.”</p>
+
+<p>“Very well, I will. I’ll show you some of our
+literature. I am one of the principal instructors.
+In fact I may say that I am the whole school, for
+all the other instructors come to me for advice.
+Just to show you how up to date we are, I will
+mention that we have a small laboratory——”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, say,” interrupted Noddy eagerly. “Do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+you happen to know anything about radium?”</p>
+
+<p>“Radium?” replied the visitor. “Of course
+I do—a great deal. Why, to show you how advanced
+my college course is, let me say that we
+have a small quantity of radium for experimental
+purposes.”</p>
+
+<p>“You have!” exclaimed the bully, with increased
+eagerness. “The real article?”</p>
+
+<p>“Radium, I do assure you, the genuine article,”
+said Dr. Belgrade. “I do not care to
+state just how I came into possession of it, but it
+is in our laboratory.”</p>
+
+<p>“But I thought you said you had no school
+building,” said Noddy, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, the laboratory is in my house, next to
+the bath room,” explained the instructor. “It
+is not a very large laboratory, but I hope to extend
+it soon. I need money, and I hope——”</p>
+
+<p>“Radium!” interrupted Noddy. “Radium is
+worth money; isn’t it?”</p>
+
+<p>“I should say it was, Mr. Nixon.”</p>
+
+<p>“Would you like to know where to get some?”</p>
+
+<p>“Would I? I would give up my present plans,
+turn my students over to an assistant, and travel
+a long way if I knew where to find some. Why
+do you ask?” and the man looked eagerly at
+Noddy.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you know radium when you see it?”
+asked the bully.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Indeed I do. I have made a special study of
+it, and I can detect it in any form. I am not
+boasting when I say that there are few who are
+any better informed about radium than I am.
+But what do you mean? Is it possible that you
+have some radium?”</p>
+
+<p>“I haven’t it,” said Noddy in a low voice,
+“but I know where there is some. I’m glad you
+happened to call. I’ll tell you all about it, and
+maybe we can go together.” Noddy got up and
+closed the parlor door, shutting himself in the
+room with the sleek educator. Next he quickly
+unfolded to him the plot he had formed, after
+having overheard what our heroes had said about
+Snake Island.</p>
+
+<p>“Is it possible!” gasped Dr. Belgrade, when
+Noddy had finished. “Is it possible!”</p>
+
+<p>“It must be, or those fellows wouldn’t plan to
+go after it,” replied Noddy. “But I’m going to
+get ahead of them, if you’ll help me. Will you?”</p>
+
+<p>“Will I? Well, I guess I will! Now let’s
+make some plans. With your father to finance
+our expedition, we may all become millionaires!”
+and the head of the correspondence college
+rubbed his hands together and smiled at Noddy
+encouragingly.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a><br />
+<small>OFF FOR PITTSBURG</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“So we start to-morrow,” observed Professor
+Snodgrass one evening, when the three chums
+were gathered about a table in the library of
+Ned’s home. “It seems like a month ago that
+we decided to make the trip.”</p>
+
+<p>“And yet it was only about two weeks,” returned
+Jerry. “We have had a lot to do in the
+meanwhile, though.”</p>
+
+<p>“But everything is in good shape,” remarked
+Bob. “We’ve got enough grub aboard to last
+until we get to Pittsburg, I think.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, of course!” laughed Jerry. “You can
+trust Bob to look out for the ‘eats’ every time.
+I think we’ll make him the permanent commissary
+general.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I notice you always come around when
+the dinner bell rings,” remarked the fat lad significantly.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s got us there,” admitted Ned. “But
+it’s a good thing Bob does look after the food, for
+we’re always sure to have enough. Now let’s
+see where we’re at. Hand me that list, Bob, and
+we’ll check things off. If we’re going to start to-morrow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+we will have to get any last things we
+need to-night.”</p>
+
+<p>The three chums went over the list together,
+the professor poring deeply into a scientific book,
+making occasional notes, and at times thinking of
+the two-tailed toad he hoped to get as a result of
+the trip.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, so far Noddy hasn’t bothered us any,”
+remarked Ned, when they had completed the
+checking of the list, and found that everything
+needed was on the boat, or in readiness to stow
+away.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s out and around,” remarked Jerry. “I
+saw him down the street this afternoon.”</p>
+
+<p>“You did! And did he speak to you?” asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Just sort of nodded and thanked me for the
+way we fellows pulled him out of the water. He
+wasn’t very enthusiastic over it, though, and he
+looked rather thin and pale, I thought.”</p>
+
+<p>“Maybe he was hurt worse than we imagined,”
+suggested Bob. “Well, if he doesn’t make any
+trouble for us, I’ll be satisfied. But I guess it’s
+time I went home. I want to get plenty of sleep,
+for I’m going to get up early.”</p>
+
+<p>“Same here,” said Jerry. “I guess everything
+is in shape. We’ll meet at my house, as
+that’s nearest the river, and then we’ll get started
+as early as we can.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“It’s all settled then; is it?” asked Professor
+Snodgrass.</p>
+
+<p>“Everything,” replied Ned. “We’ll go by
+motor boat to Pittsburg, get our auto there, and
+ride across to Denver, and from there make the
+rest of the trip by airship. I guess that’s the best
+way to get down into the Grand Canyon.”</p>
+
+<p>“It’s really the only way,” said Mr. Snodgrass.
+“Boats are almost out of the question, and
+to follow the trails down the sides of the big
+chasm wouldn’t help us much, for Snake Island is
+far off from any of the places by which you can
+get down to the river’s edge. But with an airship
+we can descend as well as if we were in an elevator.
+Yes, I think you boys have made the best
+possible plan.”</p>
+
+<p>Bob and Jerry left Ned’s house soon after this,
+and, on the way to their homes they went past the
+Nixon residence. Bob, looking up, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>“Noddy’s sitting up late to-night. There’s a
+light in his room.”</p>
+
+<p>“So I see,” replied Jerry. “Well, if he stays
+up late he’ll sleep late, and we’ll get off before he
+knows it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, are you worried about him?” asked
+the stout lad.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I don’t mind telling you that I am.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, because I’ve seen Bill Berry hanging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+around lately. You know how thick he and
+Noddy are, and I shouldn’t be a bit surprised
+but what Bill was trying to find out where we are
+headed for this time.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why would he do that?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, just so he and Noddy could make trouble
+for us. It wouldn’t be the first time they
+have camped on our trail.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, that’s right. But I guess we’ll fool ’em
+this time.”</p>
+
+<p>But if Bob and Jerry could have looked into
+Noddy’s room at that minute, they would have
+been made aware that they had plenty of cause
+for suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>For, as our two heroes passed on to their
+homes, glancing back momentarily at the light in
+Noddy’s window, that bully was in close conversation
+with a certain sleek individual, who, for
+the present, chose to masquerade under the name
+of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you think you can find out when they go,
+and where they are headed for—I mean exactly?”
+asked the correspondence school man.</p>
+
+<p>“Sure I can,” declared Noddy. “I’ve had
+Bill Berry on the watch for the past week.
+They’re going to start in their motor boat to-morrow
+morning.”</p>
+
+<p>“To where?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, that I don’t know exactly. I’ve tried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+to find out but I can’t. Bill sort of fell down
+on that job. But I’ll get wind of it somehow.
+I know where their auto was sent to be
+fixed, and the man there knows my father. He’ll
+tell me where they are headed for, I’m sure.
+But even if we don’t find out, we can go West on
+our own hook, and locate Snake Island. The
+rest will be easy, and we’ll get that radium before
+they do.”</p>
+
+<p>“I hope so,” spoke the educator. “I certainly
+need the money, and I have given up everything
+for this chance. The Mortaby Scientific
+School will have to get along without me for a
+time, but when I come back, with a fortune, I
+will build a real college.”</p>
+
+<p>“First we’ve got to get the radium, and beat
+the motor boys!” exclaimed Noddy, as he
+grinned in anticipation of the trick he expected
+to play.</p>
+
+<p>“You don’t like them, then?”</p>
+
+<p>“I hate ’em all!” snarled the bully, “even if
+they did pull me from the river. If they hadn’t,
+someone else would.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I hope we can soon start West,” went
+on the sleek individual. “When will your father
+give me some money?”</p>
+
+<p>“To-morrow or the next day,” replied Noddy.
+“He is willing that I should undertake the trip.
+I told him I needed it for my health.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Then the two talked over the details of their
+plot, sitting up until late in the night, while our
+heroes peacefully slumbered, and dreamed of
+strange adventures on Snake Island in the Grand
+Canyon of the Colorado.</p>
+
+<p>Bright and early the next morning Bob and
+Ned, with the professor, assembled at Jerry’s
+house. The last preparations had been made,
+good-byes had been said, and the motor boat
+looked over for the last time. She was pulling
+uneasily at the mooring lines, which held her fast
+to the dock, for there had been a heavy rain, and
+the river was much swollen. It was as if the
+boat was anxious for the boys to come aboard.</p>
+
+<p>“All ready?” asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“All ready,” replied Ned, and then, waving
+good-byes to Mrs. Hopkins, they started for the
+pier. It did not take them long to put their
+handbags aboard, and, once the professor was
+comfortably settled aft, in the open cockpit, he
+began scanning the water for rare insects.</p>
+
+<p>“All aboard!” cried Jerry, as he took his
+place at the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>“All aboard,” answered Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Then let her go,” ordered the steersman, and
+Ned turned over the fly wheel to start the motor.</p>
+
+<p>There was a cheer from the little crowd that
+had gathered on the dock to see our heroes start.
+Andy Rush was among them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“That’s the stuff!” cried the excitable little
+chap. “Off you go—wish I was along—never
+say die—blow up the boiler—whoop—off for
+Pittsburg!”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, I wonder if he ever will calm down?”
+remarked Bob, helplessly.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m afraid not,” commented Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“I wish he hadn’t said that last,” said Jerry
+in a serious tone.</p>
+
+<p>“Why not?” asked Ned, as the <i>Dartaway</i>
+swung out from the dock.</p>
+
+<p>“Because I’d just as leave everyone wouldn’t
+know where we are going. It might get to the
+ears of——”</p>
+
+<p>“Look!” cried Bob in a low, tense voice.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“There’s Bill Berry, and Noddy Nixon is with
+him,” went on the stout lad, pointing across the
+water, to where, a short distance away, there
+floated a rowboat, containing the two enemies of
+the motor boys.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a><br />
+<small>IN DANGER</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Jerry, Ned and Bob were gazing straight into
+the faces of Bill Berry and Noddy Nixon. The
+two cronies, in turn, returned the stare, and to
+our friends it seemed as if there was an insolent
+look on Noddy’s face—a sort of half smile of
+triumph, as if he had divined their plans, and was
+going to try to frustrate them.</p>
+
+<p>“Mind your wheel!” suddenly called Ned
+sharply to the tall steersman. “There’s a rock
+just ahead of you, Jerry!”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so, I forgot about that,” and Jerry
+twisted the rudder about so that the <i>Dartaway</i>
+swung toward the middle of the stream, missing
+the rock by a narrow margin.</p>
+
+<p>“Too close for comfort,” murmured Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s right,” agreed Jerry. “I don’t know
+why I should have stared so at Noddy.”</p>
+
+<p>“It looks as if he and Bill came out on purpose
+to see us off,” commented Ned, as the motor
+boat rapidly opened up a gap between herself and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+the rowing craft. “I wonder if he heard what
+Andy said about Pittsburg?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m afraid so,” said the tall lad. “Sounds
+carry very clearly over the water, you know, and
+Andy has rather a loud voice. Well, it can’t be
+helped, and I suppose the only thing for us to
+do is to be on our guard.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s all,” agreed Ned, and by this time
+they had gone around a bend, losing sight of the
+rowboat, and the dock from which they had
+started. The last glimpse they had of Andy
+Rush was when that excitable chap was dancing
+up and down, waving his hands to them, and
+doubtless letting off all sorts of explosive expressions.</p>
+
+<p>Professor Snodgrass, during this episode, had
+taken no part in the conversation, remaining
+quietly in his place, scanning the water for a
+glimpse of some rare aquatic insect. At times
+he would dip into the river a small net he carried,
+and, bringing it up filled with mosquito
+wrigglers, or other forms of life, he would
+gravely examine his catch through a magnifying
+glass.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, here is a rare one!” he would occasionally
+cry. “A triple-jointed worm. But I don’t
+understand how it got into the water, as it is a
+form of land life. This is very puzzling. I
+must make notes on this. Perhaps the worm,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+having lived on land all its life, is going to become
+aquatic in his habits, as the whale did centuries
+ago. It is very strange.”</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s see the worm, Professor?” requested
+Ned, when he had adjusted the motor to work
+smoothly, and while Jerry was steering in and out
+to avoid floating logs.</p>
+
+<p>“There it is,” said the scientist, lifting the
+specimen out of one of the glass-topped boxes.
+“A beautiful creature! Most perfect! And
+yet I cannot account for it being in the water.
+I shall devote a good deal of space in my new
+book to this find. Perhaps I am the first to discover
+it, and, if so, I shall be made an honorary
+member of the Society for Advanced Scientific
+Research. A most beautiful and perfect specimen!”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, it’s an angle worm—a fish worm!”
+cried Bob, as he caught sight of the wriggling
+creature. “A common, ordinary angle worm!”</p>
+
+<p>“Of course it is,” agreed the professor. “I
+know that. It is, as you say, an angle worm—<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">angulus
+vermis</i> it might be called or even <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">vermis
+lophius piscatorius</i>. The first Latin words being
+merely indicative of angle and worm, while the
+latter, which I prefer, indicates the curious fish
+known as the angler, and which is said to catch
+other fish by angling for them with some attachment
+to its head, which resembles a baited hook.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+Of course it’s an angle worm, Bob, but the funny
+part of it is how did it get in the water?”</p>
+
+<p>“Easily enough,” spoke Ned. “The river is
+much higher than usual, and I suppose it has overflowed
+some bank, and washed the poor worms
+out. I’m afraid, Professor, that you can’t claim
+to be the discoverer of a new kind of worm.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh pshaw! I guess you’re right!” exclaimed
+Uriah Snodgrass in disappointed tones.
+“That accounts for it. Well, I don’t want the
+specimen then,” and he tossed it back into the
+water. There was a little swirl, amid the muddy
+waves, and something grabbed the floating worm.</p>
+
+<p>“Fish!” cried Bob. “There are lots of fish
+around here, fellows. I’m going to catch some
+for dinner.”</p>
+
+<p>“There he goes again!” cried Ned with a
+laugh. “We’ve just had breakfast, and yet he’s
+thinking of the next meal. Oh, Bob! You’re
+hopeless.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right, you don’t have to eat the fish,” retorted
+the stout lad, as he got out his line and
+some bait he had thought to bring along. “I’ll
+catch ’em, and Jerry and I and the professor will
+eat ’em. You can live on canned sardines.”</p>
+
+<p>“You won’t catch any with the water as high
+and as muddy as it is to-day,” predicted Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Just you watch,” was all Bob replied.</p>
+
+<p>He cast in, as Jerry steered the boat, the tall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+lad having to give his whole attention to it, for
+the stream was filled with floating débris that had
+been carried down by the rising water, and it
+required skill to avoid collisions. But Jerry
+knew his business, and rarely did a log scrape the
+<i>Dartaway</i> ever so gently.</p>
+
+<p>Bob went out on the little after-deck to fish,
+while the professor also took his place there to
+look for more valuable specimens than angle
+worms. Ned busied himself about the engine,
+and got out some packages of food, and the
+dishes that would be needed for the mid-day
+meal.</p>
+
+<p>Bob did have pretty good luck fishing, and,
+when noon came, he had a number of good-sized
+specimens. In order that Jerry could enjoy his
+meal without having to eat with one hand and
+steer with the other, the boat was tied up in a
+little cove and there Bob proceeded to get dinner
+on the gasolene stove that was in a small
+galley off the main cabin.</p>
+
+<p>“Um! But this is good!” murmured the
+stout lad with his mouth fairly well filled.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a bad habit for cooks to praise their
+own broth,” remarked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, isn’t it good?” demanded Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course it is,” put in Jerry. “It’s a good
+meal, Chunky, and Ned is only jealous. Don’t
+mind him.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I don’t intend to,” declared the stout lad,
+helping himself to more fish.</p>
+
+<p>They started off again after dinner, and making
+good speed, aided by the current of the river,
+they found themselves that night on a small lake
+into which the stream emptied. They tied up
+near shore, and, the collapsible bunks being let
+down, they retired, after sitting up for a while,
+talking over the events of the day.</p>
+
+<p>“This sure is sport,” declared Ned, as he
+pulled the blankets over him, for, while the day
+was warm it was cool at night on the water.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s the right way to spend a vacation,”
+agreed Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“And when we get in the auto, and the airship,
+we’ll have more fun yet,” predicted Jerry.
+“I’m anxious to get to Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“I hope that place doesn’t get its name from
+the fact that it’s filled with snakes,” commented
+Ned, in sleepy tones. “I hate the things.”</p>
+
+<p>“I hope there are a lot of the reptiles,” spoke
+the professor. “I may be able to get a few specimens.
+And I certainly do want to get that two-tailed
+toad.”</p>
+
+<p>“And I want some radium,” added Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>The next day’s trip was without incident, and
+by night they had crossed the lake to its outlet,
+down which they expected to proceed for about
+a hundred miles.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The first part of this trip was delightful, but
+on the third day it rained hard, and they had to
+stay cooped up in the cabin, which was not much
+fun. But the storm could not last forever, and
+the sun finally came out, to the satisfaction of
+all.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’ll soon have to take a little land
+journey,” remarked Ned, at the close of the fifth
+day of their trip.</p>
+
+<p>“How’s that?” asked the professor. “Are
+you going to desert the boat?”</p>
+
+<p>“No,” spoke Bob, “but by to-morrow noon
+we’ll come to the end of water travel, for a short
+space. That is, we’ll need to have the boat
+hauled over land to the canal that connects with
+the river by which we will get on the Alleghany.
+I wrote to a man who is going to move the boat,
+and he promised to be on hand with a big truck,
+and some helpers. We’ll run the <i>Dartaway</i> up
+on the truck, drive over to the canal, and float
+her again. Then it will be smooth sailing to
+Pittsburg.”</p>
+
+<p>“And we haven’t seen a sign of Noddy
+Nixon,” remarked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“I hope we don’t—the whole trip,” spoke
+Jerry earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>It was a little before noon when they had gone
+as far as was practical up the stream on which
+they were then motoring.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“The dock where the truck is to meet us must
+be around here somewhere,” said Ned, who was
+steering.</p>
+
+<p>“There’s a man just ahead, who seems to be
+waving to us,” put in Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s the place!” cried the merchant’s son.
+“Now we’re all right.”</p>
+
+<p>It was no easy work to get the <i>Dartaway</i> out
+of the water, and upon the truck, but finally it
+was accomplished by means of tackle and windlass.</p>
+
+<p>“Are you boys going to walk, or ride on the
+truck to the canal?” asked the teamster, as he
+gathered up the reins of the four powerful
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>“Guess we might as well ride,” decided Ned.
+“We’ll be there as soon as you are then.”</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the boys climbed up on the truck,
+and seated themselves in the cabin of their boat.
+The professor accompanied them, and the men
+who were to help unload the boat dispersed themselves
+about the big vehicle.</p>
+
+<p>It was about a two hours’ ride to the canal,
+with so heavy a load, as part of the distance was
+up hill. When about half of the journey had
+been accomplished one of the men discovered that
+the boat was slipping down toward the end of
+the truck, and a halt had to be called to shift it
+forward.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“We don’t want it sliding off, and trying to
+navigate in the dust!” exclaimed the truckman
+with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>Professor Snodgrass grew restless at the delay
+and finally climbed down off the vehicle, with an
+insect net.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m going to walk on ahead,” he remarked.
+“I may be able to catch a few rare bugs. I
+think I can find the way to the canal all right, in
+case you don’t overtake me.”</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a straight road,” called Ned, who had
+provided himself with maps of their journey.</p>
+
+<p>The professor walked on, swinging his net
+from side to side in an endeavor to catch a butterfly
+or bug.</p>
+
+<p>“Has he been that way long?” asked one of
+the men of Jerry, as there came a pause in the
+work of shifting the boat.</p>
+
+<p>“What way?”</p>
+
+<p>“Cracked, you know. Crazy—bug-house?
+Does he get violent?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh!” laughed the tall lad. “He’s not
+crazy,” and then he explained what a scientist
+Mr. Snodgrass was.</p>
+
+<p>“Um,” said the man apparently unconvinced.
+“It does take queer forms, sometimes. I had
+a cousin who always wanted to sleep with his
+shoes on. No accounting for their notions.
+Come on, now, all together! Heave!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Jerry gave up the attempt to make the man
+understand, and, a little later, the boat was shifted
+back to its place, and the journey resumed.</p>
+
+<p>They were almost at the end of it, and were
+going down a slight hill, when suddenly a dog,
+running out from a farmhouse, dashed at the off
+forward horse, and nipped its leg. The frightened
+animal reared, crowded its mate, and, a
+moment later, dashed ahead, breaking one of the
+reins. The next instant the team of four powerful
+steeds was in a wild gallop down the hill, the
+truck swaying from side to side in the road, and
+the motor boat creaking and groaning as it
+strained at the ropes that held it fast.</p>
+
+<p>“Stop the horses!” yelled one of the men.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll have a smash-up in another minute if
+you don’t!” added Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“The boat is slipping back again!” cried Ned.
+“Jerry—Bob—help hold her on! If she slips
+off into the road she’ll be smashed!”</p>
+
+<p>The lads braced themselves against their craft
+to prevent it sliding off. Some of the men helped
+them, but, in spite of this, the terrific speed of the
+truck threatened to bring about the danger they
+were trying to avoid.</p>
+
+<p>“Stop those horses, Bill!” yelled one of the
+men.</p>
+
+<p>“I can’t!” cried the truckman. “One line is
+busted, and if I pull on the other I’ll run them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+into the ditch, and then we <em>will</em> be in a mess.
+I’ve got to let ’em run it out.”</p>
+
+<p>“They’ll run us into the canal if they keep on
+much longer!” cried someone.</p>
+
+<p>“Brace, everybody!” gasped Ned, as he felt
+the boat slipping nearer and nearer to the end of
+the truck.</p>
+
+<p>“Put on the brakes!” suggested Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Got ’em on, but that’s all the good it does,”
+responded the truckman. “I’m afraid we’re
+goners, boys! Get ready to jump when you see
+the water. Whoa, there! Whoa!” he called
+in vain to the horses, who were still madly galloping
+down the hill.</p>
+
+<p>“I guess it’s all up with the <i>Dartaway</i>,” murmured
+Jerry, as he pressed his shoulder against
+the craft.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a><br />
+<small>DOWN THE ALLEGHANY</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The truckman was bracing himself in his seat,
+with his foot on the brake, trying his best to
+check the speed of the big wagon. As for the
+horses, he could do nothing with them, since, as
+he said, to pull on the unbroken rein would only
+be to send the steeds floundering into the ditch
+that bordered the road on either side. That is,
+providing the animals answered the pull.</p>
+
+<p>“Can you hold the boat?” cried the truck-owner,
+giving a glance over his shoulder at the
+men and boys.</p>
+
+<p>“We’re—trying!” gasped Bob, whose face
+was red from the effort he was making. Ned
+and Jerry, too, as well as the men, were doing
+their best.</p>
+
+<p>“There’s the canal, just ahead!” observed one
+man.</p>
+
+<p>Jerry had a glimpse of water sparkling in the
+rays of the sun. The road was now almost level,
+but the horses had not slackened their speed.
+Just where the canal came to an end, the highway<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+curved abruptly, and it was not hard to
+guess what would happen if the runaways were
+not checked.</p>
+
+<p>Either they would swing around the curve with
+force enough to overturn the truck, or, in their
+fright, they would plunge, boat, wagon and all,
+into the water. There was not much choice between
+the two dangers.</p>
+
+<p>“Get ready to jump!” yelled the truckman on
+his seat.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were in despair. They saw their
+plans for a fine summer outing partly spoiled, and
+their fine boat about to be wrecked.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, from the bushes that lined the road,
+there ran out to the middle of the highway, and
+a little distance ahead of the galloping horses, a
+small man. At the sight of him Jerry cried:</p>
+
+<p>“Look! It’s the professor!”</p>
+
+<p>“He’d better get out of the way,” said the
+truckman grimly, in a low voice. “Nothing can
+stop these animals now, until they wreck everything.
+Look out!” he yelled to Mr. Snodgrass.</p>
+
+<p>But the little, bald-headed professor did not
+have any such intention. That was evident.
+There seemed to be something in the road that
+he wanted. His net came down with a swoop,
+and he knelt in the dust.</p>
+
+<p>“Look out!” came in a chorus from the men
+on the wagon.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Then, for the first time, Professor Snodgrass
+seemed to be aware of the approaching vehicle,
+with the boat for a load.</p>
+
+<p>Up he jumped to his feet, holding his long-handled
+butterfly net, and staring at the approaching
+runaways through his big glasses.</p>
+
+<p>“Get out of the way!” yelled the truckman.</p>
+
+<p>The professor ran forward, waving his arms.
+In one hand he held his broad-brimmed hat, while
+the other flourished the big, green net.</p>
+
+<p>“Stop!” he cried, loud enough to be heard
+above the thunder of the wagon wheels. “Stop!
+Stop! Don’t come on any farther. You’ll
+smash it!”</p>
+
+<p>“Huh! We know that!” yelled the truckman.
+“But you can’t make these horses stop
+by just inviting ’em to. Look out, or you’ll get
+hurt!”</p>
+
+<p>But the professor came on, running straight
+at the runaways. Now he was almost under
+their feet, but with a wild yell he still advanced.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he threw his hat in the face of one
+of the leading horses, and, with another quick
+motion, he crashed his long-handled net across
+the eyes of the other. Then, nimbly leaping to
+one side, the professor caught the broken, dangling
+rein, and braced back with all his might.
+Though a small man, he was powerful, and his
+weight told.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“That’s the stuff!” cried the truckman. In an
+instant he began pulling on the unbroken rein
+which he still held, and thus, with the professor
+on one side, being dragged along, and the driver
+sawing on the other line, the horses were pulled
+up evenly, a thing that had been impossible before.</p>
+
+<p>“By Jove! I believe they’re going to stop!”
+cried Jerry, as he noticed a slackening in the speed
+of the horses.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s about time, too!” added the truckman,
+as he looked at the waters of the canal, not far
+distant. He continued to pull on one line. The
+professor still clung to the other, and the brakes
+were jammed on. Add to this that the road
+was level, and that the truck was heavily loaded,
+and it can easily be seen that the horses, tired as
+they were from their run, did not need much
+more to stop them. They came down to a trot,
+then to a walk, and finally stopped. The truckman
+leaped from his seat, after a glance to make
+sure that the boat was in no immediate danger of
+slipping off, though it had slid back quite a way.</p>
+
+<p>“Say, that was a plucky stop!” the man cried,
+holding out his hand to the professor. “I’ve
+caught some runaways in my time, but never better
+than that. You saved us from a bad smash-up.”</p>
+
+<p>“Um! Well, perhaps I did,” admitted Uriah<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+Snodgrass slowly, “but I must confess I wasn’t
+thinking of that at the time. I wanted you to
+stop before you got too far, that was all.”</p>
+
+<p>“And didn’t you want to save us?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, yes, of course. But you see I was just
+capturing a new and very rare specimen of a
+yellow grasshopper when you came along. I almost
+had him in my net, but he jumped under a
+stone, and I was afraid if the horses came along
+they might step on the stone, and crush the insect
+or run a wheel over him. That’s why I wanted
+to stop you. I’m glad I did, though I’ll have to
+put a new handle on my net, for it’s broken.
+But I must see if I have the grasshopper.”</p>
+
+<p>He ran to a flat stone in the road, carefully
+raised it, and made a grab for something underneath.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve got him! I’ve got him!” he cried.
+“Oh, you little beauty! You’re worth at least
+fifteen dollars. Oh, I’m glad I stopped the runaways!”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, you are a queer one,” murmured the
+truckman as he proceeded to tie the broken rein,
+and then he and his men made the slipping boat
+secure, to hold until they could cover the short
+remaining distance to the canal. “Stopping a
+runaway to save a grasshopper! That’s the
+limit!”</p>
+
+<p>“But it’s a yellow grasshopper, and very rare,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+put in the professor with a smile, as he placed
+the insect in one of the cases he always carried.
+“I doubt if any college but mine will have a
+specimen like this. How did the runaway happen?”</p>
+
+<p>The others told him about the dog that had
+scared the horses, and then the boys, having expressed
+their appreciation of what the professor
+had done, helped the men steady the boat for the
+rest of the trip.</p>
+
+<p>The horses were quiet enough now, and soon
+had the truck at the edge of the canal. There the
+work of getting the <i>Dartaway</i> into the water again
+was speedily accomplished, and, having paid the
+men, and called the professor away from an ant
+hill he was examining through a magnifying glass,
+the motor boys once more got underway.</p>
+
+<p>“Talk about excitement, it’s with us almost
+from the start,” remarked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I thought our boat was a goner there,
+one spell,” added Jerry. “It took all my nerve
+to hold on.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mine too,” added Bob. “I think I’ll have
+to make a cup of coffee, and take some sandwiches
+to quiet down.”</p>
+
+<p>And this time neither Ned nor Jerry laughed
+at their fat chum.</p>
+
+<p>Their trip along the quiet canal was uneventful,
+and in a few days, after tying up nights along<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+shore of the river into which the canal opened,
+they swept out on the waters of the Alleghany,
+and were headed for Pittsburg.</p>
+
+<p>“I hope our auto is all ready for us, and that
+we don’t have to wait,” remarked Ned one evening,
+as they got ready to retire for the night.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’ll know by this time to-morrow,”
+spoke Jerry. “We ought to be in Pittsburg
+then.”</p>
+
+<p>“What are you going to do with the boat?”
+asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve arranged to store it until we get back,”
+replied the tall lad. “We’ll have to spend at
+least a day here, trying out the auto, and laying in
+some supplies. In that time we can see that the
+boat is properly put away.”</p>
+
+<p>Professor Snodgrass sat up rather late that
+night arranging and classifying some specimens
+he had caught, and it was nearly midnight when
+he turned in. The boys were sound asleep, and
+the little scientist was soon in the same blissful
+state.</p>
+
+<p>What time he was awakened Jerry did not
+know, but he sat up suddenly in bed, for he heard
+someone moving stealthily about on the after-deck.
+Then the door of the cabin was cautiously
+tried:</p>
+
+<p>“Who’s there?” cried the tall lad suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, and reaching out his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+hand Jerry sought for the switch that would
+turn on the electric lights which were operated
+by a storage battery. As he felt the button, he
+heard a boat scraping against the side of the
+<i>Dartaway</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a><br />
+<small>OFF IN THE AUTO</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“What’s the matter?” cried Ned, as he heard
+Jerry’s voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Anything wrong?” demanded Bob sleepily.
+“Has anything happened, Jerry?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not yet,” was the tall lad’s answer. “I fancy
+I was too quick for them. But I thought I heard
+someone on board, and I’m certain that a boat
+scraped against our side. I’m going to have a
+look.”</p>
+
+<p>“Better be careful,” advised Ned, as he pulled
+on some garments. “They may be river
+thieves.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thieves! Thieves!” cried Uriah Snodgrass,
+sitting up suddenly. “Are they after my
+specimens! Don’t let them get anything, boys!
+Those specimens are more valuable than gold!
+Oh, where are my glasses? I can’t see a thing.”</p>
+
+<p>“Switch off all the lights!” whispered Ned to
+Jerry. “They can see us in here, and we can’t
+get a glimpse of them. Turn ’em off!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Jerry did so, and at once there came another
+sound as if someone was out on the small after-deck.</p>
+
+<p>“Who’s there?” challenged Ned.</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer. Once more came the
+noise of a boat rubbing against the side of the
+<i>Dartaway</i>, and a cautious voice could be heard
+whispering:</p>
+
+<p>“Come on! Can’t do anything now!”</p>
+
+<p>“Who are you? What do you want?” demanded
+Jerry, but he received no answer.</p>
+
+<p>With a quick spring Ned was at the cabin door
+that opened out into a sort of cockpit, and thence,
+by a short companionway to the deck. Throwing
+the portal open, Ned flashed on a small searchlight.
+As he played it about the river he picked
+up a small boat, containing two persons, who were
+rowing quickly away.</p>
+
+<p>“What did you want? Were you on our
+boat?” demanded Ned, and then, as the two in
+the small craft maintained a silence, Ned flashed
+the light full in their faces. As he did so he gave
+a cry that brought Jerry and Bob out to him.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter?” cried the tall lad.
+“Are you hurt, Ned? Did they attack you?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I’m all right. But look at that boat!
+See who’s in it!”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry and Bob gazed across the stretch of
+black and swirling water, illuminated by the shaft<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+of light from the search lantern. It threw into
+bold relief the boat and the occupants.</p>
+
+<p>“Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry, as he saw the
+face of the bully.</p>
+
+<p>“But who’s with him?” asked Bob. “I’ve
+never seen him before, that I know of.”</p>
+
+<p>“He’s a stranger, I guess,” said Ned. “Noddy
+must have hired him to help get ahead
+of us.”</p>
+
+<p>“But what were they doing here?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Trying to sneak up while we were asleep, to
+see what they could get, I suppose,” remarked
+Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“My specimens!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass,
+who had come out to join the boys.
+“That’s what they were after. That yellow
+grasshopper is what they wanted!”</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t believe so,” said Jerry in a low voice,
+as he watched the two rowing rapidly away—Noddy
+and a tall man, the latter with a sleek
+appearance, as though he was always trying to
+figure out the easiest way of getting something
+for nothing.</p>
+
+<p>“Hello you, Noddy!” suddenly called Ned.
+“What did you want here?”</p>
+
+<p>The bully and his companion kept silent.</p>
+
+<p>“If you come around again I’ll turn the hose
+on you,” threatened Bob.</p>
+
+<p>There was no reply, and a moment later the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+rowboat went around the end of a projecting
+dock, and was out of range of the light.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, if they weren’t after my specimens
+what did they want?” inquired the professor.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll tell you what I think,” went on Jerry as
+they returned to the comfortable cabin, for it was
+cool in the night air, and they were lightly clad.
+“I believe they sneaked on board to see if they
+could get any clews as to where we are bound
+for.”</p>
+
+<p>“You mean Snake Island?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes. You see Noddy doesn’t know the exact
+location, even if, in some way, he has guessed, or
+overheard, some of us saying that we were going
+to the Grand Canyon. He needs to know more
+definitely just where we’re going, so he can sneak
+along, and try to get ahead of us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean he was looking for a map?”
+asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, or something like that. Maybe he
+thought we would be leaving our traveling directions
+lying around loose.”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, maybe it would be a good scheme to
+fix up a fake map, and leave it where he could
+get it,” suggested Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Hardly,” decided Jerry. “He’d get on to
+the fact that it was a fake, for he knows we
+wouldn’t be as careless as that. I think the best
+way is to do just as we have been doing—make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+no map or sketch of where we’re heading for.
+In fact we can’t, for we’ve got to prospect around
+ourselves to find Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we’ve got to be on our guard against
+Noddy,” suggested Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“All the while I’m afraid, since he’s taken to
+trailing after us,” resumed Jerry. “I’d like to
+know who that fellow was with him. He looks
+like a sleek rascal.”</p>
+
+<p>“Like Bill Berry, only different,” was Ned’s
+opinion. “I wonder where Bill is?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, probably hanging around somewhere,”
+came from Bob. “He and Noddy generally
+travel together.”</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing more that could be done
+that night, save to see to it that the cabin doors
+and windows were securely fastened. Jerry left
+the searchlight aglow, as he thought this would
+discourage any further attempt to board the
+motor boat. And, as a matter of fact, our
+friends were not disturbed again that night.</p>
+
+<p>They made an early start for Pittsburg the
+next morning, keeping a watch for Noddy, but
+they did not see him. By noon they had tied up
+at the wharf where their boat was to be hauled
+out for storage.</p>
+
+<p>“Now for the auto!” exclaimed Jerry, when
+the craft had been safely put away, and such stores
+as they needed, together with their clothing,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+weapons and other things, had been piled up ready
+to be put in the motor car.</p>
+
+<p>They found that the repairs to their machine
+were almost completed, and that the car had been
+greatly improved. A new body had been put
+on, giving more room, so that, if necessary, they
+could sleep on board. And a small gasolene
+stove had been fitted up, so that a simple meal
+could be prepared. You can easily see that this
+was Bob’s idea.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we can start in a couple of days,” announced
+Jerry after a visit to the auto shop.</p>
+
+<p>“And we’ll need that time to give her a try-out,”
+added Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“And buy what grub we will need!” put in
+Chunky.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, forget the everlasting ‘eats’!” begged
+Jerry. “We don’t need to take much. We can
+buy it as we go along, and it will be fresher.”</p>
+
+<p>“I meant a few things like sandwiches, pickles
+and cake,” went on Bob. “To eat between
+meals, you know. I often get hungry before it’s
+meal time.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, we know it! You needn’t tell us,” cried
+Ned with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>They tried their auto the next day, having put
+up at a hotel near the repair works. The car
+made good speed, and seemed to have more power
+than before.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“She’s great!” cried Jerry. “Now for a
+long trip West!”</p>
+
+<p>Their preparations were complete. Almost at
+the last minute, though, the professor nearly
+backed out. He found a curious bug in the hotel
+where they stayed, and he wanted to remain a
+week or more, to hunt for others.</p>
+
+<p>“You’d better come on and look for that
+two-tailed toad, Professor,” advised Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I think I had,” agreed the little scientist.
+“But on our way back we’ll stop here, and I
+can have another look for more of those rare
+bugs.”</p>
+
+<p>The auto, well filled with the goods of our
+friends, and themselves, was ready for a start,
+and, having inquired the best route on from Pittsburg,
+the boys, with Jerry at the wheel, set off
+one fine morning. What lay before them they
+little realized.</p>
+
+<p>On and on they went, over fairly good roads,
+until they came to the open country. Then, having
+fixed the spark and gasolene levers to carry
+them at a moderate pace, Jerry settled back to
+enjoy the scenery.</p>
+
+<p>They had covered perhaps ten miles, and Bob
+was wondering whether he dare mention cooking
+a light lunch, as they whirled along, when Ned,
+who had looked back, uttered a cry.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s up?” asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For answer Ned took a pair of powerful field
+glasses from a pocket inside the car. He focused
+them on an auto that was coming rapidly along
+behind the car of our friends.</p>
+
+<p>“They’ve been following us for some time,”
+spoke Ned, “and I want to see who they are.”
+He was silent a moment, and then he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>“I thought so! Noddy Nixon again, and this
+time Bill Berry is with him, as well as that other
+man! Fellows, he’s on our trail!”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, here’s where he gets off!” cried Bob,
+as he reached his hand in his pocket, and pulled
+out a small wooden box. He opened it, and
+scattered something out on the road.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s that!” cried Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Big tacks!” answered Bob. “I thought
+something like this might happen, so I got ready
+for Noddy. Some of those tacks will stick point
+upward, and maybe something will happen.
+They’re good and sharp, and rather bad for pneumatic
+tires,” he added with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>He tossed the empty box away, and he and Ned
+looked at the car coming on behind them.</p>
+
+<p>“Think they’ll hit ’em?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“I hope so,” replied the stout lad.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a commotion, and the pursuing
+auto was seen to swerve to one side.</p>
+
+<p>“There they go!” cried Bob. “Two tires
+to the bad, I think! I guess they won’t follow us
+right away. Speed her up, Jerry!”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a><br />
+<small>HELD UP</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“That’s the way to do it, Bob!” exclaimed
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“I never imagined you were such a plotter,”
+complimented Jerry. “How’d you come to think
+of it, Chunky?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, it just sort of came to me,” explained the
+stout lad, as he looked back to see Noddy and
+his companions leap from their auto, and examine
+the burst tires. “I figured that after the
+way Noddy’d been spying on us that he’d try to
+follow us, so I got ready for him. I thought it
+out that tire trouble was the easiest for me to
+bring about, and it would hold him back as well
+as if it was something else. So I bought the
+tacks.”</p>
+
+<p>“And made good use of ’em!” chuckled Jerry.
+“You’re all right, Bob!”</p>
+
+<p>Noddy Nixon straightened up from an examination
+of his stalled auto. He shook his fist at our
+friends who were rapidly drawing away.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll—fix—you—for—this!” yelled the bully
+in a loud voice.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Well, you’ll have plenty of time to do it in,”
+remarked Bob with a laugh. “You’ll have to use
+new shoes, and inner tubes too, I’m thinking.
+Speed her up, Jerry.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right,” and the tall lad turned on more
+gasolene, until the big car was going along at a
+rapid pace.</p>
+
+<p>“Not too fast,” cautioned Ned. “We don’t
+want to be taken in for speeding, you know.”</p>
+
+<p>“Not much danger,” returned Jerry. “It’s
+rather a lonely stretch of country for several miles
+yet.”</p>
+
+<p>“How do you think he managed to get after
+us so quickly?” asked Professor Snodgrass, who,
+wonderful to relate, was neither looking at his
+specimens, making notes about, nor seeking to capture
+others. He had been too much interested in
+the chase and its sudden termination.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, he must have heard Andy Rush say we
+were going to Pittsburg,” spoke Jerry, “and he
+merely came on here ahead of us, by train, while
+we traveled by boat. Then he simply got his
+auto ready, and lay in wait for us. But you put
+a spoke in his wheel, Bob.”</p>
+
+<p>“Two or three,” chuckled Ned.</p>
+
+<p>As they sped on they talked of Noddy, and
+speculated on what his plan might be in regard
+to following them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“It’s all guess work,” declared Jerry. “No
+matter what we do he may turn up on our trail
+sooner or later. The only thing to do is to fight
+him when we see him, be on our guard all the
+while, and not to worry.”</p>
+
+<p>“I agree with Jerry,” said Uriah Snodgrass.
+“Now, as long as we’re so far ahead, Jerry, can’t
+you go a little slower?”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, does the speed make you dizzy?”
+asked the steersman, for indeed the pace was very
+rapid.</p>
+
+<p>“No, but I’d like a chance to look for insects
+on the bushes as we pass. You never can tell
+when you may come across a rare specimen,” and
+through his big glasses the professor anxiously
+scanned the bushes on either side of the highway,
+for Jerry obligingly slackened the speed of the
+big car.</p>
+
+<p>“Are we going to sleep in the car or a hotel to-night?”
+asked Ned, as the afternoon drew to a
+close, finding them about a hundred miles away
+from Pittsburg.</p>
+
+<p>“I vote for the car,” spoke Jerry. “We
+haven’t tried it in some time. Besides, we can do
+as we please, and won’t have to bother with fixing
+up, as we would at a hotel.</p>
+
+<p>“Another thing. If we go to a hotel, Noddy
+may find it out, and he can thus keep closer tabs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+on our movements. Whereas, if we sleep in the
+car, on some country road, we can start off before
+daylight, breakfast when we please, and no one
+will be any the wiser.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right, the car it is,” agreed Ned. Anything
+suited the professor.</p>
+
+<p>“Another good point about the car,” said Bob,
+“is that we can——”</p>
+
+<p>“Eat whenever we want to,” finished Jerry
+with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>“I wasn’t going to say so,” retorted Bob. “I
+was going to say we could sleep better here, for it
+will be quieter out under the trees than in a
+hotel.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s the time he had you, Jerry,” laughed
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, pick out a good place as you go along,”
+advised the tall lad, “and we’ll pull up there and
+stop.”</p>
+
+<p>“That hill looks to be in a good location,”
+suggested Bob, pointing to a rise in the distance.
+“There is a grove of trees there, and we can pull
+into them for the night. Speed up, and make it,
+Jerry.”</p>
+
+<p>The lad at the wheel was about to pull over the
+gasolene lever, and adjust the spark, when, out
+from a little country lane, just in front of the auto,
+leaped a man, with a shining badge on his coat, a
+club in one hand and a revolver in the other. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+held out his arms to obstruct their passage, at the
+same time crying in loud tones:</p>
+
+<p>“Halt! Hold on there! You can’t go any
+further! I’m the law, an’ I says so. You’ve got
+to come with me!”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry looked quickly at the speedometer, and
+saw that it registered only about six miles per
+hour. He was glad he had not sent the car racing
+ahead.</p>
+
+<p>“Come on now! No tricks! Stop that car!”
+commanded the evident official. “You’ve got to
+come with me.”</p>
+
+<p>“What for?” asked Jerry. “Not for speeding
+evidently, for we were going like a snail.”</p>
+
+<p>“I didn’t say nothin’ about no speedin’,” replied
+the man. “It’s a more serious charge than
+that. I’ve been on the lookout for ye a long time,
+an’ I got ye, by heck! Come along!”</p>
+
+<p>By this time Jerry had easily brought the car
+to a stop not far from the grizzled man.</p>
+
+<p>“What right have you got to stop us?” demanded
+the young steersman. “Who are you,
+and what is the charge against us?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m Constable Enberry Snook,” was the answer,
+“and this here is my authority,” and he
+tapped his badge with the club. “I derive my
+authority from th’ selectmen of Huckleberry
+Township, an’ these likewise is th’ main instruments
+that I use,” and he glanced from his club<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+to his revolver, and back at the party in the auto.
+“Now be ye goin’ t’ come along peaceable like,
+or have I got t’ use force?”</p>
+
+<p>“But I don’t understand,” said Jerry, while a
+puzzled look came over the faces of the others.
+“We haven’t been speeding, and we haven’t assaulted
+any one that I know of.”</p>
+
+<p>“Of course not!” declared Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I’ve been instructed t’ arrest ye,” went
+on Constable Snook, “an’ I’m goin’ t’ do my duty,
+by heck! Now will ye come along peaceable, or
+have I got t’——”</p>
+
+<p>He did not finish the sentence, for with a cry
+that was startling in its suddenness Professor
+Snodgrass, who had been sitting in front with
+Jerry, fairly leaped from his seat, and dashed at
+the constable.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t move! Don’t stir!” cried the excited
+scientist. “I’ve got it! It’s on you! Don’t
+move! I’ve been looking for it ever and ever so
+long!”</p>
+
+<p>A moment later he had hold of the constable’s
+coat.</p>
+
+<p>“Here! Let me go! Onhand me! This is
+treason! Ye’re assaultin’ an officer in th’ performance
+of his office, an’ it’s ten years’ imprisonment
+fer that offense. Let me go, I tell ye! Don’t
+ye dare t’ strike me! I’ve got assistants with me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+Help! Help! He’s chokin’ me! He’s chokin’
+an officer of th’ law!”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Snook, dropping both his club and revolver,
+sought in vain to pull away from the grasp
+of Professor Snodgrass, and then the constable,
+finding that the scientist had too firm a hold,
+pulled out a whistle, and blew a shrill blast. A
+moment later two men, evidently farmhands,
+each armed with a pitchfork, leaped out of the
+bushes at the side of the road.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a><br />
+<small>NODDY IN ADVANCE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>There was a moment’s pause, during which all
+the actors in the little rural comedy looked at
+each other. And, as for the professor and the
+constable, they did more than look, for the scientist
+still had a firm hold of the other’s coat, and
+the man was pulling desperately to get away.</p>
+
+<p>“Are ye there, Sim an’ Jake?” gasped the
+constable.</p>
+
+<p>“Thet’s what we be!” cried the taller of the
+farmers, evidently Sim, as he advanced with
+ready pitchfork.</p>
+
+<p>“Me too,” put in Jake. “What’s up, Enberry?
+Have them highwaymen attacked ye?”</p>
+
+<p>“Attacked me? I should say they had!” cried
+the constable. “That’s why I whistled for help.
+Jab ’em!”</p>
+
+<p>“Hold on!” cried Jerry, fearing the professor
+might get hurt. “Come on, boys,” he urged Ned
+and Bob. “We’ve got to take a hand in
+this!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“But what in the world does it all mean?”
+asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“And what makes the professor act so queer?”
+Bob wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t stop to ask questions!” cried Jerry,
+vaulting from his seat. “Come on!”</p>
+
+<p>The three boys advanced toward the group of
+men who now surrounded Uriah Snodgrass. The
+scientist still retained his grip of the constable
+with one hand, while with the other he was making
+cautious advances toward the coat collar of
+the farmer-officer.</p>
+
+<p>“Let me be!” cried the constable. “Jab him,
+Sim an’ Jake! Jab him!”</p>
+
+<p>“Keep still,” ordered Professor Snodgrass.
+“I’ll have him in another minute!”</p>
+
+<p>“Ye’ve got me now, consarn ye!” snapped the
+constable, trying in vain to pull away. “If ye lay
+another hand on me I’ll have ye sent t’ jail fer
+life! Let me go, I tell ye!”</p>
+
+<p>“Look out with those pitchforks!” cried Jerry,
+as he saw Sim advance the prongs dangerously
+close to the professor’s legs.</p>
+
+<p>“There! I’ve got it!” suddenly exclaimed the
+little scientist. His hand made a descent on the
+farmer’s collar, and then, with something tightly
+clasped in his fist, Mr. Snodgrass leaped back.
+Sim and Jake closed up alongside of the man who
+had summoned them by whistle.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“What’d you take offen me?” demanded Mr.
+Snook suspiciously. “My badge? Ef ye
+have——”</p>
+
+<p>“I only took one of the most beautiful specimens
+of a green spider I have ever seen,” was the
+answer of the professor. “I saw it on your coat
+collar, and I was so afraid it would get away. I
+had to act quickly. The only way was to grab
+you, for if you had felt the spider on your neck,
+it might have tickled you, and you would have
+brushed it off. Then it would have been lost for
+ever. Ah, but I have you, my little beauty!” and
+the professor peered in between a crack in his
+fingers to make sure that the spider had not escaped.
+A moment later he had popped it into one
+of his specimen boxes.</p>
+
+<p>“A—a spider?” gasped Mr. Snook, as if he
+had not understood.</p>
+
+<p>“A <em>green</em> spider,” corrected Mr. Snodgrass.
+“A most perfect specimen. It was on your coat
+collar. A moment later it would have crawled on
+your neck.”</p>
+
+<p>“An’ if it had, I’d have squashed it, sure!”
+cried Mr. Snook. “I sure would have squashed
+it! A green spider! Why I’d a squashed it, if
+it had been a red, white an’ blue one! I hate ’em!
+Ye must be crazy t’ want ’em!”</p>
+
+<p>“I want them for scientific purposes,” said
+Uriah Snodgrass, and then he briefly explained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+that he traveled for a college that wanted all the
+specimens he could collect.</p>
+
+<p>“A college perfesser,” murmured Sim. “Say,
+Jake, it’s a good thing we didn’t jab him.”</p>
+
+<p>“I guess it is. An’ t’ think of any mortal man
+wantin’ such things as bugs!”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, everybody to their notion,” said Mr.
+Snook grimly. “If ye want spiders ye’re welcome
+t’ ’em. But that don’t alter th’ fact that
+you folks have got t’ come along with me.” He
+was less excited now.</p>
+
+<p>“But I don’t understand,” spoke Jerry.
+“What is the charge, and who makes it? Were
+you waiting here for us?”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s what I was,” declared the constable.
+“I got a telephone t’ be on the lookout for ye.
+I was warned ye’d be desperit, an’ try t’ escape,
+so I swore in Sim an’ Jake as my special deputies.
+It looks like I’d need ’em, too. Jake, stand by on
+this side of me, an’ Sim, you git on th’ other. If
+they starts t’ run, jab ’em. Now, I arrest ye in
+th’ name of th’ law,” and in turn he laid his hand
+on the shoulders of Jerry, Bob, Ned and the professor.
+“Are ye comin’ along peaceable, or shall
+I have t’ use force?” he asked again.</p>
+
+<p>“If this is a regular arrest, by a regular officer
+we certainly will come along peaceably,” replied
+Jerry. “But who makes the charge?”</p>
+
+<p>“That I can’t tell ye. I got my authority from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+Judge Amos Blackford. Ye’ll have t’ appear before
+him. It were him as were telephoned t’, an’
+he passed it on t’ me.”</p>
+
+<p>“And you really have the authority to arrest
+us?” asked Ned, still doubting.</p>
+
+<p>“There’s th’ warrant, sworn t’, all reg’lar an’
+in due form, according t’ law,” said the constable,
+pulling out a paper with a flourish. “Ye kin
+look at it.”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry read it quickly. It was merely a short
+form of bench warrant, “sworn to on information
+and belief,” wherein the judge himself appeared
+as the accuser, the real party’s name not
+being mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>“If ye don’t believe that, ye kin ask Jake an’
+Sim here if I ain’t th’ regular constable fer this
+township,” added Mr. Snook proudly.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s what he is!” chorused the two farm
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then I suppose we will have to go with
+you,” admitted Jerry, “though I don’t understand
+it. Come along, boys. Do you want to
+ride with us?” he asked, turning to the two farm
+hands and the constable.</p>
+
+<p>“Not for me,” spoke Sim, and Jake, too,
+shook his head. “I wouldn’t ride in one of them
+gasolene wagons fer a month’s wages,” added
+Sim.</p>
+
+<p>“Then I guess we can find room for you, Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+Snook,” went on Jerry. “That is if you’re not
+afraid of the machine, and don’t imagine that such
+desperate characters as we are will do away with
+you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I guess I kin trust ye,” said the constable
+with a sheepish grin. “Th’ judge’s house is about
+a mile down th’ road. He kin hold court there,
+an’ fine ye, I suppose.”</p>
+
+<p>“But I don’t see what for,” said Jerry. “However,
+come along.”</p>
+
+<p>They were soon in the auto, and had started
+off, the two hired men, with their pitchforks,
+standing in the road with open-mouthed wonder
+as the car shot away. Ned noticed that Mr.
+Snook grasped the sides of the seat with nervous
+hands, as if he expected something to happen at
+any moment. Chunky was a bit nervous, and
+Jerry was clearly puzzled. As for the professor
+he was too much occupied in making notes about
+the green spider to care whether he was arrested
+or not.</p>
+
+<p>It was not a long run to the house of Judge
+Blackford, who lived in a comfortable residence.
+He himself proved to be a genial, old-fashioned
+gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, Enberry,” he observed with a twinkle
+in his eyes as the auto drove up, “you got the
+desperadoes, I see.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yep,” answered the constable shortly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Did they abuse you much; have much trouble
+in capturing them?”</p>
+
+<p>“Nope. They come along peaceable enough,
+though at one time——” and then, thinking that
+he had not proved himself much of a hero in the
+spider episode, the constable stopped.</p>
+
+<p>“Out with it!” cried the judge with a laugh.
+“I’ll find it out sooner or later.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll tell ye later,” promised Mr. Snook nervously.</p>
+
+<p>“May I ask what this is all about?” inquired
+Jerry. “The constable says we are charged with
+assault and battery. By whom?”</p>
+
+<p>“By Noddy Nixon!” was the unexpected answer
+of Judge Blackford.</p>
+
+<p>“Noddy Nixon!” cried Jerry. “Is he here?”</p>
+
+<p>“No. I’ll tell you how it was,” went on the
+magistrate. “I received a telephone this noon,
+from Judge Lawton, of Middleville township.
+He said a party of autoists had come to him, and
+had sworn that another party of autoists, naming
+and describing you, had caused them to burst two
+tires. And, as the tires burst, Mr. Nixon and his
+party were thrown to one side of their car, painfully
+bruising and contusing them, as the warrant
+says.</p>
+
+<p>“So Judge Lawton, before whom the original
+warrant was sworn out, asked me to issue a supplementary
+one, and to intercept you as you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+came through here. Which I had to do, it being
+my duty. Now you can consider yourself
+charged with the crime, and how do you plead.
+I’ll hold court right here. Did you or didn’t
+you?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I guess I did it,” answered Bob. “I
+threw the tacks in the road. But it was to prevent
+Noddy from following us.”</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon the judge was told as much of the
+story as Jerry and his chums thought necessary to
+explain of their conduct, no mention being made
+of the radium on Snake Island. He was told how
+Noddy had repeatedly tried to take a mean advantage.</p>
+
+<p>“Hum. That makes it different,” spoke Judge
+Blackford. “I reckon that Nixon chap didn’t tell
+this to my friend Judge Lawton. Otherwise he
+wouldn’t have asked me to issue a warrant. Now
+this is how the matter stands.</p>
+
+<p>“I was requested to apprehend and hold you
+for examination. That I must do. This Nixon
+fellow promised to be here in the morning, at nine
+o’clock, to give his evidence. I don’t believe he’ll
+come and face you. But I must hold you until
+then. I ask you, in the meanwhile to be my guests.
+Then, in the morning, if he does not appear, I
+shall discharge you, and explain matters to Judge
+Lawton. I know he will approve of it. Will you
+stay and dine with me? I’ll be glad of your company,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+and you needn’t consider yourselves prisoners.
+You’re out on bail, so to speak. Supper
+will soon be ready. Will you stay?”</p>
+
+<p>“I—yes—of course we will!” cried Bob so
+quickly that both his chums laughed, and Mr.
+Blackford looked at them curiously.</p>
+
+<p>“Then the court is adjourned,” went on the
+magistrate. “Come in, boys, after you leave
+your auto in the barn. You needn’t wait, Enberry.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right,” answered Mr. Snook, who hurried
+off, looking over his shoulder as if he feared he
+might see more spiders.</p>
+
+<p>The boys found Judge Blackford to be a most
+congenial host. It developed that he and Professor
+Snodgrass had once attended the same preparatory
+school, and the pair exchanged pleasant
+memories.</p>
+
+<p>The judge explained how Noddy had probably
+proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>“After his tires were repaired,” he said, “the
+Nixon fellow must have hurried on, following
+you. He figured out that you would have to pass
+through here, as this is the main road. Then he
+went to Middleville, swore out a warrant, which
+he had no right to do under the circumstances,
+and the rest you know. I am sorry you were inconvenienced.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, it’s all right,” said Bob. “We’ll probably<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+have a better meal than if we ate in the auto;
+eh, fellows?”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, Chunky, you are the limit!” cried Jerry,
+and then he had to explain to the judge their
+chum’s failing.</p>
+
+<p>The magistrate, however, took quite a liking
+to Bob, and soon there was a merry party gathered
+at the table. The evening was spent pleasantly,
+and there were plenty of comfortable beds
+in the judge’s big, old-fashioned house, where he
+and his wife lived with some old servants.</p>
+
+<p>Nine o’clock came next morning, but Noddy
+Nixon did not appear.</p>
+
+<p>“He only did this to delay us,” declared Jerry,
+and the others agreed with him.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, if he isn’t here by ten I’ll formally discharge
+you, and send the warrant back to Judge
+Lawton with an explanation,” said Judge Blackford.</p>
+
+<p>Ten o’clock brought no change in the situation,
+and holding court in his library, the magistrate
+discharged the “prisoners.” Constable Snook
+was on hand, and looked rather disappointed
+when he saw that he was not to have the pleasure
+of taking the boys and the professor to jail.</p>
+
+<p>“But we have strict laws agin’ speedin’ here,”
+he warned them, as Jerry got out the car to resume
+the trip. “If I catch ye’ speedin’ I’ll have t’
+take ye in.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“We won’t come this way soon again,” replied
+Jerry. Then, good-byes having been said to the
+judge and his wife, our friends started on their
+journey.</p>
+
+<p>“I wonder what happened to Noddy?” spoke
+Ned, who had taken his place on the front seat
+with Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, he has either turned back, or else he’s
+waiting until we get far enough ahead of him so
+that he can follow as he pleases,” replied the tall
+lad.</p>
+
+<p>They had turned off the main road to reach the
+home of the judge, and were now coming out of a
+sort of long country lane, thickly bordered with
+trees, to reach the main highway again. As they
+were about to swing around a turn they all heard
+the chug-chug of an auto.</p>
+
+<p>“Someone’s coming,” remarked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes. I guess we’ll let ’em get ahead of us,
+so we won’t have to take so much dust,” decided
+Jerry. “We can wait here in the shade.”</p>
+
+<p>He stopped the car, behind a screen of trees
+and bushes, not far from the main road. <a href="#image03">A moment
+later a car shot past</a>, and, as it did so, Ned
+uttered a low exclamation.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 381px;">
+<a name="image03" id="image03">
+ <img src="images/image03.jpg" width="381" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</a><br />
+<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_102">A MOMENT LATER A CAR SHOT PAST.</a></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Did you see that?” he asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“I sure did!” replied the tall lad.</p>
+
+<p>“What was it?” inquired Bob, who was in the
+rear with the professor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Noddy Nixon!” answered Jerry. “He’s
+ahead of us now, and that’s where we want him.
+He can’t follow us now. I guess, Noddy, you’ve
+over-reached yourself,” and Jerry smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a><br />
+<small>DISAPPOINTMENT</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“What do you suppose his game is?” asked
+Bob, as the auto containing Noddy and two others
+shot around a curve in the main road, leaving a
+cloud of dust behind.</p>
+
+<p>“His game was to delay us long enough to
+catch up to us, I think,” explained Jerry. “You
+see he lost time when he had to stop to fix his
+tires, and he’s depending on us to show him the
+way to Snake Island, since he failed to get any
+clews as he sneaked around. But he spoiled his
+own chances. We’re behind him now, and he’ll
+have his own troubles tracing us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Are you going to let him get a long way in
+advance?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“I think so. The more trouble we can give
+him to pick us up the better—for us. I’m even
+going to get off the main road, if I can, and take
+a less-used route.”</p>
+
+<p>“The nerve of him charging us with assault
+and battery, just because he happened to run over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+a few tacks!” exclaimed Bob, with an air of virtuous
+indignation.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I suppose it did batter them up a bit,”
+remarked Jerry with a smile. “The auto stopped
+rather suddenly, you remember.”</p>
+
+<p>“It sure did,” agreed Ned. “But say, I wonder
+who that other chap is with Noddy. I saw
+Bill Berry plainly enough, but I can’t imagine who
+the other fellow is.”</p>
+
+<p>“I had a glimpse of his face,” said Professor
+Snodgrass, looking up from his note book. “I
+have seen him before, somewhere, but I can’t
+recollect where. I never forget a face, but the
+association sometimes escapes me. However, I
+may recall it later. I think—hold on, Jerry, don’t
+move!” he exclaimed suddenly, for the tall lad
+had reached forward to start the car. “There’s
+a fine, big yellow-backed toad at the foot of that
+stump. I must get it. It isn’t as valuable as the
+two-tailed one, but it is a very good specimen,”
+and the scientist leaped out and was soon in possession
+of the toad, which he clapped into a box.</p>
+
+<p>“All ready now?” asked Jerry, with his hand
+on the gear lever.</p>
+
+<p>“All ready—unless I see something else,” answered
+Uriah Snodgrass, and the auto rolled
+slowly forward. Noddy had been given enough
+start so that there was no danger of catching up
+to him unless he halted, and he was not likely to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+do that, Jerry thought. At the first farmhouse
+they stopped to inquire their way on some less
+frequented road, and, learning it, they took another
+highway, which, while not so good to travel
+on, made it less likely that they would meet or
+pass the bully.</p>
+
+<p>For three days they traveled on, having fine
+weather on all but one—the day after their “arrest.”
+Then it rained from morning until night,
+and they progressed through water and mud,
+which cut down their speed.</p>
+
+<p>They were dry and fairly comfortable, however,
+for the closed car was as snug as a bungalow,
+and they could cook and sleep inside. Then
+the weather cleared, and, save for muddy roads,
+there was no discomfort.</p>
+
+<p>“And we seem to have given Noddy the slip,”
+remarked Jerry, one day, for they had neither
+seen nor heard anything of their enemy or his
+companions. “We’re having fine luck.”</p>
+
+<p>They had been traveling by auto over a week,
+and were getting close to Denver, whence they
+would make the rest of the trip by airship, when
+there came a turn in the good fortune that had, so
+far, accompanied them.</p>
+
+<p>They were going down a hill, one evening into
+a little town when the foot brake unexpectedly
+broke, and they started off at a rapid pace. Jerry,
+however, quickly threw in the emergency, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>
+brought the car up before any harm had resulted.</p>
+
+<p>“Hum! This is a nice pickle!” exclaimed the
+tall lad. “Now we’ve got to lay over until this is
+fixed.”</p>
+
+<p>“Maybe we can have it fixed over night,” suggested
+Ned. “There’s a combined blacksmith
+shop and garage just ahead,” and he pointed to
+it. “If we pay extra we can have the man work
+all night on the brake, and have it ready for us
+in the morning. There must be some sort of a
+hotel here, where we can put up.”</p>
+
+<p>“Fine!” cried Bob. “Then I won’t have to
+cook supper.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, but you’ll eat it,” said Jerry. “But I
+guess Ned’s plan is a good one.”</p>
+
+<p>The blacksmith, who also did auto repair work,
+agreed, for an extra fee, to put in the night fixing
+the brake, and the car being left at his shop, the
+boys went to the only hotel in the village of Lafayette.</p>
+
+<p>“Here’s the register,” spoke the landlord,
+handing over the book to the boys and the professor.
+“Supper’ll soon be ready.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s good,” murmured Bob, and his chums
+laughed as they advanced to sign their names. As
+Jerry put his down first, he uttered a cry of surprise,
+and pointed to the signatures just above
+where theirs were to go.</p>
+
+<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Ned, looking over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>
+his chum’s shoulder. “Noddy Nixon, and Bill
+Berry! They were here a couple of days ago!”</p>
+
+<p>“And that must be the mysterious man who
+was with them,” added Jerry, pointing to the signature
+of Dr. Kirk Belgrade.</p>
+
+<p>“Kirk Belgrade! Kirk Belgrade!” murmured
+Professor Snodgrass, as he saw the signature.
+“Where have I heard that name before? Where
+have I seen that face?” He was in deep thought
+for a moment, and then he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I have it! Belgrade. Yes, he was an instructor
+at my college a few years ago. A smart
+man, but he did some underhand work, and he
+was asked to resign. The last I heard of him he
+had started a sort of mushroom correspondence
+school. Poor Belgrade! He was a brilliant
+scholar, but he wanted to live by his wits, instead
+of working.”</p>
+
+<p>“What can he be doing with Noddy?” asked
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Give it up,” murmured Bob. “I wonder
+when supper will be ready, and what we’ll have to
+eat?”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry was in deep thought.</p>
+
+<p>“Professor Snodgrass,” he asked suddenly,
+“what branch of science did this Dr. Belgrade
+teach in college?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, his specialty was electricity, and I remember
+when radium was first discovered that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+he took a great interest in it. He even wrote a
+paper on it, that was considered very good. Another
+thing, though perhaps I should not speak of
+it. Our college had a small specimen of radium,
+that one of the founders bought, and presented to
+the laboratory. One day it disappeared, and it
+was the same day Belgrade was asked to resign.</p>
+
+<p>“There was talk that he might know something
+about it, but the faculty considered that he
+had disgraced our school enough by something
+else he did, so they did not press the radium
+matter. Belgrade sold examination papers to
+some of the students. He was too brilliant, I’m
+afraid, for his own good. And now to think he is
+in with Noddy Nixon!”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, and I believe I know what for!” exclaimed
+Jerry. “Noddy has taken him along as
+an authority on radium, for Noddy wouldn’t know
+it from a lump of clay. I begin to see things now.
+Fellows, we’ve got to be on our guard. I wish
+Noddy was behind us instead of ahead of us!”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, do you think he’ll get to Snake Island
+before we do?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“He may,” replied Jerry grimly. “But he’ll
+have his work cut out to beat us. I wish that
+brake hadn’t smashed. I’d like to be traveling
+now.”</p>
+
+<p>But there was no help for it. They had to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+wait until morning, and then they took to the road
+again. For two days more they traveled on and
+then, unexpectedly running out of gasolene one
+night they had to lay over again for a half hour
+while the garage dealer supplied them. He was
+out, too, but the tank wagon, with a supply was on
+its way, he said.</p>
+
+<p>“Had another auto here, a while ago, and they
+took my last gallon,” explained the garage attendant.
+“Fellow by the name of Blixen, or something
+like that. Mighty fresh, too. He wanted
+to beat me down on my price.”</p>
+
+<p>“Wasn’t it Nixon, and not Blixen?” asked
+Jerry quickly.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, that might have been it. I didn’t pay
+much attention. His auto was badly in need of
+repairs, and I sort of asked if he didn’t want me
+to fix it. He said he didn’t as they were only going
+on a little farther.”</p>
+
+<p>“A little farther,” remarked Jerry, for it was
+still some distance to Denver, where Noddy was
+undoubtedly headed for. It was common knowledge
+that the <i>Comet</i>, the airship of our heroes,
+was in Denver, for the papers had contained many
+accounts of how it had broken records at the big
+meet. Noddy could not have helped seeing them,
+and, naturally, he would suspect that the motor
+boys were going to pick up their craft.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, he said he and his crowd were going to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+take a train the rest of the way,” went on the garage
+man. “They were going to Belmont station,
+and take the train there. Here comes the gasolene.
+I’ll soon have your tanks filled.”</p>
+
+<p>“Fellows, we’ve got to do something!” exclaimed
+Jerry to his companions, as the gasolene
+was being put in. “Noddy may get ahead of us
+after all, and reach Denver first, if he takes a
+train.”</p>
+
+<p>“What can we do?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Leave the auto, and take a train ourselves,”
+replied the tall lad.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s it!” cried Bob. “Beat him at his
+own game!”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we’ll do it,” decided Jerry. “How far
+is it to Belmont?” he asked of the garage man,
+as he paid for the gasolene.</p>
+
+<p>“About twenty miles.”</p>
+
+<p>“Can you get a through train there for Denver,
+Colorado?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, only locals stop there. But if you want
+to go to Denver, I can tell you a better way. Why
+don’t you go to Meldon station. That’s only ten
+miles farther on, and the Denver Limited stops
+there. You can make it I guess,” and he looked
+at his watch. “She leaves there at nine o’clock
+to-night, and it’s one of the few stops until she hits
+Denver. You can only get locals at Belmont. The
+Limited beats them all to pieces.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“We’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on, fellows!
+On to Meldon!”</p>
+
+<p>“You’ve got to travel pretty fast,” the man
+warned them. “And the roads aren’t very good—especially
+at night.”</p>
+
+<p>“We can do it!” cried Jerry. “Meldon for
+ours, and we’ll beat Noddy on his local!”</p>
+
+<p>They were soon chugging down the road, in
+the gathering darkness. Bob started to get supper,
+when Jerry stopped a little later to light the
+powerful gas lamps, and then they went on at increased
+speed. Jerry drove the car as fast as was
+safe, but their bad luck pursued them, for they
+took the wrong turn at a point five miles from
+Meldon, and went eight miles out of their way.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh hang it!” cried Ned when they were set
+right by a truck farmer on a load of produce.
+“Can we make it, Jerry?”</p>
+
+<p>“I guess so,” and the tall lad threw the gasolene
+lever over a couple more notches, and advanced
+the spark full.</p>
+
+<p>The big car fairly bounded along, and it
+seemed as if they would get to Meldon in time to
+catch the Limited. But they struck a stretch of
+sand that held them back. However, Jerry drove
+on like mad, and soon the lights of the station
+came into view.</p>
+
+<p>“What are you going to do with the car?”
+cried Ned above the noise of the motor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Leave it with the agent, and have him store
+it for us,” replied Jerry. “I guess we’re in
+plenty of time, fellows,” he cried with a look at
+his watch. “I thought it was later.”</p>
+
+<p>He stopped the car with a screech of brakes at
+the station, and jumped out.</p>
+
+<p>“You fellows get out the baggage, and I’ll see
+to the tickets!” he cried.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t leave any of my specimens!” cried the
+professor.</p>
+
+<p>Jerry rushed up to the ticket agent behind his
+little barred window.</p>
+
+<p>“Four tickets through to Denver!” exclaimed
+the tall lad. “On the Limited! We’ve got quite
+some baggage and I’d like to leave our auto in
+your care. We’ll pay you well.”</p>
+
+<p>“The Limited pulled out of here about an hour
+ago,” said the man. “You’re too late.”</p>
+
+<p>“Too late? Why it isn’t nine o’clock yet!”
+and Jerry looked at his watch.</p>
+
+<p>“Guess you must be wrong, friend,” spoke the
+agent. “That clock is standard time for this
+section of the country.”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry looked at his watch and gave a low
+whistle.</p>
+
+<p>“By Jove! She’s stopped,” he cried. “That’s
+it. I forgot to wind my watch last night. Oh,
+what a chump!”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we’ve missed the Limited,” said Ned.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“And Noddy Nixon is ahead of us,” added
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m afraid so,” admitted Jerry, a look of disappointment
+on his face. “Has the local from
+Belmont gone?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Some time ago,” replied the agent. “She
+doesn’t stop here. The Limited will have passed
+her by now, though.”</p>
+
+<p>The boys said nothing. They did not know
+what to do. Their enemy was ahead of them, and
+they were stranded. The professor was calmly
+looking for bugs on the wall of the depot.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a><br />
+<small>THE PROFESSOR’S LUNCH</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Well, what are we going to do?” asked
+Ned, after a long and rather gloomy pause.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know,” answered Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Might as well go on in the auto,” suggested
+Bob. “We’ll get to Denver to-morrow or next
+day, won’t we?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, yes,” agreed the tall lad, “but Noddy
+will be a good deal ahead of us, even if he is on a
+slow local. Hang it! Why didn’t I think to wind
+my watch. I meant to, but we had so many
+things to think about that it slipped my mind.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, there’s no use crying over spilled milk,”
+consoled Ned. “The thing now is to decide
+what’s best to do. We might have looked at our
+watches.”</p>
+
+<p>The station agent had gone outside to attend to
+some of his duties, leaving the boys and the professor
+alone in the depot. The scientist seemed
+to have shaken all cares from his shoulders, as he
+walked about, peering through his powerful spectacles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+for any stray specimens he might be able to
+capture.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, the only thing I see,” spoke Jerry, “is
+to take the Limited to-morrow. We can stay here
+in town to-night. I guess we’ll go to a hotel, for
+I want to stretch out in bed. Then I can arrange
+with some garage man myself, about looking after
+the auto, instead of leaving it for the station
+agent to do. But I certainly am sorry we missed
+that train. We’d be ahead of Noddy by this
+time.”</p>
+
+<p>“It wasn’t your fault any more than it was
+ours,” spoke Ned. “We ought to have looked at
+our watches, too.”</p>
+
+<p>Bob said nothing. He had strolled over to the
+far side of the depot where there was a lunch
+counter. But the place was closed by glass partitions,
+through which the food could be seen.</p>
+
+<p>“Just look at Chunky,” said Ned in a low
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>“Here, come away from there!” called Jerry
+in a loud voice to his chum. “Hands off!”</p>
+
+<p>Bob started.</p>
+
+<p>“Can’t I look at it if I want to?” he asked.
+“I was seeing if they had any nicer stuff than we
+did in the auto. If they did we might better eat
+here instead of going to the hotel. Supper’ll be
+over there, anyhow.”</p>
+
+<p>“Come away, or you’ll get wireless indigestion,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+advised Jerry. “Oh, say, I wish I knew
+what to do,” he added impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>“Guess the only thing is to go to bed and take
+the first train in the morning,” advised Ned.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment a young woman came into the
+depot. She walked with a business-like air, and,
+advancing to the lunch room, opened the door
+leading into it. Then she began taking down the
+glass windows that closed it off. Bob, who had
+walked back toward his chums, started for the
+counter again.</p>
+
+<p>“Would you look at Chunky!” remarked Ned
+again. The stout lad was eagerly looking over
+the collection of food, at the same time casting
+stray glances at the young woman—she was little
+more than a girl.</p>
+
+<p>“Are—are you going to serve lunch?” asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“If anybody wants it—and I hope they do,”
+was her reply with a bright smile, showing two
+rows of white, even teeth.</p>
+
+<p>“I—I guess I do,” went on Bob, with a half-ashamed
+glance at his chums.</p>
+
+<p>“Here, Bob! You come away from there!”
+ordered Ned in a loud voice. “Don’t go to bothering
+the young lady. You mustn’t mind him,
+miss,” went on the joking Ned. “He’s harmless.
+We’re taking him back to the asylum. He just
+got out to-day—escaped. He thinks he’s always<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+hungry. Did he annoy you?” and with a half-fierce
+air Ned started for Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“No—no, sir, he didn’t say anything out of the
+way,” replied the girl, with a startled air.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, he doesn’t mean anything,” explained
+Ned without a smile. “He always imagines he’s
+hungry. That’s his peculiar form of insanity.
+You wouldn’t believe it, but he just ate three roast
+chickens, not half an hour ago, and my partner
+and I have had the hardest work to prevent him
+breaking into your lunch room. Come over here,
+I say, or we’ll put the strait-jacket on you!”
+ordered Ned to his fat chum.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Bob could only gasp, he was so
+surprised. Then he ripped out:</p>
+
+<p>“Well of all the nerve! I’ll fix you for that!
+Don’t you believe him!” he went on. “I’m not
+crazy at all, I’m only hungry.”</p>
+
+<p>“They all say that,” put in Jerry, carrying on
+the joke.</p>
+
+<p>“Jerry Hopkins!” cried Bob. “I—I’ll——”</p>
+
+<p>He did not say what he would do, for at that
+moment Professor Snodgrass, who had been unsuccessful
+in his search for insects, approached
+the lunch counter. The girl had started the coffee
+machine, and an aromatic odor filled the waiting
+room.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, that smells good!” exclaimed the professor.
+“I believe I will have a cup of coffee,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+and some sandwiches. Will you join me, boys,
+as long as we have to wait?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, do,” urged Bob, and he glanced appealingly
+at his chums. They did not have the heart
+to plague him further, and with a laugh, at which
+the girl seemed much relieved, Jerry clapped his
+stout companion on the back, and linked arms
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe I can take something myself,” spoke
+Ned. “Bob, you do the ordering, and then we’ll
+go to the hotel, and try to forget our troubles in
+sleep.”</p>
+
+<p>They drew the tall stools up to the marble-topped
+lunch counter, and the girl, evidently much
+relieved, and pleased at so many customers at that
+hour, began setting out plates, spoons, knifes and
+other table utensils in front of them.</p>
+
+<p>“Chicken pies!” exclaimed Bob, rubbing his
+hands as he scanned the bill of fare. “That
+sounds good. We’ll start with them.”</p>
+
+<p>“I think I will take some fruit first,” said the
+professor. “Those bananas look tempting,” and
+he motioned to some under a glass cover.</p>
+
+<p>“Just help yourself to them, please,” invited
+the lunch girl. “I’ll put the chicken pies in the
+oven to heat.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Snodgrass lifted the cover off the bananas,
+and, as he did so he uttered one of his usual cries
+of delight.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“There it is! There it is!” he exclaimed.
+“Oh, what a beauty, and such a long tail! Oh,
+I must get that! Look out boys! Don’t let it
+get away.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, what is it?” screamed the girl. “It’s a
+mouse, I know it is! Oh, a mouse! A mouse!
+Father, come quickly!” and she leaped upon a
+small stool, and thence to the broad shelf back of
+the lunch counter, while Professor Snodgrass
+clapped a specimen box down over something amid
+the bananas.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a><br />
+<small>THE WRECK OF THE LIMITED</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The door of the station opened, and the ticket
+agent rushed in. At a glance he sized up the situation,
+the girl on the shelf, screaming, the excited
+professor holding his hands over the bananas and
+three more or less startled boys looking on.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter?” demanded the agent.
+“Mildred, has anything happened? Have these
+people annoyed you?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, no, father. It’s a mouse—a mouse in the
+bananas, but the gentleman has captured it. But
+he acted so queer—he called out so, and—and——”
+She stopped, on the verge of tears.</p>
+
+<p>The agent took a step forward. His manner
+was rather threatening. Jerry saw that it was
+time to explain at once.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s all right,” he said in a quiet voice. “We
+did start to have a little fun with our friend,” and
+he nodded at Bob, “but we had no intention of
+annoying the young lady. We——”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, no, they didn’t annoy me, father,” the
+girl said earnestly. “It’s only the mouse.”</p>
+
+<p>“It isn’t a mouse at all!” broke in the professor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>
+“It is a very rare specimen of a long-tailed
+scorpion and——”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, a scorpion!” screamed the girl. “That’s
+worse! Oh, daddy, get a poker, or something,
+and kill the horrid thing. I saw one once, all
+covered with long hairs—a big spider—Ugh!”</p>
+
+<p>“You are thinking of a tarantula, my dear
+young lady,” said the professor calmly. “This is
+a scorpion, which is entirely different. But this
+species is harmless, I do assure you. It wouldn’t
+bite a fly. I am very fortunate to have captured
+it. I saw it on the bananas as soon as I took off
+the cover, and I knew I must get it at once, or it
+would escape. There, I have it safe,” and he slid
+a glass cover on the box, and held out to view
+some sort of an insect, like a crayfish, with an extra
+long tail, which was squirming about under
+the glass.</p>
+
+<p>“There is the little beauty!” cried the professor
+with enthusiasm. “It is worth at least ten
+dollars, and I am willing to pay that much to whoever
+owns it,” and he glanced at the girl.</p>
+
+<p>“Ugh! Take the horrid thing away!” she
+cried. “Are you sure there are no more?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not a one. I wish there were,” said the professor,
+looking carefully among the bananas.</p>
+
+<p>“Then I’ll come down,” went on the lunch
+girl, as she blushingly descended. “I’m sorry I
+made a scene, but I thought it was a mouse.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“That’s all right,” spoke Jerry gallantly. “It
+was our fault for wanting lunch at this unearthly
+hour.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I always serve lunch at this time,” spoke
+the girl. “There’s quite a crowd comes in from
+the Denver Express, and they’re ’most always
+hungry. They’ll be here in about an hour, won’t
+they, father? Is the train on time?”</p>
+
+<p>“About,” replied the agent. “But I don’t exactly
+understand. Is everything all right now?”</p>
+
+<p>“I think so,” said Jerry, and he explained how
+he and Ned had started to have fun with Bob,
+how they had made up their minds to have a
+lunch, and how Professor Snodgrass had discovered
+the scorpion amid the bananas. He told
+what a learned man the scientist was, always on
+the lookout for specimens. Uriah Snodgrass was,
+by this time, painlessly preserving his scorpion,
+and making notes about it, forgetting his desire to
+eat. Not so Bob, however, who was eagerly waiting
+for the hot chicken pies.</p>
+
+<p>The excitement soon quieted down, and matters
+having been satisfactorily explained the ticket
+agent became very friendly. He told the boys
+how he had secured the privilege of running the
+lunch counter at the station, and how his daughter,
+after the death of her mother, had taken
+charge of it. By this time the meal was ready,
+and even the professor sat up and ate.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“But I don’t see why you serve meals so late,”
+said Jerry, for it was now after ten o’clock.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, we have to accommodate the passengers
+of the Denver Express,” explained Miss Harrison,
+the lunch-girl. “At least they call it an express,
+though it doesn’t go very fast.”</p>
+
+<p>“And it comes from Denver?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“No, it goes <em>to</em> Denver,” she said.</p>
+
+<p>“To Denver?” cried Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, it’s the last train out of here to-night.
+It gets to Denver to-morrow noon, when it’s on
+time, and that isn’t very often. But there are
+always a lot of travelers who like to stop off here
+for lunch. The train waits ten minutes for a
+freight to clear. So I always come back here
+after supper to serve a little lunch. I won’t have
+much left, though, if you people come in often,”
+and with a mischievous look on her face she
+glanced at Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“A train to Denver!” cried Jerry. “That’s
+good news. I didn’t know there were any more.
+I supposed when we lost the Limited we were
+stranded here for the night. Boys, there’s a
+chance yet of beating Noddy Nixon!” he cried.</p>
+
+<p>“Good!” exclaimed Ned. “Then we’ll do
+it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sure—we—blub—ugh—will,” added Bob,
+his mouth full of chicken pie.</p>
+
+<p>“Then finish up!” ordered Jerry. “We’ll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>
+arrange to have the auto left here, and take our
+baggage on with us. In Denver to-morrow noon!
+That’s fine!”</p>
+
+<p>“If you’re on time,” put in the agent. “I
+meant to tell you about that last train, but I had
+some freight matters to look after, and it slipped
+my mind. She’ll be along here pretty soon. Better
+get your tickets, and have your baggage
+checked if you’re going.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, and we’ve got to attend to our auto,”
+said Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“And my specimens!” cried the professor.
+“I think I will express back to the college those
+I have, and begin on a new lot. Oh, how lucky
+I am to get the long-tailed scorpion!”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, don’t speak of it!” cried Miss Harrison.</p>
+
+<p>While Ned ran the auto to the nearest garage
+and arranged to have it cared for while the boys
+were in the West, Jerry and Bob bought the
+tickets for Denver, and had the baggage checked.
+That is, Jerry did most of the work, while Bob
+paid occasional visits to the lunch counter.</p>
+
+<p>“Say, Bob,” asked Jerry at length. “Is it
+the girl or the grub that you’re fondest of?”</p>
+
+<p>“Ah—er—both!” stammered the fat lad.
+“Those chicken pies were fine!”</p>
+
+<p>There was some little time to wait after all
+their preparations were made, for the Express<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+was late, as usual, and in the interim the boys
+and the professor struck up quite an acquaintance
+with Mr. Harrison and his daughter. Bob even
+insisted on buying a lot of sandwiches to take
+along on the train, for he said he might get hungry
+in the night journey to Denver.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it’s better than staying in town all
+night,” remarked Jerry, when the agent informed
+him that their train would soon pull in. “But I
+wish we had caught the Limited.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, maybe we’ll get ahead of Noddy yet,”
+suggested Ned.</p>
+
+<p>The Express pulled in, and a score of hungry
+passengers besieged pretty Miss Harrison. She
+waved good-bye to the boys and the professor,
+and then began handing out food. Our friends
+got aboard, and settled themselves comfortably
+for the trip to Denver. At last they were underway
+again.</p>
+
+<p>Through the night rushed the Express. Jerry
+and his friends had taken sleeping berths, and
+they stretched out for a long rest, as they were
+tired. There was some regret that Noddy was
+ahead of them, but this could not be helped.</p>
+
+<p>“What do you think Noddy will do when he
+gets to Denver; if he arrives ahead of us?” asked
+Ned of Jerry, who had the berth below him.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know. I hope he doesn’t find out
+where our airship is, and try to damage that.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“He wouldn’t dare!”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, Noddy would do anything. Still, there’s
+no use in worrying until we have to.”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, will you boys get quiet and go to sleep?”
+begged a nervous man across the aisle. “I’ve
+got to get up early.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sorry we disturbed you,” spoke Jerry.
+“Good-night, Ned.”</p>
+
+<p>“Good-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.</p>
+
+<p>There was silence for a moment. Then, from
+the berth just forward of Jerry, came an inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>“Jerry, did you see what I did with that specimen
+of the long-tailed scorpion?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, mercy!” screamed a woman from somewhere
+in the car. “I hate bugs!”</p>
+
+<p>“You expressed it back to the college with the
+other things, Professor Snodgrass,” answered the
+tall lad.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, so I did. Good-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Good-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank goodness!” grunted the fussy man.</p>
+
+<p>There was silence throughout the sleeping car.
+The train swung on through the night, making
+occasional stops. Then came a long run.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a grinding of brakes. The
+train was halted so suddenly that many of the
+passengers slipped down to the ends of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+berths, all crumpled up. There was a series of
+shrill whistles.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter?” cried the fussy man.
+“Are you boys cutting up again? Can’t you let
+a man sleep in peace? I’ve got to get up early!”</p>
+
+<p>“Hello! Hello!” cried the professor. “What
+is it?”</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know,” answered Jerry. “It isn’t
+us, anyhow,” he added, for the benefit of the
+fussy man.</p>
+
+<p>Just then a brakeman came hurrying through
+the car.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s up?” asked Jerry, poking his head
+through the curtains of his berth.</p>
+
+<p>“Wreck!” was the brief reply. “The Denver
+Limited, right ahead of us, has jumped the
+track. Our engineer stopped just in time, or we’d
+have been into her.”</p>
+
+<p>“The Limited wrecked!” gasped Jerry. “It’s
+a good thing, after all, that we missed it!”</p>
+
+<p>Then, from somewhere ahead, came screams
+and cries, and the crash of axes on wood.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a><br />
+<small>THE EXPRESS AHEAD</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Come on, fellows, tumble out!”</p>
+
+<p>Thus Jerry called to his two chums, but they
+needed no urging. The curtains of their berths
+were violently shaken as the lads drew on their
+clothes, and leaped out into the aisle.</p>
+
+<p>“Has anything happened?” asked the professor,
+hardly awake, even after his first question.</p>
+
+<p>“Not to us,” answered Jerry. “Our luck
+seems to have turned. But there must be a lot
+of people badly hurt on the Limited. Come on,
+we’ll do all we can to help.”</p>
+
+<p>Without stopping to dress fully, the three boys
+hurried out of the car. The professor and some
+of the other men passengers followed, the women
+remaining in frightened and tearful groups, discussing
+what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>Jerry saw a brakeman hurrying from the
+sleeping car with several tools under his arm—an
+axe, a saw and a crowbar.</p>
+
+<p>“Are passengers imprisoned in the wreck?”
+asked the tall lad.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Some of ’em,” was the quick response. “We
+need all the help we can get. There weren’t many
+on the Limited, and what few there are can’t do
+anything. It’s a good thing her tail lights were
+burning, or we’d have smashed into her. Come
+along, boys.”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, we’re right in the woods,” remarked
+Ned as he stumbled along the track in the darkness.
+Ahead of them they could see a glow of
+flames, reflected from the dark trees.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s on fire!” cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s why we need all the help we can get
+to chop the people out!” cried the brakeman.
+“Here, you boys, take those tools, and run ahead
+with ’em. I’ll get more from some of the other
+cars.”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry caught up a saw, Ned the iron bar and
+Bob the axe.</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t there anything for me?” demanded the
+professor, who was anxious to help.</p>
+
+<p>“You’ll find more tools up ahead!” shouted
+the brakeman, with a wave of his hand toward the
+blazing wreck. “Hurry!”</p>
+
+<p>The screams and cries of the injured could be
+heard more plainly now, and the fire was burning
+brighter. The three boys hastened their pace,
+and Jerry headed for one car, around which most
+of the rescuers were grouped.</p>
+
+<p>“Here’s work for us, fellows!” he cried.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“That’s right!” shouted a brakeman. “Get
+busy!”</p>
+
+<p>The motor boys could see the havoc wrought
+by the wreck. The engine lay on its side, down a
+slight embankment, and one car—a combined mail
+and express coach—had followed. The other
+cars were on the track, with the exception of one,
+which had fallen on its side, and was partly
+smashed. It was from this coach that the cries
+were proceeding, but fortunately that was not the
+car that was burning. The one on fire was an
+express car.</p>
+
+<p>“There are people imprisoned in this car!”
+cried the conductor of the train, who was directing
+operations. “Chop and saw away at the windows,
+so we can get ’em out! Lively now, everybody!”</p>
+
+<p>“But the fire!” cried a man, pointing to the
+express car. “Hadn’t we better try to put that
+out?”</p>
+
+<p>“Can’t be done,” replied the conductor briefly.
+“We have no water.”</p>
+
+<p>“But the poor souls——” cried the man.</p>
+
+<p>“None in there,” was the quick answer. “The
+express messenger got out, and the stuff will have
+to burn. All the people in danger are in this
+car, and we’ve got to get ’em out. There’s no
+danger from the fire. It will have to burn out.
+Lively now!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The boys fell to with a will, as did the other
+passengers from the wrecked Limited and from
+the Express. Several of the unfortunates had already
+been rescued, and were being laid on the
+cushioned car seats, or carried back to the rear
+train.</p>
+
+<p>“Here’s someone under this window!” cried
+Jerry, as in the darkness, illuminated by the glow
+from the fire, he saw a white hand tapping on the
+glass, that had, through some strange agency, not
+broken.</p>
+
+<p>“Chop ’em out!” cried Bob, raising his axe.</p>
+
+<p>“Go easy there!” yelled Jerry. “You’ll do
+more harm than good!” The tall lad tapped
+on the pane, and a face was thrust close to it.</p>
+
+<p>“Protect yourself from the flying glass,” ordered
+Jerry. “We’re going to break it, and pull
+you out. Cover yourself up.”</p>
+
+<p>A few taps with the axe served to shatter the
+pane, after Jerry had noticed that the dim figure
+wrapped itself in a blanket, for this car was a
+sleeper. Soon the hole was big enough to haul
+out a fairly large person, and Jerry and Ned
+carefully scraped away the jagged points of
+glass.</p>
+
+<p>“Come on now!” cried Jerry, thrusting his
+hands down into the opening. “We’ll lift you
+out!”</p>
+
+<p>He caught hold of the wrist of someone, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+Ned the other hand. They lifted, and there
+came into view a little girl, with light, curly hair.
+She did not seem to have a scratch on her, but
+she was crying from fright. As soon as Jerry
+had her in his arms she screamed out:</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, where is mamma—and papa?”</p>
+
+<p>A man came bursting through the crowd at the
+sound of the child’s voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, Gladys! Thank the dear Lord!” he
+cried, fairly snatching her from Jerry. “You are
+saved! I thought you were gone! Your mamma
+is safe. Come. Oh, boys, I can’t thank you
+enough! You have saved my little daughter.”</p>
+
+<p>“And the glass didn’t cut me!” cried Gladys.
+“I was in a blanket. But, papa, I can’t go. Annabell
+is in there.”</p>
+
+<p>“What, another little girl!” cried Jerry.
+“Come on, boys. More work!”</p>
+
+<p>“Annabell is my doll!” explained Gladys,
+smiling now in her father’s arms. “But I want
+her. I love her.”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry looked in through the broken window.
+In a pile of blankets, on what had been a berth,
+he saw what seemed to be a tousled head of hair.
+Reaching in his arm he pulled out a big doll,
+minus one leg.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, poor Annabell is hurt!” cried Gladys.
+“Oh, papa!”</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind, you shall have a dozen dolls.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>
+Boys, I can’t begin to thank you! Montrose is
+my name, James Montrose, of Denver. I’ll see
+you again. I want your names. Now I must
+take Gladys to her mother. Mrs. Montrose is
+slightly injured. Oh, what a terrible wreck!”</p>
+
+<p>He hurried away, and Jerry and his chums
+looked for more work to do. But, so well had
+the rescue operations been conducted that, as far
+as could be learned, not another soul remained in
+the wrecked sleeper. From the other cars the
+passengers had hastened themselves, or been
+helped, after the crash, bruises and cuts being
+their worst injuries.</p>
+
+<p>And, strange as it may seem, no one was killed
+outright, though several were grievously hurt.
+The wounded had been carried back to the stalled
+Express, and made as comfortable as possible.
+Fortunately, there was a doctor aboard, and a
+supply of bandages and medicine. The conductor
+of the wrecked Limited checked over his passenger
+list, and reported no one missing.</p>
+
+<p>“I think everyone is out now, gentlemen,” he
+said to Jerry and his chums, and the little group
+of rescuers.</p>
+
+<p>“Then I suppose we must wait here until the
+wrecking crew comes,” said one man.</p>
+
+<p>“No,” answered the conductor, “we will go
+back, and get aboard the Express, just behind us.
+There is a switch, not far away, and we can go<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+around the wreck, and proceed to Denver, though
+we’ll stop at the nearest hospital with the worst
+wounded.”</p>
+
+<p>“On to Denver!” exclaimed Jerry. “Then
+we’ll beat the Limited after all. We’re going
+on ahead.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, but Noddy is still in front of us,” spoke
+Ned in a low voice. “We’ll never catch up to
+him.”</p>
+
+<p>“It can’t be helped,” remarked Bob. “Say,
+but we run into excitement and adventures when
+we least expect it.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s better than running into a wreck,” replied
+Jerry. “Hello, here’s someone evidently
+forgotten!”</p>
+
+<p>The boys and Professor Snodgrass were walking
+back toward the Express, and were somewhat
+by themselves, when Jerry noticed the figure of a
+man lying on a pile of seat cushions on the railroad
+embankment.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s carry him back to the doctor!” cried
+Ned, and he advanced to take hold of one corner
+of the seat, which was like an improvised
+stretcher. The man on it never moved.</p>
+
+<p>“We four can carry it nicely,” said Jerry.
+“Catch hold here, Professor.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Snodgrass used one hand to reach for the
+corner of the plush-covered seat. His left he held
+clenched, some distance away from his body. As<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+might have been expected, with only one hand, he
+could not lift his corner.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Ned. “Is your
+hand hurt, Mr. Snodgrass?”</p>
+
+<p>“Hand hurt? No. Why?”</p>
+
+<p>“You’re not using it. Why do you hold it
+that funny way?”</p>
+
+<p>“Funny way? I—er—bless my soul! It’s
+my collar button. I’ve been holding my collar
+button all this while. I started to put it in my
+shirt when I heard the call for help, and I guess
+I was so excited and absent-minded that I’ve been
+holding it ever since. I wondered why I couldn’t
+do more work, and all the while it was because I
+only used one hand. The other held the collar
+button. How stupid!”</p>
+
+<p>He thrust the button into his pocket, while the
+boys could hardly restrain a smile. Then, with
+the professor’s two-handed aid, the sufferer on
+the seat was carried to the rear. He had fainted
+from a comparatively slight injury and was soon
+being cared for.</p>
+
+<p>A little later, with all the wounded from the
+Limited on board, and all the other passengers
+squeezed in somehow, the Express backed up, went
+around the wreck by means of a switch, and
+headed for Denver.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were beating the Limited, which they
+had missed, but they would reach the Western<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+city considerably in the rear of Noddy Nixon for
+all that, since the Limited could not now pass the
+local train on which the bully and his cronies were
+riding.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it can’t be helped,” remarked Jerry,
+as he saw Mr. Montrose, whose little daughter
+they had rescued, caring for his wife. Gladys
+was happy with her injured doll.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a><br />
+<small>THE AIRSHIP GONE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Stopping in the early dawn at a good-sized
+city, the wounded from the Express were taken to
+a hospital for treatment. Though Mrs. Montrose
+was not seriously hurt her husband decided
+that she also had better stop off, instead of making
+the trip to Denver. Accordingly, after having
+bidden the boys good-bye, giving them his address
+in the Western city, and telling them he
+expected to see them there, Mr. Montrose got
+off the train.</p>
+
+<p>“And I’m much obliged to you, too,” said little
+Gladys. “So Annabell would be, if she could
+talk, and I guess she doesn’t mind her leg being
+off—that is, not very much, for she’s been asleep
+most of the time, and when you sleep you don’t
+feel any pain.”</p>
+
+<p>“I guess that’s right,” agreed Jerry with a
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>The Express went on, but it was much behind
+time, and had to proceed necessarily slower each
+hour, on account of the wreck, for all the railroad
+schedules were set awry.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“But we’ll get there some time,” observed
+Jerry, though naturally he was nervous about
+what Noddy might do to get to Snake Island
+ahead of them.</p>
+
+<p>Noon saw our friends still quite a distance away
+from Denver, and they fretted over the delay.
+They ate dinner at a way-station lunch counter,
+and, though Professor Snodgrass looked eagerly
+among the bananas for more rare specimens, he
+found none.</p>
+
+<p>“But if I get my two-tailed toad I’ll not want
+anything else,” he said, as they got underway
+again.</p>
+
+<p>It was late that afternoon, when they reached
+Denver, and went at once to a hotel, for a good
+bath and a change of clothing, for they had
+brought their big valises with them on the
+train.</p>
+
+<p>“And now for a good hot meal!” cried Bob,
+as, much refreshed the chums sat together in the
+hotel parlor. “Railroad lunches are all right,
+even when a pretty girl serves ’em, but I want to
+sit down to a table where I can eat as long as I
+like.”</p>
+
+<p>“And as much,” added Jerry. “But I guess
+we’ll have to postpone our eating for a while,
+Bob,” and the tall lad winked at Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Postpone it!” cried the fat youth. “Why?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we ought to go out to Buffalo Park, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>
+look after our airship,” went on Jerry. The
+<i>Comet</i>, so Mr. Glassford had written them, was
+left at one of the hangars in Buffalo Park, where
+the aero meet had been held. The craft had not
+been taken apart for shipment back east, but
+had, in accordance with the instructions of the
+motor boys, been kept in readiness for a quick
+flight. A watchman, named Boise, had been left
+in charge, and Mr. Glassford had told him that
+Jerry and his chums would soon be on hand to
+claim their property.</p>
+
+<p>“Go to Buffalo Park!” exclaimed Bob blankly.
+“Why, that’s about seven miles out. It will take
+more than two hours to go there and back, and
+look at the <i>Comet</i>. That will make supper awfully
+late. I guess she’s all right. Can’t we wait
+until to-morrow, Jerry?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, that’s what I was going to propose,”
+remarked the tall lad, after what to Bob was a
+painful pause. “I guess we’re all too tired to
+chase out there, and our airship will probably
+be all right. I tried to see if I could get Boise
+on the ’phone, but I couldn’t.”</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll go out there the first thing in the morning!”
+decided Bob, with a look of relief on his
+face. “Now, I’m going to the dining-room, and
+look at the bill of fare.”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t eat it,” advised Ned with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>“No danger. I’m not going to spoil my appetite,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+declared the fat one. “I never had a better.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then don’t say anything about it, or they’ll
+raise the rate on us,” cautioned Jerry. “Jove,
+but I’m tired!” and he stretched out in an easy
+chair, while Ned took another, and Bob strolled
+toward the dining-room, to find out how soon
+supper would be served.</p>
+
+<p>“And we didn’t hear anything of Noddy,” remarked
+Ned, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>“Nor see anything,” added Jerry. “I inquired
+at the station, and they told me the local,
+which Noddy and the others must have taken, got
+in early this morning. He was several hours
+ahead of us if he was on that, and he probably
+was.”</p>
+
+<p>Bright and early the next morning they were
+on their way to Buffalo Park. The place of the
+aero meet was deserted, and the hangars looked
+gloomy in the big expanse of open field.</p>
+
+<p>“Wonder which is ours?” ventured Ned, as
+he and his chums alighted from the trolley car.</p>
+
+<p>“There it is,” remarked Jerry, pointing to a
+big shed with the word “COMET” in large letters
+across the big doors.</p>
+
+<p>“And now for a good flight!” cried Bob. “No
+more train wrecks for ours. Off for Snake Island
+and the radium!”</p>
+
+<p>“And my two-tailed toad,” added Professor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>
+Snodgrass, looking carefully on the ground as he
+advanced for a possible rare specimen.</p>
+
+<p>The boys found the hangar, where their craft
+was housed, closed and locked. They pounded
+on the doors, and Jerry remarked:</p>
+
+<p>“This is odd.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Because Mr. Glassford said he had instructed
+Boise to just live out here until we came—not to
+go away at all. And yet he isn’t here.”</p>
+
+<p>“Maybe he didn’t expect us, and has gone to
+town for supplies,” suggested Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“In that case, as Mr. Glassford wrote, he was
+to have a friend on guard. Yet no one seems to
+be here.”</p>
+
+<p>“Maybe he’s asleep,” ventured Bob.</p>
+
+<p>Jerry kicked on the door, with enough force to
+awaken the soundest sleeper, but there was no
+response from inside. Suddenly, from the fields
+back of the boys came a hail.</p>
+
+<p>“Hey! What are you fellows doing at that
+hangar? Get away!”</p>
+
+<p>A man came running toward them. He seemed
+quite angry.</p>
+
+<p>“Get away!” he ordered.</p>
+
+<p>“Who are you?” asked Jerry, a sudden fear
+coming into his heart.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m the watchman—Boise is my name—but
+I’m on my way to Denver now.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Why?” faltered Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Because there’s nothing more here to watch.
+My job is ended. But who are you fellows, anyhow;
+and what do you want here?”</p>
+
+<p>“We’re the owners of the <i>Comet</i>,” replied
+Jerry, “and we came for our airship, that Mr.
+Glassford left with you.”</p>
+
+<p>“The—the owners!” gasped Mr. Boise.
+“Are you the motor boys?”</p>
+
+<p>“We are!” cried Ned. “Where is the
+<i>Comet</i>?”</p>
+
+<p>“It’s gone—gone!” faltered the watchman.</p>
+
+<p>“Gone; where?” Jerry wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>“I delivered it to a young fellow named Noddy
+Nixon last night,” answered Mr. Boise. “He
+had a letter from Mr. Glassford, and one signed
+Jerry Hopkins, saying he had been sent to bring
+the airship to you—said you couldn’t get this far,
+as there was a wreck.”</p>
+
+<p>“Noddy—Nixon—has—our—airship!”
+gasped Jerry. “Fellows, he got ahead of us
+after all!”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a><br />
+<small>AN UNEXPECTED OFFER</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Blank amazement, despair, fear and anger
+showed on the faces of the motor boys, as they
+looked at one another and then at the watchman,
+Boise. The latter, no less than our heroes, was
+startled. He saw at once that something was
+wrong.</p>
+
+<p>“And you let the airship go—our <i>Comet</i>?”
+asked Jerry, as if he could not believe the words.</p>
+
+<p>“I did. I thought it was all right. This
+Noddy Nixon said he was a friend of yours, and
+he had two letters. They were orders on me to
+give up the airship, and, as I was expecting you
+any day, I thought it was the thing to do. Here
+are the orders now,” and he pulled two pieces of
+paper from his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s see ’em!” exclaimed Jerry eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>Bob and Ned looked over his shoulder as the
+tall lad read. Clearly enough the letters purported
+to be orders on Boise for the delivery of
+the <i>Comet</i>. But it needed only a glance to show
+that they were forgeries.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I never signed that letter!” cried Jerry
+wrathfully. “I might have known Noddy would
+be up to some trick like this.”</p>
+
+<p>“And that isn’t Mr. Glassford’s writing,
+either,” added Ned. “I have a letter from him
+in my pocket, explaining where he would leave
+the <i>Comet</i> for us,” and he pulled out the epistle,
+comparing it with the one Boise had handed over.
+Though there was some similarity between the
+two signatures, the boys could easily see that the
+order for the airship had been forged. There
+was no question as to the letter purporting to be
+signed by Jerry. That signature was not a bit
+like his.</p>
+
+<p>“And yet these don’t look as if Noddy wrote
+them,” spoke Jerry, as he scanned the forged
+documents. “He couldn’t write as firm a hand
+as this.”</p>
+
+<p>“I shouldn’t be surprised but what that former
+college teacher did it,” suggested Professor Snodgrass.
+“He has probably added forgery to his
+other accomplishments. Let me take a look. I
+don’t know his writing, but I can tell an educated
+hand.”</p>
+
+<p>The professor looked carefully at the two documents,
+and said it was very evident that Dr. Belgrade
+had written them.</p>
+
+<p>“It is too finished a hand to have been penned
+by a lad like Noddy Nixon,” declared Uriah Snodgrass.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>
+“Probably Noddy did not feel equal to
+that part of the work, and got his crony to attempt
+it.”</p>
+
+<p>“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “But
+what did they do with the airship, Mr. Boise?”</p>
+
+<p>“Took her away, and right from in front of
+my face. Oh, I was a ninny to stand there and
+see ’em do it!”</p>
+
+<p>“It wasn’t your fault,” declared Jerry. “Almost
+anyone would have given up the craft, after
+receiving two such orders as these. But where
+did they go?”</p>
+
+<p>“That I can’t say. They seemed in very much
+of a hurry, and, after I had unlocked the big
+doors, and opened ’em, they wheeled the <i>Comet</i>
+out, and started her up. She ran beautifully, too,
+for Mr. Glassford had told me to keep her ready
+for a quick flight, and I did. There was plenty
+of gasolene in the tanks, and she was fit for a big
+journey.”</p>
+
+<p>“Were there three of them?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, the young fellow, who the others called
+Noddy, a rough sort of a chap, and a slick-looking
+man.”</p>
+
+<p>“Bill Berry and Dr. Belgrade, all right,” commented
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Did you hear them say where they were going?”
+asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“No, they didn’t talk much. Just a few words.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+They seemed to know how to work the machinery,
+and I never had a suspicion that anything was
+wrong. I did ask ’em where they expected to
+meet you boys, and Noddy said somewhere outside
+of Denver.”</p>
+
+<p>“I guess that part was the only true thing he
+said,” remarked Jerry grimly. “And when we
+do meet him, outside of Denver, or anywhere
+else, well——”</p>
+
+<p>He did not finish, but there was a stern look
+on his face.</p>
+
+<p>“Which way did they head, as they started
+off?” asked Ned, seeking for possible clews.</p>
+
+<p>“I couldn’t say,” replied Boise. “I watched
+’em until they got high in the air, and then they
+got beyond my sight. I haven’t very good eyes,
+so I couldn’t say where they did head for.”</p>
+
+<p>“Did they take any provisions along?” Bob
+wanted to know, and this time his chums did not
+laugh at him, for they realized the wisdom of his
+question.</p>
+
+<p>“None that I saw,” replied the watchman.
+“And there were none in the airship.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then they can’t go very far!” cried Bob.
+“Fellows, we’ve got to get right after ’em.
+They’ll have to come down to feed, and that will
+be our chance.”</p>
+
+<p>“But how can we get after ’em?” asked Jerry.
+“On foot? Our airship is gone, and our auto is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+hundreds of miles away. How are we going to
+do it?”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so,” agreed Bob, much downcast.</p>
+
+<p>“An airship is what we need,” commented
+Ned, “and that’s out of the question.”</p>
+
+<p>“There were plenty here a while ago,” remarked
+the watchman, “but they’ve been taken
+away since the meet. Oh, I’m so sorry I let those
+fellows fool me!”</p>
+
+<p>“You couldn’t help it,” declared Jerry kindly.
+“Now it’s up to us to get busy, and make Noddy
+pay for the trouble he has caused us. Come on,
+boys. We’ll get back to the hotel, and talk it
+over. Something has got to be done.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” agreed Professor Snodgrass, “we must
+get to Snake Island before they do, or they may
+get the only two-tailed toad that is there.”</p>
+
+<p>“And, naturally, they’ll get all the radium,”
+spoke Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything more for
+you,” said Boise. “I just came out this morning,
+after closing the hangar up last night, to get
+a few things I’d left behind. My work here is
+done, and I’m looking for a new job. If I could
+help you I would.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m afraid you can’t,” replied Jerry, and,
+parting from Boise, they started for the trolley
+that would take them back to their hotel. They
+were sad and discouraged. After all their hard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+work and preparations, to be thus beaten by
+Noddy and his plotters! It was the worst of bad
+luck.</p>
+
+<p>“Gentleman here to see you,” remarked the
+hotel clerk when they went up to the desk to get
+the keys to their adjoining rooms. “He’s in the
+reading-room now, I think. Said he’d wait a little
+while for you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Who is he?” asked Ned eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>“He didn’t leave his name. Front!” he called
+to one of the bell boys, “tell that gentleman with
+the tall hat, in the reading-room, that the young
+gentlemen he was asking for have come in now.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, sir!” exclaimed the lad whose coat was
+a mass of buttons.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll go in the reading-room, and talk to
+him,” suggested Jerry, wondering who their visitor
+could be. As the three lads entered the apartment
+they saw a familiar figure at the far end.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Montrose!” exclaimed Ned, as he recognized
+the father of little Gladys, whom they
+had rescued from the wreck.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, boys! I’m glad to see you!” cried Mr.
+Montrose. “I’ve been inquiring at half the
+hotels in Denver for you. I came on with my
+wife a while ago. She is much better, and as soon
+as I got home with her she insisted that I look
+you up. Gladys wants to see you also, and, as I
+forgot in the excitement to ask what hotel you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+were going to stop at, though I heard you say
+you were coming to this city, and as I mislaid
+your cards, the only way I had to find you was
+to describe you to the different hotel clerks. But
+at last I found you. I’m so glad! I want you
+to come out to my house at once.”</p>
+
+<p>Then, as if struck by something in the lads’
+faces the gentleman asked:</p>
+
+<p>“Why, what is the matter? Has anything
+happened?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, there has!” exclaimed Bob impulsively.
+“Our airship has been taken by Noddy Nixon,”
+and then, in a few brief words the boys told of
+what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>“And so he got ahead of you, after all,” commented
+Mr. Montrose, “and flew away in your
+airship?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, and we want to chase him, for he can’t
+get very far, but we haven’t anything to do it in,”
+remarked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“We need another airship,” added Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Another airship!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose.
+“How big a one? Would a biplane, carrying
+three, answer?”</p>
+
+<p>“Would it?” cried Jerry. “It certainly
+would! Even if we couldn’t take any provisions
+along for Chunky. But where could we get one
+on such short notice?”</p>
+
+<p>“From me!” suddenly exclaimed Mr. Montrose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>
+“Boys, I’ve been wondering how I could
+reward you for what you did for me—saving my
+daughter. I knew it would have to be something
+out of the ordinary. And this gives me just the
+chance I want. I’ll provide you with an aeroplane,
+so you can chase after Noddy Nixon!”</p>
+
+<p>“But we need it right away!” cried Jerry.
+“There isn’t time to have one made.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, that’s all right. I have one that’s in
+perfect order, if you can believe the man who
+made it. And it has flown recently, so it ought
+to go now. You can start this afternoon, I guess.
+Come and sit down, and I’ll tell you all about
+it,” and Mr. Montrose led the boys toward a
+quiet corner of the reading-room.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a><br />
+<small>ON THE TRAIL</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“How in the world does it happen that you
+have an airship, just when one is most needed?”
+asked Jerry, as he and his chums seated themselves
+near Mr. Montrose.</p>
+
+<p>“I admit it does sound like a fairy story,” said
+that gentleman with a smile, “but I assure you it
+is all plain facts. I am not an aviator, nor am I
+a dealer in airships. I’m a banker here in Denver.
+The quiet life for mine. I’d no more think
+of going up in an airship than I would of putting
+on a diver’s outfit, and going to the bottom of the
+sea. And yet I own what I am told is one of
+the best biplanes made. You see, it was this
+way:</p>
+
+<p>“When we had this meet, for aeroplanes and
+balloons out in Buffalo Park, there were a number
+of cranks, as there always are at an affair of that
+kind.</p>
+
+<p>“Some of them came to me, with plans for
+airships that I could easily see would never fly.
+Others seemed to have good ideas. They all
+wanted money to build their craft.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“There was one young fellow who seemed to
+have a plan for a good sort of airship, and I took
+quite a notion to him. I got an engineer to look
+over the drawings, and, on his report, I advanced
+the money for the young man to build his biplane.
+It was a success from the start, and he made several
+preliminary flights, and won some prizes in
+the meet.</p>
+
+<p>“Then he met with an accident, and not, as
+you might suppose, while up in the air. He was
+coming to the park one day to give an exhibition
+flight, when he was struck by a trolley car, and so
+badly injured that he died in a few days. That
+left me with a first-class airship on my hands, for
+I took it away from the grounds, and had it stored
+in my barn.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s how it happens that I have a biplane
+in good working order, and if it is of any service
+to you boys, you are welcome to her. I’d do
+anything for you, after what you did for me and
+I hope that you can make use of this craft.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is very kind of you to offer it to us,” spoke
+Jerry, “and I think it will be just the thing we
+need. Of course we don’t know anything about
+the engine, or how the biplane will sail, nor how
+fast. But I’m sure it will help us in our hunt for
+Noddy Nixon.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then suppose you come out to my place and
+look her over,” suggested Mr. Montrose. “I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>
+have my auto out in front, and it won’t take long
+to get to my house. Besides, I want you boys to
+pay me a visit, anyhow. Get your baggage from
+the hotel, and be my guests.”</p>
+
+<p>The boys could not refuse. They paid
+their bill at the hotel, and had their baggage
+taken to Mr. Montrose’s fine big house. As
+soon as the professor arrived there, he hurried
+out to a fish pond, with a small net, and was not
+seen again until night, when he came in with more
+specimens.</p>
+
+<p>As for the boys, their first visit was to the
+barn where the airship was stored. Mr. Montrose
+went with them, and he smiled in appreciation
+at what the three chums said.</p>
+
+<p>For perhaps two minutes they examined it carefully,
+Jerry paying particular attention to the engine.
+Then Bob burst out with:</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it’s not so bad. I see a place where
+we can fasten a box on to carry some lunch.”</p>
+
+<p>“Trust Chunky for that,” murmured Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“The engine is powerful,” was Jerry’s opinion,
+“and the propellers are well made. She has
+speed all right.”</p>
+
+<p>“And she’ll carry the three of us,” added Ned.
+“Of course we’ll have to come down after every
+trip of about a hundred miles, for she doesn’t
+carry gasolene for much more than that. But we
+can chase Noddy in ‘century’ stretches, and gasolene<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+is easy to get around here. I say, let’s take
+her, and have a try.”</p>
+
+<p>“We can stop for lunch anywhere if we happen
+to run short,” proposed Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“If you say lunch again, I’ll make you eat an
+onion!” cried Jerry, knowing how Bob hated
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you think it will do?” asked Mr. Montrose,
+full of interest in the project of the motor
+boys.</p>
+
+<p>“Do? It’s just fine!” cried Ned. “We can’t
+thank you enough.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is I who am in your debt,” spoke the
+banker. “You are welcome to the machine. I
+don’t know anything about them, and you may be
+taking a big risk to run it, but I hope not.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, she’ll run all right,” answered Jerry,
+looking over the craft with a critical eye. “We’ll
+give it a try-out now.”</p>
+
+<p>The professor being engaged in capturing specimens,
+the boys had the test to themselves. They
+wheeled the aeroplane out in a big field, and, after
+trying the engine, and finding that it worked almost
+to perfection, got ready for a flight. Mr.
+Montrose and his wife, who could sit up in an
+easy chair, and Gladys, with her wounded doll,
+watched the lads from a safe distance.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course this isn’t like our <i>Comet</i>,” said
+Jerry to his chums. “It’s just a straight aeroplane,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>
+and if the engine stops we’ve got to volplane
+down. But I think she’ll enable us to get
+on Noddy’s trail. We’ll go up for a short flight,
+and then if she’s all right, we’ll start out, and go
+as far as we can before dark.”</p>
+
+<p>“Which way?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Toward the Grand Canyon,” answered Jerry.
+“That’s where Noddy and his crew will head
+for.”</p>
+
+<p>“Get busy then!” cried Ned. “We’re on
+Noddy’s trail once more!”</p>
+
+<p>Our motor boys were too experienced hands
+with all forms of airships to have much trouble
+with the fine one the unfortunate young man had
+perfected. It worked perfectly, and carried the
+three with ease. Of course it was nothing like
+the <i>Comet</i>, and could remain aloft but a comparatively
+short time. But it was a great help
+in an emergency.</p>
+
+<p>The lads soared upward, circled around over
+Mr. Montrose’s house, and then started straight
+away. They covered several miles and returned.</p>
+
+<p>“Now for the chase!” cried Jerry grimly, as
+they made a descent.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, what wonderful boys!” cried Mrs. Montrose.
+“You are so daring!”</p>
+
+<p>“No danger at all,” Ned assured her.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take them long to pack a few articles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>
+of clothing, a light lunch and a few other necessaries
+on the aeroplane, which they named the
+<i>Chaser</i>. They planned to travel as far as they
+could before dark, and then stop at some hotel
+or farmhouse over night. In the morning they
+would renew the pursuit of Noddy. Professor
+Snodgrass was to remain at the Montrose home,
+seeking specimens, and the boys promised to call
+back for him when they had succeeded in their
+quest, or had proved to their own satisfaction
+that they could not catch Noddy.</p>
+
+<p>“But we’ll get him!” cried Ned, as he and his
+companions took their places in the <i>Chaser</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Come back to Annabell and me!” cried
+Gladys after them.</p>
+
+<p>“We will,” promised Bob.</p>
+
+<p>There was the clattering racket of the explosions
+in the cylinders. The big propellers
+whizzed around with terrific force. The biplane
+trembled, and then began to roll slowly across
+the smooth lawn on her bicycle wheels.</p>
+
+<p>“Good luck!” cried Mr. Montrose.</p>
+
+<p>His wife and daughter waved their hands to
+the motor boys.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later the stanch little machine rose
+into the air, and soared away over the treetops
+on the quest after the unprincipled bully who
+had taken away the <i>Comet</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we’re on his trail!” cried Bob, as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+looked to see that the lunch basket was securely
+fastened.</p>
+
+<p>“I hope we catch him soon,” murmured Jerry,
+as he grasped the steering-wheel with a firmer
+grip, and peered ahead for a glimpse of their own
+beloved craft.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a><br />
+<small>A DESPERATE RACE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>From Denver to that part of the Grand Canyon
+of the Colorado in Arizona where Snake
+Island might be located, the distance is about five
+hundred miles. Jerry had calculated this before
+starting, and he had told his chums that there
+was a chance of catching Noddy before the latter
+could reach the great gash in the earth that represented
+the canyon.</p>
+
+<p>“For I don’t believe Noddy is going to be
+very expert in managing our <i>Comet</i>,” commented
+the tall lad. “He may know how to run an ordinary
+aeroplane, but when he gets mixed up with
+our dirigible balloon he’ll come a cropper, sooner
+or later.”</p>
+
+<p>“Make it later,” advised Bob. “We don’t
+want him smashing our airship with any croppers.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I don’t know that he’ll take a tumble,”
+went on Jerry, “only he won’t know how to run
+her so as to get the best speed out of her. That
+means that he’ll be longer than he thinks he’ll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+be in getting to the canyon, and we’ll have a
+chance to catch up to him, even if he has a good
+start.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wonder what he’ll do, if he does get to the
+canyon?” asked Ned, as, in response to a sign
+from Jerry, he adjusted the carburetor so as to
+give the engine a richer mixture.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, he’ll hover over it, the same as we
+would, I suppose,” replied the tall lad, “and try
+to pick out Snake Island. He doesn’t know exactly
+where it is, any more than we do, but I
+guess there aren’t many islands in that part of
+the river, and so he won’t have much trouble
+picking it out. The only thing for us to do is to
+get there first.”</p>
+
+<p>“Can we do it with this machine?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it’s a pretty good craft,” replied Jerry,
+as he turned on more power, and did various evolutions
+in the air to ascertain how the <i>Chaser</i>
+responded to the helm. “Of course she isn’t
+as speedy as the <i>Comet</i>, but she might be, with
+Noddy tinkering with our machinery, and not
+getting the best out of it. We’ve got to take
+our chance.”</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Chaser</i> was indeed a fine craft of her class,
+and soon the motor boys were high in the air,
+sailing in an almost direct south-western direction
+from Denver, to reach the Colorado.</p>
+
+<p>For several miles they proceeded in a straight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>
+line, at a height of about a mile, as this gave
+them a good view ahead, unobstructed by any
+clouds which would have hampered them had they
+gone higher. But the clear air held not a speck
+that might be taken for the missing <i>Comet</i>. The
+boys strained their eyes in vain. They were making
+good time, and the wind cut into their faces,
+for there was no protection as in the comfortable
+cabin of their own craft.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t you think you might slow up a bit?”
+suggested Bob after a while.</p>
+
+<p>“Why?” inquired Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Because it’s ’most lunch time, and—er—well,
+you know you can hardly breathe if you open your
+mouth going at this speed, and if we try to eat
+any sandwiches we may get choked. So if you
+slowed up——”</p>
+
+<p>“All right, Chunky, enough said!” cried Ned.
+“Slow up, Jerry, I’m hungry too.”</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the <i>Chaser</i> was brought down to a
+speed that just kept her afloat, and Bob opened
+the lunch basket. It was no novelty for the boys
+to dine while high in the air, but it was rather
+more inconvenient in an open aeroplane than in
+the <i>Comet</i>. Still they managed.</p>
+
+<p>They spent the afternoon going straight on, or
+circling about at times to cover a wider area, but
+with all their looking, and peering through powerful
+binoculars, they had no glimpse of the craft<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>
+they sought. It was beginning to get dusk, and
+Jerry suggested that they had better go down,
+and seek a resting place for the night.</p>
+
+<p>“There’s no use flying after dark,” he said,
+“and we can pick out a better landing place if
+we do it now, than if we wait until later.”</p>
+
+<p>They were flying over a rather lonesome section
+of the country just then, and no houses were
+in sight. But, a little later, Jerry picked out a
+small cabin in the midst of a clearing in the woods,
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>“I guess this will do as well as anything. It
+doesn’t look very big, but we can sleep out-doors
+if we have to.”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry tilted the deflecting rudder, and the craft
+gracefully swooped down toward the earth.
+While yet a little distance from the ground the
+boys were surprised to see a tall, lank man, followed
+by a woman and several children, rush
+from the cabin, and take refuge behind a pile of
+wood. Then, as the airship came to a stop, after
+running across the ground on the bicycle wheels,
+a rifle was poked over the top of the logs, held
+unwaveringly on the three lads, while a voice
+drawled out:</p>
+
+<p>“Hold on, strangers! I may not be able to
+manage one of them consarned flippity-flop shebangs,
+but I’m a tolerable good shot with this
+gun, and she goes off on a hair trigger. So if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>
+you don’t want to be made into coffee strainers,
+git!”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, what’s the matter?” asked Jerry.
+“We don’t mean anything, we only want——”</p>
+
+<p>“Ye can’t fool me!” cried the voice of the
+man who held the gun. As for himself he was
+hidden by the wood. “Ye can’t come none of
+them games on me. Keep hid, ’Mandy, an’ don’t
+let the children stick their heads up. I’ll drive
+these pirates off.”</p>
+
+<p>“What do you take us for?” asked Jerry, in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>“Kidnappers—that’s what! I’ve read about
+ye in the papers. Kidnappers, an’ bomb throwers,
+that’s what ye be. They had a exhibition over in
+Denver, an’ the papers told how they dropped
+bombs from them airships, an’ how they took
+children up in ’em. Ye can’t do that here. I’ve
+got nine, an’ I want every one. Keep hid,
+’Mandy.”</p>
+
+<p>“I guess you’re mistaken,” spoke Jerry with
+a laugh, which was a bit forced on account of the
+gun that seemed pointed directly at him. “We
+are neither bomb throwers nor kidnappers. I
+don’t know how the papers could have said that
+anything like that was done at the Denver exhibition.
+Of course there may have been some
+bomb-dropping contests, but only harmless chalk
+balls were used, and, as for children, I never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>
+heard of any being taken up in an aeroplane.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ye know you didn’t read it yourse’f, pap,”
+interposed a woman’s voice from behind the wood
+pile.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, Gabe Ralston were tellin’ me about it,
+an’ I reckon he can read,” declared the man.</p>
+
+<p>“Now don’t be silly, pap!” went on the woman.
+“I’m sure them young men look harmless.”</p>
+
+<p>“I assure you we are!” cried Jerry, and he
+quickly told why they were on the wing, and how
+they had happened to come down. “We’d like
+shelter and a meal, and are willing to pay for it,”
+he concluded.</p>
+
+<p>At the mention of “pay,” the gun was at once
+withdrawn, and, after a moment of whispered
+conversation between the man and his wife, the
+former came out, looking rather ashamed of his
+action. He left his gun behind.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, strangers,” he said, “I guess maybe
+it’s all right. I have to be cautious, you know,
+livin’ all alone as I do, with a wife an’ nine
+children t’ protect. Come out, ’Mandy,” he
+called, and a woman, followed by the nine youngsters,
+ranging in sizes like a “pair of stairs,”
+came from behind the wood pile.</p>
+
+<p>The children, once they saw that no immediate
+harm was intended, gathered about the airship, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+did the man and his wife. Soon there was a
+feeling of confidence and friendship, and the woman
+at once set about getting a meal. Jerry and
+his chums told how the craft worked, and the
+solitary farmer was much interested. He admitted
+that all he knew about airships was what
+Gabe Ralston had told him.</p>
+
+<p>“An’ Gabe can’t read over’n above well,” the
+man added.</p>
+
+<p>There was hardly room for the boys to sleep in
+the small cabin, and so, after a generous supper,
+they were given blankets, and made their beds out
+of doors. The night was a fine one, and they
+slept well. Jerry’s generous payment for the accommodation
+brought a storm of protest from
+the man and his wife the next morning. But the
+tall lad said:</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, that’s not too much, but if you think it
+is——”</p>
+
+<p>“Have ’em put us up a lunch,” suggested Bob
+in a hoarse whisper.</p>
+
+<p>“Chunky suggests a lunch,” finished the tall
+lad with a smile, and the woman hastened to fill
+the basket.</p>
+
+<p>For the rest of that day the motor boys circled
+about, or advanced swiftly in straight lines, ever
+seeking the <i>Comet</i>. But she was not in sight.</p>
+
+<p>At noon they descended to renew their supply
+of gasolene, and the night was spent in a country<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>
+village, where they created considerable excitement
+and interest.</p>
+
+<p>It was about ten o’clock the next morning when
+Bob hastily caught up the binoculars, and directed
+them at a speck in the sky off to the left.</p>
+
+<p>“See anything?” asked Jerry quickly.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m not sure,” replied the fat lad, after an
+observation, “it’s either a big bird or——”</p>
+
+<p>He did not finish his sentence, but his hands
+trembled slightly as he passed the glasses to
+Jerry. Ned reached over and managed the wheel
+while Jerry looked.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s her all right!” suddenly cried the tall
+lad. “Now to catch him.”</p>
+
+<p>“Is it Noddy?” asked Ned eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s the <i>Comet</i> all right,” was the answer,
+“and I guess Noddy’s on board. Now to see
+what the <i>Chaser</i> is made of!”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry opened the motor full, and with a roar
+that fairly shook the comparatively frail craft
+from end to end, she shot ahead, her propellers
+beating the air relentlessly.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s going to be a desperate race!” cried
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“And we’re going to win!” declared Jerry
+grimly.</p>
+
+<p>The race was on. Faster and faster flew the
+<i>Chaser</i>, until, even without the glasses, it could
+be seen that she was drawing nearer to the <i>Comet</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+A view through the binoculars showed that those
+on board the stolen aircraft were rushing frantically
+about, doubtless trying to develop as much
+speed as possible.</p>
+
+<p>“Can you make it, Jerry?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ve <em>got</em> to!” was the quick reply.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the only hope the motor
+boys had of recovering their craft lay in the inability
+of those on board her to get out of her all
+the speed possible. With the machinery of the
+<i>Comet</i> run to the best advantage, no other airship
+could catch her. But Jerry counted on Noddy
+and his cronies not knowing enough to do the
+right thing at the right time. Then, too, the
+<i>Chaser</i> was very speedy when rightly handled.</p>
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer crept the pursuing craft.
+She was directly in the rear of the <i>Comet</i> now.
+Suddenly Bob cried:</p>
+
+<p>“Jerry, they’re going up!”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we’ll go too!” was the answer. “We
+can hit as high an altitude as they can.”</p>
+
+<p>“And they’re flying as a dirigible, and not as
+an aeroplane at all!” added Ned. “They’re
+afraid to use the wing planes, Jerry! Maybe we
+can get ahead of ’em after all!”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</a><br />
+<small>A GAME IN THE AIR</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>With a pull on the lever of the ascending
+rudder, Jerry sent the <i>Chaser</i> shooting upward
+into the air. He made the craft take a long
+slant, for he had seen that the <i>Comet</i> was going
+up more vertically, and Jerry figured on getting
+under the stolen airship, and then, when once in
+advance, turning, and so approaching head on.</p>
+
+<p>“They’re going up fast!” commented Ned,
+watching their own craft narrowly.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” assented Jerry. “They’re using all
+the gas the generator can turn out. I only hope
+they don’t burst the bag, or ruin the machinery.”</p>
+
+<p>“If they do, we’ll make Noddy pay for it!”
+cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“That would be more bother than it would be
+worth,” was Jerry’s opinion. “We’ll try to get
+the machine away from him before he has a
+chance to do much damage.”</p>
+
+<p>Upward the <i>Comet</i> mounted steadily, for those
+on board were evidently pushing her to the utmost.
+On account of the limited facilities on the
+aeroplane, Jerry and his chums could not go up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>
+on such a sharp slant as could their enemies, but
+this suited our heroes just as well.</p>
+
+<p>The two airships were now comparatively close
+together. The <i>Comet</i> was still shooting upward,
+and the <i>Chaser</i> was directly below her.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, from the upper craft, came a cry of
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>“They’ve discovered us!” was Bob’s opinion.</p>
+
+<p>“No, they did that some time ago,” said Jerry.
+“I’m afraid something has happened.”</p>
+
+<p>“It does seem so,” agreed Ned. “Look at
+that smoke!” he yelled. “She’s on fire!”</p>
+
+<p>“No, it isn’t that,” was Jerry’s retort, after a
+quick glance at their craft through the glasses.
+“They’ve been using too much lifting gas, and the
+generator is choked. It’s escaping through the
+safety valve. She won’t go any higher now, but
+she can still go forward. We haven’t got ’em
+yet.”</p>
+
+<p>As if to prove his words, the <i>Comet</i>, now that
+she had reached the limit of her climbing powers,
+darted forward. But Jerry had made good use
+of his opportunity, and he was now ahead of the
+<i>Comet</i>, though still slightly below her.</p>
+
+<p>“What are you going to do now?” asked Ned,
+as he saw his chum put his foot on a pedal that
+connected with the motor.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m going to use the last notch of speed, and
+see if I can stop ’em!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With a rush the <i>Chaser</i> mounted upward and,
+a few minutes later, she was on the same level
+as was the <i>Comet</i>, and considerably in advance.
+Both craft were moving with considerable speed,
+but, owing to the fact that her gas bag was so
+choked with vapor, causing a big wind resistance,
+the <i>Comet</i> must necessarily move more slowly
+than the <i>Chaser</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“What are you going to do, Jerry?” asked
+Ned, as he saw his chum reach for a rudder control
+lever.</p>
+
+<p>“Turn around, and come back at him head
+on,” answered the tall lad. “This is going to be
+a game of tag, and I’m going to make Noddy
+‘it.’ To do that I’ve got to head him off. He’ll
+try to dodge, I expect, but I think I can nab
+him.”</p>
+
+<p>Then began what was perhaps the most risky
+and sensational game of “tag” that was ever
+played—a game in the air, nearly a mile above the
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>Turning quickly to the left, <a href="#image01">Jerry sent the
+<i>Chaser</i> directly at the <i>Comet</i>.</a> As he had expected,
+Noddy, who was managing the craft from
+the pilot house, tried to dodge to one side. He
+could go no higher because the gas retort was
+choked. But Jerry was ready for him, and met
+the shift quickly. Once more Noddy dodged, this
+time on the other side, but Jerry was right there.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The two craft were slowly coming nearer each
+other, for both had reduced their forward speed.
+They were like two big birds of the air, facing
+each other, hovering, twisting and turning, dodging
+this way and that, one seeking to escape, and
+the other endeavoring to catch her antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>First on one side and then on the other, Noddy
+dodged, but every time Jerry was there facing
+him. The <i>Comet</i> could not get past.</p>
+
+<p>“He’ll have to go down soon!” cried Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s what I want him to do,” answered
+Jerry grimly. “Once they are on the ground,
+we can deal with ’em.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where’s Bill and that fake doctor?” asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“In the motor room, probably,” answered the
+steersman. “I hope they don’t do any more
+damage to the machinery.”</p>
+
+<p>The game was nearing an end now. Noddy
+and his cronies were getting desperate. The
+bully made one last attempt to dodge past Jerry,
+but our hero was ever on the alert.</p>
+
+<p>Head on, the two ships of the air were almost
+nose and nose together. Noddy could not possibly
+get past.</p>
+
+<p>“Go down! Go down!” yelled Jerry. “Go
+down before I force you, and, if I do, I won’t be
+responsible for the consequences!”</p>
+
+<p>There was no help for it. Noddy’s unpleasant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+face, scowling in anger, peered from the window
+of the pilot house. Jerry saw him pull the
+lever of the deflecting rudder, for the bully had
+sneaked around the shop of the motor boys often
+enough to learn the rudiments of running the
+<i>Comet</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Down and down she went, fairly forced by
+the <i>Chaser</i> above her, by the <i>Chaser</i>, that frail
+little craft of the air, compared to which the
+<i>Comet</i> was like a battleship opposed to a torpedo
+destroyer. But those on the little ship
+knew their business, and, after all, brains and
+skill told.</p>
+
+<p>“Can he get by?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t believe so,” answered Jerry, watching
+every move of his rival. But Noddy had
+given up the fight. He was beaten at his own
+game.</p>
+
+<p>Still downward he forced the <i>Comet</i>, while
+Jerry and his chums prepared to alight the moment
+their craft touched the earth, to drive away
+their enemies.</p>
+
+<p>Bounding lightly, the <i>Comet</i> landed on the
+ground. A moment later the aeroplane followed,
+and Jerry let her run along on the bicycle wheels,
+the propellers urging her on, until she was almost
+in contact with the big craft. Then the tall lad
+yanked on the brake lever, and the <i>Chaser</i> came
+to a stop.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Come on!” cried Jerry, leaping out of his
+seat. Bob and Ned followed.</p>
+
+<p>Noddy Nixon lost no time in leaving the pilot
+house on the run, and from the motor room
+emerged Bill Berry and the college man. They
+leaped over the rail, and joined Noddy in flight.</p>
+
+<p>“If we ever catch ’em!” panted fat Bob, as
+he ran as fast as he could. “We’ll—make—’em—pay—for—this!”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</a><br />
+<small>OFF FOR THE CANYON</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Jerry, who was in the lead of the chase after
+Noddy and his cronies, came to a sudden resolve.
+What was the use of capturing the bully, when
+the recovered airship might need attention?
+Clearly it would be more profitable to look after
+their craft, and let Noddy escape, for the time
+being. So Jerry shouted:</p>
+
+<p>“Hey, fellows, never mind. Let ’em get
+away. We’ll only have a fight on our hands,
+and it isn’t worth while. Let’s see how much
+damage they’ve done.”</p>
+
+<p>“But, don’t we want to catch ’em?” demanded
+Bob, who, though much out of breath, had managed
+to catch up to Jerry and Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“No; what’s the use?” asked the tall lad.</p>
+
+<p>“But look what he did to our airship!”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s just what I want to find out—what
+he did do to the <i>Comet</i>. That’s why I say don’t
+let’s chase after ’em any longer. It will only
+mean more trouble, and we’ve had enough.
+Come on back.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the three chums ceased running,
+and turned back toward the two airships. Noddy,
+with a backward glance, had ascertained that
+Jerry and his two friends were no longer in pursuit,
+and so the bully slackened his pace. His
+companions did likewise and, a sorry-looking trio
+indeed, they made their way across the plain
+above which the air game had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t you want to catch Noddy?” asked
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“No; what’s the use?” inquired Jerry. “He’s
+done all the harm he can. The thing for us to
+do is to remedy it. We must see to our own
+airship, and then get back, pick up the professor,
+and head for Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“But what will we do with Mr. Montrose’s
+aeroplane?” Bob wanted to know. “We don’t
+want it to keep.”</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll have to take that back to Denver with
+us. We can easily do it, as the side planes are
+detachable. Let’s get busy at that, and we may
+be in Denver to-morrow.”</p>
+
+<p>“And then for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado,
+and Snake Island!” added Ned.</p>
+
+<p>Giving a last glance to Noddy and his cronies,
+who were still fleeing across the plain, our heroes
+made their way to the <i>Comet</i>. Aboard they
+found a scene of confusion, but no serious damage
+had been done.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>True, a number of the machines were out of
+order, and the gas generator was badly clogged,
+but these were defects easily repaired. In
+general the stolen airship was in almost as
+good condition as when the conspirators had
+taken her.</p>
+
+<p>Beyond securing a few articles of clothing and
+personal effects, Noddy and his cronies had
+brought away nothing from the airship. It looked
+as if they had boarded her hurriedly with very little
+preparation, and had rushed away, without
+even enough provisions for a long trip. They
+must have stopped somewhere to get food, for
+some was found on board.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take the motor boys long to decide
+what to do. They soon ascertained that the
+<i>Comet</i> was in comparatively good running order.
+The clogged gas machine was fixed, and then,
+having enough food in the lunch basket, together
+with what they found on their own craft, to last
+them a day, they decided to sleep on board, even
+though they were in a lonely place, and start back
+for Denver in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>As for what became of Noddy and his cronies,
+they neither knew nor cared. The bully and his
+conspirators had disappeared, and were doubtless
+seeking shelter for the night.</p>
+
+<p>“We caught them just in time,” remarked
+Jerry, as they sat in the cabin of the <i>Comet</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>
+“A hundred miles more and they would have
+been over the canyon of the Colorado. Then
+they might have reached Snake Island, and it
+would have been all up with our chances.”</p>
+
+<p>“But now we’ll get ahead of him,” declared
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“If Noddy doesn’t do something else,” spoke
+Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>They spent the rest of the afternoon in taking
+apart the <i>Chaser</i> for transportation back to Denver
+aboard the <i>Comet</i>. Then they went to bed,
+tired out from the day’s chase.</p>
+
+<p>By pushing the <i>Comet</i> to her limit, and by making
+an early start, our friends were able to reach
+Denver the next night. Mr. Montrose was exceedingly
+glad to see them, and he and his wife
+and little girl listened with interest to the account
+of the adventures of the motor boys in the
+chase after Noddy.</p>
+
+<p>As for Professor Snodgrass, he was so busy
+classifying and making notes of the specimens he
+had caught, that it is doubtful if he heard much
+of what Jerry and his chums said.</p>
+
+<p>“And what are you going to do next?” asked
+Mr. Montrose, as the boys finished telling him
+they had brought his aeroplane back on their own
+craft.</p>
+
+<p>“Start for the Grand Canyon as soon as we
+can,” replied Jerry.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“But if this Nixon young man takes after you
+again?” inquired Mrs. Montrose.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll have to do the best we can,” answered
+Jerry. “But I think it will be some time before
+he catches up to us this time. It was a very
+lonely spot where we left him.”</p>
+
+<p>“And the walking wasn’t very good,” added
+Ned with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>“Still, after what he had done in the past, I
+would be on the watch,” advised Mr. Montrose.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, we will be,” declared Jerry; and then,
+after a good night’s rest, they put in the next
+few days getting ready for their trip to the canyon.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Comet</i> was thoroughly overhauled, and
+some needed repairs made. Though Noddy and
+his companions had not been careful in their treatment
+of the craft, still they had done no serious
+damage.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I think we are ready to start for the
+canyon to-day,” remarked Jerry one morning,
+after about a week spent at the Montrose home.
+“We can make it in two days, though it may
+take us a little longer to pick out Snake Island,
+and have the conditions favorable for a descent
+into the big gorge.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you are really going down into it?”
+asked Mr. Montrose. “You know it is quite
+a fearsome place.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“From all accounts it must be,” admitted Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Think of it!” exclaimed Mr. Montrose. “I
+have seen it many times, but no one can ever describe
+it. A great trough or cut in the earth,
+over a mile deep, twenty miles wide, and many
+hundreds of miles long, winding in and out, and,
+at the bottom a river rushing along resistlessly,
+with waterfalls, rapids, calm stretches and vast
+depths of black, silently moving water. And the
+walls of that canyon! All the colors of the rainbow
+cannot compare with them. They are wonderful!
+Down in it are mountains, great in themselves,
+but which look small in that vast gorge.
+There is the glow of the Alps, the cold fogs of the
+Rockies, there are purple shadows, shifting lights,
+snowstorms and rainstorms. It is a place of terrific
+grandeur.”</p>
+
+<p>“And we are going there,” said Jerry quietly.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, to an unknown island,” went on Mr.
+Montrose. “On what may be a fruitless quest.
+Oh, boys, think twice before you go!”</p>
+
+<p>“We have thought,” went on Jerry. “We
+are going. We will start in the morning for the
+Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” he added.</p>
+
+<p>“And all for a bit of radium—a fortune
+though it may be,” proceeded Mr. Montrose.</p>
+
+<p>“No, not alone for the radium,” said Jerry
+solemnly. “I have not spoken of this before, as
+it seemed such a slim chance. But there may be,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>
+on that island, the missing scientist, whose body
+was never recovered. He may be there—in need—starving.
+We are going to try to rescue him,
+as much as to find the radium.”</p>
+
+<p>“Jerry!” cried Ned. “You never hinted at
+this.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, because I did not want to raise false
+hopes. But, now that we are at the last stage
+of the journey, I must speak of it. I hope we
+can rescue that unfortunate man. For the mere
+treasure I would not risk so much. But a life is
+at stake!”</p>
+
+<p>“Then go,” said Mr. Montrose softly. “I
+would be the last one to hold you back. And,
+boys, from what I have seen of you, I believe you
+will succeed. I wish you all success! But, do
+not be deceived. You have a hard task ahead of
+you. The Grand Canyon does not like to be
+conquered.”</p>
+
+<p>“We have the <i>Comet</i>,” replied the tall lad, as
+if that was much, as, truly, it was.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we will always be thinking of you,”
+said Mrs. Montrose, solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>“And I want you to come back,” added little
+Gladys. “I may have a new doll by then.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will come back,” said Jerry, and his voice
+had a new tone in it.</p>
+
+<p>Early the next morning, having said good-bye
+to their good friends, the motor boys and Professor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+Snodgrass set off in the airship for the
+Grand Canyon.</p>
+
+<p>As they waved their hands in farewell many
+thoughts came to them. Would they find Snake
+Island? Would they be able to discover the
+radium fortune? And, more than this, would
+they be able to find and rescue Mr. Hartley Bentwell,
+the daring scientist who had been missing
+for nearly a year? Was he, by any chance, on
+Snake Island?</p>
+
+<p>“If he is, we’ll get him,” said Jerry grimly,
+as he pointed the nose of the <i>Comet</i> toward the
+clouds.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</a><br />
+<small>OVER THE GREAT CHASM</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>There was no particularly difficult task in
+reaching the Grand Canyon from Denver. In
+fact the boys could have walked all the distance
+in time, or they could have gone by train, or in
+an auto. But their troubles, as they well knew,
+would not begin at the start. It was after they
+had reached the canyon itself—that awful gash
+in the earth’s surface—that they would have a
+problem to solve. And that problem was how
+successfully to descend into the gorge, and land
+on the island.</p>
+
+<p>“And the first thing to do is to find Snake
+Island,” said Jerry, as they settled themselves
+comfortably in the airship cabin, after their start.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, all we have to do is to sail along down
+in the canyon, and pick it out,” suggested Bob.
+“The canyon is miles wide—twenty in some
+places—so there will be room enough for us to
+get around.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” agreed Ned, who, with the others had
+been reading up some facts about the canyon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>
+“But it isn’t always clear in the canyon. There
+are sudden storms, snow or rain, there are fogs—and
+you know you can’t see anything in a fog,
+even if you have an airship.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, well, fogs don’t last forever,” declared
+Bob. “We’ll just have to keep on the lookout
+until we sight the island. Then we can lower
+ourselves, make a landing, get the radium, and
+come away, and——”</p>
+
+<p>“You forget about the missing scientist,” suggested
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s so. Do you really think he’s there,
+Jerry?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it’s hard to say. There’s just a chance
+that he landed on the island when the others were
+wrecked in their boat, and he may be there yet.
+It’s a chance worth taking. I understand that a
+lot of provisions were lost out of the boat, and
+they may have caught on the island, as they
+floated down. Then, too, there must be fish in
+the river at certain seasons of the year, and there
+may be birds, or some kind of animals on the
+island that would do for food.”</p>
+
+<p>“It would be a sort of Robinson Crusoe way of
+living, but it might be possible. Of course it
+must be horribly lonely there, for one man alone
+on Snake Island,” said Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“With all the snakes,” put in Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“We don’t know that any snakes are there,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>
+remarked Jerry. “That may be just a name.”</p>
+
+<p>“I hope so,” exclaimed Ned with a shiver.
+“I don’t much care for snakes.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we won’t have much to do until we
+get to the canyon,” declared Jerry. “We can
+take it easy, and get in trim for the hard work
+ahead of us. I think we won’t make any night
+journeys. We’ll just land and rest. We’re in
+no special rush——”</p>
+
+<p>“Unless Noddy Nixon takes a notion to make
+another trial, Jerry,” suggested Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I don’t believe he will. He’s practically
+stranded. How’s he going to get an airship, and
+land on the island?”</p>
+
+<p>“He might go by boat,” suggested Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s out of the question. No boat could
+live in the rapids. That’s how Mr. Bentwell
+came to be wrecked—he and his friends tried a
+boat.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you don’t fear Noddy?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not much.”</p>
+
+<p>The trip that day was without incident, and at
+night they came to earth in a quiet spot where
+they remained until morning. They made an
+early start, and thoroughly enjoyed the fine, dry,
+crisp air through which they sailed. They passed
+from Colorado into Utah, and the next night
+they were within easy traveling distance of the
+Colorado River.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The next day they sailed over the great sterile
+valley, or desert, and in the afternoon they had
+completed the first stage of their journey, and
+were at the head of the Colorado, where it was
+formed by the conjunction of the Green and
+Grand rivers.</p>
+
+<p>“From now on, we’ve got our work cut out
+for us,” announced Jerry, as they came to rest
+that evening, not far from the great river.
+“We’ll follow it, and as soon as we get anywhere
+near Grand View, we’ll begin making inquiries
+about Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“But I thought the island was between Grand
+View and Bright Angel Trail,” said Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“So it may be,” assented Jerry, “but I’m not
+going to take any chances. It may be either one
+side or the other of those places, and, if we inquire
+as we go along, we won’t be so far out.
+It won’t take us long, and it is better to be sure
+than sorry.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right, we’re with you,” assented Ned;
+and Bob nodded his head to show that he agreed.</p>
+
+<p>Their trip over the Colorado, hovering in the
+air about half a mile above the river, was devoid
+of incident for the first two hundred miles. They
+made that in one day, and camped the first night
+just over the border of Arizona. From there
+the Grand Canyon proper starts, though it is of
+comparative little grandeur until the Little Colorado,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>
+a salty stream, joins the main body of water.</p>
+
+<p>It was about noon, the next day, that the boys
+really got over the great canyon. They had
+been sailing along, talking of the prospect before
+them, and Professor Snodgrass had been
+classifying some of the specimens he had caught
+while at Mr. Montrose’s house, when the aspect
+of things suddenly changed.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t you think it’s about time we ate?”
+asked Bob, with a look at his watch, as he started
+for the galley.</p>
+
+<p>Jerry happened to look down through the
+plate glass window in the floor of the main cabin,
+where they were all gathered, for the <i>Comet</i> was
+being steered automatically.</p>
+
+<p>“Eat!” cried the tall lad. “Eat! Look
+down there, and then say ‘eat’ again if you
+dare!”</p>
+
+<p>Ned, Bob and the professor looked. Below
+them they saw a great gash in the earth—a gash
+a mile or more in depth, and the sides of which
+were of black rock, mingled here and there with
+marble colored red, pink and blue, with an occasional
+bright yellow. Then came sandstone
+rocks, vivid in color. It was like looking into a
+great winding trough, wherein a painter had
+mixed his colors.</p>
+
+<p>And, at the very bottom, like a silver thread,
+ran the river, zig-zagging in and out amid the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>
+mighty cliffs that towered on either side. Cliffs
+now hemming in the powerful stream, and again
+spreading out for ten or twenty miles. But the
+river itself was kept in narrow bounds.</p>
+
+<p>And the very narrowness of these bounds made
+the stream rush along with such tremendous
+power, for it was a veritable Niagara in places.
+White and foam-capped, again black and deep,
+with awful power it hurled itself along.</p>
+
+<p>Above this scene of awful grandeur hovered
+the airship, and, as the boys looked, they saw how
+slight indeed was the power of their craft, compared
+to the mighty forces that had cut this gash
+in the earth, and which power still sent the river
+on its downward way.</p>
+
+<p>“And we’ve got to go down there?” asked
+Bob softly.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s it,” answered Jerry. “Do you wonder
+no boat ever lived to make the passage? Or,
+at best, very few of them?”</p>
+
+<p>“And that is where the scientist was lost,”
+murmured Uriah Snodgrass. “I wonder if we
+shall ever find him—alive—or dead?”</p>
+
+<p>And, as the boys gazed at the foaming river,
+down in the awful depths, it seemed impossible
+that human beings could ever have navigated it.
+But in the airship the problem was much easier.</p>
+
+<p>“Now for Snake Island!” cried Jerry, as,
+having stopped the <i>Comet</i> in order that all might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>
+get a good view, he started the motor again.
+“Now for Snake Island!”</p>
+
+<p>“And the radium!” cried Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“And my two-tailed toad,” added the professor.</p>
+
+<p>“And, perhaps, the poor scientist,” spoke Bob
+softly. “I—I hope he hasn’t starved to death.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII</a><br />
+<small>THE BOAT IN THE RAPIDS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Well, boys, we’re here at last,” remarked
+Jerry, after a while, when they had traversed
+some length of the canyon in the airship. “We’re
+here after a lot of hard work, and the next question
+is, what are we going to do; now that we are
+on the ground?”</p>
+
+<p>“Go to Snake Island at once,” suggested Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Eat,” advised Bob, who had started to get
+a meal, but who had come back to the cabin, to
+wait while some of the things cooked.</p>
+
+<p>“Chunky’s infallible recipe whenever anything
+goes wrong,” commented Jerry. “Still it
+wouldn’t be a bad idea. We can talk it over
+while we’re eating, and decide what’s best to be
+done.”</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter with going at once to the
+island?” asked Ned. “I thought that was what
+we came here for.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is, but I think it will be a good plan to
+see if we can learn anything about it before we
+go too far down the river. It may be that there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>
+is no such place as Snake Island. Or, it may be
+that, even in our airship, it is impossible to get
+to it. We want to find out all about it before we
+go too far.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, what’s your idea?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“I think we ought to——”</p>
+
+<p>“Dinner’s ready,” interrupted Bob, and they
+went out to the table, the professor carrying with
+him a book, carefully marking the place where he
+had been reading by putting his finger between
+the pages. The airship was moving at slow
+speed, and had been set to steer herself automatically.
+So the boys had nothing to interrupt
+their talk of the best plan to follow.</p>
+
+<p>Eventually they decided to travel on until they
+reached Grand View, the point where Berry Trail
+led down into the canyon to the banks of the rushing
+river. They would make their inquiries
+there, regarding the possible existence of Snake
+Island.</p>
+
+<p>It was night when they reached Grand View,
+and, in order that they might be among other
+tourists, who had come to visit the canyon, the
+boys and the professor put up at a hotel almost
+on the verge of the great chasm, storing the airship
+in a big open shed, sometimes used for autos.</p>
+
+<p>“Snake Island!” exclaimed the clerk, when
+Jerry asked him about it. “Never heard of the
+place. Don’t believe there’s an island in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+whole stretch of the river. But there are
+some guides around here. You might ask
+them.”</p>
+
+<p>Which Jerry and his chums did, but with little
+satisfaction, for it developed that few of the
+guides had been farther than the regularly traveled
+routes taken by tourists, and this had not
+brought them to the more inaccessible parts of
+the mighty river.</p>
+
+<p>“Snake Island?” repeated one grizzled guide,
+when Jerry had put the question to him. “If
+anybody knows whether or not there is such a
+place, it’s old Hance Stamford. Hance give up
+guidin’ long ago, but in his prime there wasn’t a
+better one at it. He’s gone in places no one else
+dared, and if there’s a Snake Island he’ll know
+about it.”</p>
+
+<p>The boys sought out Hance the next day. He
+lived in a little cabin, not far from the hotel,
+being cared for by his son, who was employed as
+a waiter. Hance was indeed old, being past
+eighty. Yet his dull eyes opened quickly when
+Jerry put to him the question that meant so much
+to the motor boys.</p>
+
+<p>“Snake Island!” exclaimed old Hance. “It’s
+been many years since I heard that name. Many,
+many years.”</p>
+
+<p>“But is there any such place?” asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Is there? Bless you, I don’t know, son.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>
+I’ll tell you as much as I can, however. It must
+have been forty years ago, and there weren’t
+many tourists in them days. Mostly Indians. I
+was making my way along the canyon with an
+Indian, for in them days I had a notion I’d like
+to discover things. Well, as you know, the canyon
+is narrow and steep in places, and when it
+rains you want to make tracks, for the river sometimes
+rises thirty feet in a short time. If you’re
+caught where you can’t climb up, well—it’s good-bye
+for yours.</p>
+
+<p>“A thunderstorm came up while the Indian
+and I were in a narrow part of the canyon, where
+the river rushed along between black walls like a
+mill stream down the flume. We knew we’d have
+to make tracks out of there, and we did. But
+the rain came faster than we’d calculated on, and
+we had to climb. Then came a fog that nearly
+did for us. We managed to get some distance
+down the stream, and then climbed up the steep
+sides of the chasm until we came to a niche in
+the wall. There we stayed until the river went
+down, and we were there a day and a night, with
+nothing to eat.”</p>
+
+<p>“But about the Snake Island?” asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“The island. Oh yes. Well, when we were
+hiding there in the hole in the wall, there came a
+rift in the fog. I happened to be looking down
+stream, and I saw something big and black rearing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+up, right from the river it seemed. I poked
+the Indian in the ribs—he was half asleep, you
+know—Indians’ll sleep anywhere if they think
+they’ve got to—anyhow I poked him, and he
+grunted and woke up. I pointed to the tall,
+black, wiggling thing, and the Indian said: ‘Snake
+Island.’</p>
+
+<p>“‘Snake!’ I yelled. ‘Who ever see a snake
+as big as that?’ Then he grunted some more,
+and went on to say that there was a sort of stone
+island in the middle of the river. It had been
+pretty well worn away except a big hill and a tall
+thing, like a tower, that stuck up in the middle,
+like a church steeple. It was this tall tower of
+black rock that seemed like a snake. Of course
+the fog made it indistinct, and the motion of the
+mist made it appear as if it was wiggling about.
+So that’s all I know about Snake Island. I never
+went there, and I never heard of anyone getting
+on it.”</p>
+
+<p>“There was a party of college men——” began
+Uriah Snodgrass.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, yes, I heard about <em>them</em>. But they never
+got there, and one of their number was lost. I
+tell you Snake Island is in a bad part of the
+river.”</p>
+
+<p>“But just where is it?” asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“As near as I can tell, between here and Bright
+Angel Trail,” replied the old guide, as he nodded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>
+in slumber again. “I wouldn’t go there, if I
+were you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’re going,” said Jerry softly, as he
+bade the old man good-bye.</p>
+
+<p>Saying nothing to anyone in the hotel about
+their plans, the boys made an early start the next
+morning, and were soon gliding down over the
+great chasm in their airship.</p>
+
+<p>Below them rushed and foamed the great river—below
+in its chasm trough, with walls of vari-hued
+marble, of sandstone that rivaled the rainbow
+in tints, while in other places, near the water
+itself, were black rocks, of flinty hardness.</p>
+
+<p>“And to think that it’s seven thousand feet
+from the top of that gulf to the water,” spoke
+Bob in awed tones. “I wouldn’t want to fall.”</p>
+
+<p>As they went on they could see fogs and mists
+arising, while, as the sun rose higher and higher,
+it made a scene of indescribable beauty, the tints
+on the walls of the canyon changing every moment.</p>
+
+<p>It was about noon, and Jerry had calculated
+that they had made about half the distance from
+Grand View, when Ned, who was looking at the
+rushing, foaming river below them, as it dashed
+along over a gorge filled with rapids, cried out:</p>
+
+<p>“Jerry, do you see anything down there?”</p>
+
+<p>The tall lad looked through the plate glass window
+in the bottom of the airship. Then he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+snatched up the binoculars and focused them.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a boat!” he cried. “A boat in those
+awful rapids! They’ve lost control of her, and
+she’ll be dashed to pieces!”</p>
+
+<p>“Anyone in it?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>Once more Jerry looked carefully.</p>
+
+<p>“Three persons!” he exclaimed. “Well, it’s
+all up with them. That boat can never make the
+passage.”</p>
+
+<p>And, as he spoke, the frail craft was lost to
+view as a curtain of mist rolled down and hid the
+rushing river from sight.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV</a><br />
+<small>STRANGE GHOSTS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Did you see that!” cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“They’re drowned!” gasped Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“What was it, an accident?” asked Professor
+Snodgrass.</p>
+
+<p>“It would be hard to say,” remarked Jerry.
+“Certainly the boat looked as if it was going
+to overturn in the rapids, but I can’t really say
+that it did. The fog rolled up just then and hid
+everything from sight. I hope those in the boat
+weren’t lost, but their chances were slim.”</p>
+
+<p>“Can we do anything for them?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing, I’m afraid,” answered the tall lad.
+“We can’t even see them, and it would be useless
+to descend into that canyon of fog now. Besides,
+the current is so swift that the boat must
+be a good way from here by this time.”</p>
+
+<p>The airship was slowly floating along over the
+Grand Canyon, which, at this point, wound in
+and out among the many colored cliffs, like some
+great serpent. Jerry had shut down the machinery
+until it was barely turning the propellers, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>
+had not the gas bag sustained the craft, she would
+have settled down, for the motion was not enough
+to keep her afloat as an aeroplane.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, what are we going to do?” Ned wanted
+to know. “We must be nearly at Snake Island,
+if there is any such place, and if we’re going to
+get that radium fortune it’s time we got busy.”</p>
+
+<p>“And I haven’t seen anything of that two-tailed
+toad, either,” spoke Professor Snodgrass.
+“I had hopes of finding a specimen—even if a
+small one—before now, but fate seems against
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Wait until we get on the island,” suggested
+Bob. “There may be toads there, as well as
+snakes.”</p>
+
+<p>“What makes you think there are snakes
+there?” asked Ned. “Didn’t the old guide say
+he thought it got its name because the tall cliff
+in the middle seemed to wiggle like a serpent
+when there was a fog?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, he did, and if we put on a little more
+steam, Jerry, we may get to Snake Island now,
+in time to see that same thing. I say let’s move
+faster,” went on the stout lad. “We ought to
+be nearly there.”</p>
+
+<p>“But we might pass right over the island in
+this fog,” objected Jerry. “It’s better to go a
+bit slow, I think.”</p>
+
+<p>However, the problem was soon solved for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>
+them, as, when they had proceeded a little farther
+the mist lifted and they had a clear view of
+the stream as it foamed along below.</p>
+
+<p>“But I don’t see anything of the boat, and
+the three men who were in it,” observed Bob,
+peering downward through the window in the
+cabin floor.</p>
+
+<p>“No. Either by this time they have been
+carried many miles down the river, or they are—drowned,”
+spoke Jerry softly.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then let’s keep a lookout for Snake
+Island,” suggested Ned, and, knowing that they
+must be within a comparatively short distance of
+the place, if it was there at all, they all watched
+eagerly, even Professor Snodgrass laying aside
+his note-books.</p>
+
+<p>Bob served dinner and the watch was resumed.
+It was about two o’clock when the stout lad, who
+had just finished getting the galley in order,
+looked over the port rail on the bow of the air
+craft. No sooner had he glimpsed the river below
+him than he called out:</p>
+
+<p>“Here we are, fellows! There she is! We’re
+here at last! Now for the radium! There’s
+Snake Island. We’re right over it!”</p>
+
+<p>“Say, you’re as bad as Andy Rush!” cried
+Jerry as he hurried out of the pilot house, to
+join his chum.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, if it’s true, we’ll forgive him for making<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>
+such a fuss,” suggested Ned. “But say, I
+believe he’s right, after all!”</p>
+
+<p>“And if it is the island, oh! how I hope my
+two-tailed toad may be there!” cried the professor.</p>
+
+<p>There could be little doubt but that they were
+looking at Snake island. Down below them, in
+a comparatively calm stretch of the river, was a
+long and rather narrow strip of land, low on the
+edges, and rising abruptly in the middle. There
+was a big mound, like a great hill, covered with
+trees and bushes, and, in the center of this was the
+tall, curiously shaped tower of rock about which
+the guide had spoken.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s Snake Island all right,” agreed Jerry,
+“though I can’t say that the rocky tower in the
+center looks much like a serpent.”</p>
+
+<p>“Maybe it does from some other view,” suggested
+Ned. “Then, too, there is no mist now.
+I’d rather believe the place got its name from
+that, than because there were snakes there.
+Well, are we going down, Jerry?”</p>
+
+<p>“I guess so. I was just looking for a good
+place to make a landing. Let’s drop down to
+the lower end, and we can take our choice.”</p>
+
+<p>As they sailed slowly down the length of the
+curious island they noted that it was about four
+miles long, and about half a mile in width. The
+river here was quite broad, contrary to the usual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+character of the Colorado, and a glimpse over the
+surrounding territory showed it to be so wild and
+desolate that it is doubtful if it had ever been
+visited by a white man.</p>
+
+<p>The cliffs, too, at either side of the stream,
+where the island divided it, were so high, so
+rugged and precipitous, that it was positive that
+no one had ever descended them. And, had even
+the most daring explorer managed to get down,
+he never could have gotten up without a balloon.
+For that reason it was plain why the existence
+of the island was practically unknown.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I don’t see but what the upper end of
+the place is the best to land on,” remarked Ned,
+after a circuit had been made.</p>
+
+<p>“Guess you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “We’ll
+go down there.”</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Comet</i> was sent about, and, a little later,
+she began settling slowly down in the great chasm,
+at the bottom of which flowed the river.</p>
+
+<p>It was getting well on in the afternoon, and the
+sun, sinking in the west, no longer cast its beams
+into the great gulf. There was a twilight darkness
+hovering over it, a stillness broken only by
+the murmur of the foaming river, that cast a
+spell of gloominess over our friends. For a
+time no one spoke, and then, as the airship was
+about to settle down on a smooth strip of sand,
+near the upper end of the river, Jerry exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Say, what’s the matter with us all, anyhow?
+Anyone would think this was a funeral. Wake
+up, you fellows!”</p>
+
+<p>“All right! Wow! Let’s be jolly!” cried
+Ned in a loud voice.</p>
+
+<p>There was a sound like thunder, and then, from
+that vast gorge came a mighty voice, repeating in
+solemn tones:</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s be jolly!”</p>
+
+<p>“Bless my soul!” gasped Mr. Snodgrass.
+“It’s an echo.”</p>
+
+<p>“Echo!” came back in a voice like a bull’s
+bellow.</p>
+
+<p>After that they spoke in whispers, but even
+then their words were flung back at them from
+the sides of the cliffs in murmurs and trills that
+produced an uncanny feeling.</p>
+
+<p>“This sure is a strange place,” remarked Jerry,
+as he brought the airship to a stop.</p>
+
+<p>“Strange place!” howled the echo. Jerry
+had spoken louder than he thought. He laughed,
+and a giant’s chuckle was tossed back to him.
+The boys looked at each other, startled, until
+Bob said:</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, don’t let’s mind this. It’s only an echo.
+Let’s get busy, have a supper and to-morrow we’ll
+get the radium.”</p>
+
+<p>“Radium,” mocked the echo, but now they
+were beginning to get used to it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Say, it looks as if there was a tide in this
+river,” remarked Ned, as he noted a sort of
+high-water mark, where sticks and driftwood
+were piled up on shore.</p>
+
+<p>“No, that shows where the river rises when
+there’s a flood, or too much rain,” explained the
+professor. “The Colorado rises rapidly at
+times, because the cliffs are so steep that the
+water from the clouds is almost instantly all
+poured into the stream. We had better get the
+ship above flood mark, Jerry, as there may be
+rain in the night, and we don’t want to go floating
+down.”</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the <i>Comet</i> was wheeled farther
+from shore. Night came on early, in the depths
+of that gloomy chasm, for they were over a mile
+below the upper rim of the steep cliffs. But when
+the big gas lamps had been set aglow, making the
+circle about the airship one of radiance, and when
+they were gathered in the cozy cabin, they were
+all more cheerful.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’ll start on a radium hunt the first
+thing in the morning,” suggested Jerry. And,
+being inside now, the echo was not so noticeable.</p>
+
+<p>“And I will seek the two-tailed toad,” said
+the professor. “I wonder if I could not have a
+look now? Toads come out at night, and if I
+take a light I may succeed in finding one.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Supplying himself with an electric torch, the
+scientist let himself out of the airship. The boys
+heard him walking about outside, and then they
+began talking of their trip so far, and speculating
+as to how it would end.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, in the midst of the discussion, there
+came a cry from outside.</p>
+
+<p>“Hark!” exclaimed Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s the Professor,” said Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Maybe he’s found his toad, and it’s bitten
+him,” was Ned’s contribution.</p>
+
+<p>“Boys! Boys, come here!” called the professor,
+and the three lads rushed from the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it?” asked Jerry. “Where are
+you?”</p>
+
+<p>“In front of the ship,” came the answer. Then
+they saw the gleam of his light, and hurried toward
+him.</p>
+
+<p>“Look!” exclaimed the scientist in a whisper,
+and, as he pointed toward the middle of the
+island, whence arose that curious pinnacle of
+rock, the three chums saw several tall and ghostly
+shapes swirling slowly at them. Curious shapes
+they were, like tall beings wrapped in trailing
+clothes, with their long, thin arms raised as if
+in warning, and about them seemed to cling, like
+an enveloping haze, a weird, purplish light. The
+strange shapes seemed blown onward by the night
+wind.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“What—what are they?” gasped Bob in a
+whisper.</p>
+
+<p>“Ghosts, I guess,” answered Jerry, with a
+half-hearted laugh. “The ghosts of Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ghosts of Snake Island,” came back the echo.
+And then, as suddenly as they had appeared, the
+“ghosts” vanished, leaving the boys and the professor
+staring into the darkness.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV</a><br />
+<small>A NEST OF SERPENTS</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“What—what do you think they were?”
+asked Bob, after a few moments of silence. He
+spoke in low tones, so that the weird echo would
+not repeat his words.</p>
+
+<p>“I give it up,” said Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Maybe they were the ghosts of the three
+men in the boat, who may have been drowned
+around here,” suggested Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed the tall lad. “Don’t
+be silly, Ned.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I was only joking.”</p>
+
+<p>“Pretty poor joking,” commented Bob. “I’m
+going inside. It’s chilly out here,” and he shivered.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I guess it is more pleasant inside,”
+agreed Jerry. “Did you see anything of your
+toad, Professor?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, not a thing, but I got several other valuable
+specimens, so my evening was not wasted.
+I guess I’ll go in with you.”</p>
+
+<p>“What do you think those queer shapes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>
+were?” asked Jerry of the scientist, when they
+were once more in the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it would be hard to say,” spoke Professor
+Snodgrass. “Of course none of us believe
+in ghosts, and yet there are queer manifestations,
+sometimes, that even science cannot satisfactorily
+explain. My honest belief is that this
+was some effect of the fog, or night vapors arising
+out of the damp ground.”</p>
+
+<p>“But they looked—er—just like men wrapped
+in sheets,” spoke Bob with a shudder.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I dare say they did. And, if you tried
+hard enough you could imagine almost anything.
+Probably it will be easy to explain. To-morrow
+we will look at the place whence they seemed to
+arise from the ground. It may be that there is
+a hot spring there, and that the ‘ghosts’ were
+only wisps of steam vapor.”</p>
+
+<p>With this explanation the boys contented themselves,
+and they were soon in bed. Nor did they
+sleep any the less soundly because of the queer
+manifestation. For they were sensible and
+healthy lads, and it took more than a so-called
+“ghost” to disturb their rest.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning, accompanied by the professor,
+they made a careful examination of the place
+where the queer wraiths had been seen, but it afforded
+them no clew. The ground seemed no
+different from that in other spots on the island.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Well, there’s no use bothering over that any
+longer,” suggested Jerry, after a bit. “We can
+try and solve that problem later; maybe to-night.
+What I think we’d better do now is to explore
+the island, and see if we can find any of that
+radium. What do you think, Professor?”</p>
+
+<p>“I agree with you, and yet I am in two minds
+about it. You see, boys, while I want to help
+you find the treasure, which may or may not be
+here, it is very important that I look for that rare
+toad. Now what I am going to propose is this:</p>
+
+<p>“You go off by yourselves, and hunt for the
+radium. I’ll tell you in what sort of rock it is
+likely to be found, and you can collect specimens,
+and bring them back with you. At night I’ll test
+them. But you must mark, in some way, the exact
+location of each bit of rock specimen you
+take. Then, in case there are evidences of radium,
+we can find the spot again.</p>
+
+<p>“In the meanwhile I’ll be looking for the toad.
+I can soon tell if there are any on the island, and
+if I find there are none, or no traces of any, I’ll
+join you in the hunt for the radium treasure. Or,
+in case I do get what I am looking for, I will be
+satisfied, and in that case I will also join you.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s a good plan,” agreed Jerry. “Come
+on, Bob and Ned, and we’ll look for the radium,
+while the Professor is toad-hunting.”</p>
+
+<p>Uriah Snodgrass had already told the boys<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>
+much about radium, and the various forms in
+which it might be found. He only reminded them,
+now, of the main points to be remembered, and
+the three chums set off.</p>
+
+<p>With eager eyes Jerry, Ned and Bob scanned
+the various kinds of rocks as they passed along,
+making their way toward the lower end of the
+island. As they advanced the land gradually
+rose until they were quite a height above the river
+that flowed on either side of them. Across the
+stream could be seen the mighty cliffs; black near
+the water, and of various colors as the top was
+approached. There was the glow of the sun
+overhead, but, only in the middle of the day, did
+the beams penetrate to the bottom of the titanic
+canyon.</p>
+
+<p>Specimen after specimen of rock was picked up
+and cast aside, as none of them showed the characteristics
+of radium. Noon came, and the quest
+was unsuccessful. They ate their lunch on a
+shelf of rock, looking down into the wonderful
+river that had carved out such a channel for
+itself. Most of the afternoon was spent as fruitlessly,
+until finally Bob remarked:</p>
+
+<p>“Fellows, don’t you think we’d better get
+back? It’s getting dark all of a sudden.”</p>
+
+<p>“I think we’re in for a storm,” spoke Jerry,
+with a glance toward the clouds that hovered over
+the chasm. “And it looks as if it would be a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>
+bad one. The river is sure to rise, and I’m not
+altogether satisfied with the place where we left
+the <i>Comet</i>. She ought to be anchored higher up.
+Let’s get back and make her more secure.”</p>
+
+<p>They hurried to such good advantage that they
+were almost at the place where they had left
+the <i>Comet</i> when the rain came down. Professor
+Snodgrass had already returned, without his toad.</p>
+
+<p>“Boys!” he cried, “it’s going to be a deluge!
+There will be a lot of water, and the river is
+sure to rise very high. I think we had better
+get in the airship, and go up until it’s over.
+There may be air currents down here so powerful
+that we can’t make headway against them.
+My advice is to go up.”</p>
+
+<p>The others thought this good, and so, in the
+midst of the pelting rain, and against a current
+of air that every moment grew stronger, the
+<i>Comet</i> arose out of the canyon. Of course they
+did not escape the rain by going up, but they were
+in less danger. All night the storm continued,
+but the adventurers were in comfortable circumstances,
+for they had anchored in a little shelter
+of rocks, securely tying down their craft.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, now to see if there is any of Snake
+Island left,” remarked Jerry next morning, when
+the sun came out to dry up the dampness. “We’ll
+have another try for the radium.”</p>
+
+<p>Instead of stopping at the same place where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>
+they had made the first landing, Jerry sent the
+airship toward the lower part of the island.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll begin there for a change,” he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>It could easily be seen that the river had risen
+considerably, and, had they remained anchored at
+the spot where they had seen the “ghosts,” they
+would have been in grave danger. Though the
+water was now going down, it had lodged on the
+upper part of the island many big trees and piles
+of driftwood.</p>
+
+<p>“Look at that!” suddenly cried Bob, as they
+were hovering over the lower end of the island,
+looking for a suitable landing place. “There’s
+a hut on the side of the hill that I didn’t notice
+before.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s right,” agreed Jerry, gazing at a rude
+structure of logs built under a sheltering bluff,
+about a quarter of a mile from the shore. “We
+passed over this place in the airship, too, but I
+didn’t see that. We must see what it means.
+Maybe there is some one living on this island.
+Perhaps——”</p>
+
+<p>He did not finish, but they all knew whom
+he meant—Mr. Bentwell, the missing scientist,
+might be there.</p>
+
+<p>Ned took the binoculars, and directed them toward
+the hut.</p>
+
+<p>“I can’t see anyone there!” he cried. “But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>
+say—Oh, look! look!” and he almost screamed.
+“The snakes! The snakes! There’s a regular
+den of them, right in front of the hut! A nest
+of serpents! Look!”</p>
+
+<p>With trembling hands he passed the glass to
+Jerry. As the tall lad looked through the binoculars
+his face paled.</p>
+
+<p>“No wonder they call this Snake Island!” he
+murmured. “There must be thousands of them!
+I’m glad we didn’t stay on the island last night.
+Oh, look at those big snakes!”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI</a><br />
+<small>LIVE WIRES</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Where do you think they came from?”
+asked Ned, when all, including the professor, had
+viewed the snakes through the glass. Literally
+there were hundreds, if not thousands, of reptiles.</p>
+
+<p>They were wiggling and squirming, in and out
+among the rocks and brushwood, just above the
+mass of drift débris brought down by the flood.
+All about, in front of the hut the snakes writhed,
+seeming to be out of their usual haunts.</p>
+
+<p>“The water must have brought them out from
+their nests, or dens, or whatever it is that snakes
+live in,” decided Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you think so?” asked Jerry, of Professor
+Snodgrass. “Why would water bring out
+snakes. I thought they liked heat.”</p>
+
+<p>“They do,” answered the scientist, who was
+eagerly looking at the snakes through the glass.
+“But in this case I think the water brought them
+<em>down</em>, instead of bringing them <em>out</em>.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“How do you mean?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, I think the rising river inundated some
+place along the canyon walls, where these snakes
+lived. They were washed out, carried down
+stream by the flood, and deposited here—stranded,
+so to speak. I think it has been done
+often before, in years past, and that is why they
+call this Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“I believe you’re right,” agreed Jerry. “And
+I don’t think the big stone pile in the middle had
+anything to do with the name, though it may look
+like a snake at times. Probably the Indians, in
+years past, saw snakes brought down in the flood,
+and they named the island after the serpents.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I’m glad they’re not at the other end
+of the island,” spoke Ned, who disliked snakes.
+“We’d better go back there and start over again
+on our search for the radium. The river is going
+down fast.”</p>
+
+<p>“There may be snakes where we were before,”
+suggested Jerry. “We didn’t look very closely.”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t mention it!” cried Ned with a shudder.
+“Let’s get away from here, anyhow. I
+can’t bear to look at ’em.”</p>
+
+<p>“Um,” spoke the professor musingly. “I
+think I should like to go down there.”</p>
+
+<p>“What! Among those snakes?” cried Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, as far as I can make out they don’t seem
+to be poisonous, and, though there are some good-sized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>
+ones there, I don’t see any of the constrictor
+variety. I think it would be perfectly safe to
+go down.”</p>
+
+<p>“But what do you want of snakes?” asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t want any snakes, but, where there are
+serpents, there may be toads, and I might find my
+two-tailed specimen. Of course if you boys don’t
+want to go down you can let me off at some spot
+where there are no snakes, and I can walk to this
+place. I’m not afraid.”</p>
+
+<p>“We’ll go down with you!” exclaimed Jerry
+stoutly. “I think——”</p>
+
+<p>But he never finished the sentence. At that
+moment the door of the hut, in front of which
+the serpents were writhing, was swung open, and
+three figures, each armed with a club, stood in
+the portal, waving their hands to our friends in
+the airship.</p>
+
+<p>“Look!” cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Quick! The glasses!” demanded Jerry, and
+when he had them he focused the binoculars on
+the trio in the hut on Snake Island. Then the tall
+lad uttered a cry of wonder.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s Noddy Nixon!” gasped Jerry. “Noddy
+Nixon, and Bill Berry! And the other man is
+that dishonest professor! How in the world did
+they get there?”</p>
+
+<p>“Are you sure it’s them?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Sure!” answered Jerry, and, a moment later,
+the airship having approached closer, it could be
+seen, without the glasses, that those in the hut
+were indeed the bully and his cronies.</p>
+
+<p>“Help! Help!” cried Noddy, waving his
+hands in appeal to the boys whom he had treated
+so meanly. “Help, or the snakes will kill us.”</p>
+
+<p>“They’re not poisonous,” shouted the professor.
+“Go at them with your clubs.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, they are poisonous!” answered Noddy.
+“There were some jack rabbits washed down
+with the snakes, and some of the serpents bit ’em.
+The rabbits died right away. They’re poisonous
+snakes, all right! Help us!”</p>
+
+<p>“That makes it different,” said the professor
+seriously. “I didn’t think they were poisonous,
+but they may be. I wonder what we had better
+do?”</p>
+
+<p>“Help! Help!” cried Noddy again. A mass
+of the serpents seemed to be advancing toward
+the hut. Bill Berry threw a stick at them, and
+the reptiles wiggled off in another direction.</p>
+
+<p>“How did you get in the hut?” asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“We came down the river in a boat. We
+were wrecked, and cast on this island. Oh, we’re
+nearly starved, and if you save us we’ll never
+bother you again!” promised Noddy. “Save us
+from the snakes!”</p>
+
+<p>“Shall we do it?” asked Ned of his chums.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“For the sake of humanity we can’t leave ’em
+there,” said Jerry. “We’ve got to save ’em;
+but how? We can’t go down there among all
+those snakes.”</p>
+
+<p>There was a pause, while the airship hovered
+over the hut on the island, in the midst of the
+snakes. The three conspirators eagerly watched
+the motor boys.</p>
+
+<p>“Those were the three persons we saw in the
+boat in the rapids,” said Bob in a low voice, and
+his chums nodded.</p>
+
+<p>“Can we save them?” inquired Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes!” cried the professor. “There is only
+one way.”</p>
+
+<p>“How?” demanded the tall lad.</p>
+
+<p>“By live wires! Take some uninsulated electrical
+wires, Jerry. Attach them to the dynamo,
+let them dangle down from the airship, and then
+sail over the mass of serpents. The wires will
+hit the snakes and electrocute them. It’s the only
+way!”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we’ll do it!” cried Jerry. “Come on,
+boys, and we’ll drop the live wires, and save
+Noddy Nixon!” A moment later several coils
+of copper conductors, each one carrying a deadly
+current, were being dropped toward the surface
+of the island.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII</a><br />
+<small>THE TRANSPORTING OF NODDY</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Just a little lower down, Ned. That’s it.
+Now to the left, there’s a big bunch of ’em there.
+No, that’s too much! Back up a little. Whoa!
+Hold me there!”</p>
+
+<p>Jerry was in the motor room, working the connections
+to the dangling wires by means of which
+it was hoped to electrocute the serpents that had
+made prisoners of Noddy and his cronies in the
+hut on Snake Island. Ned was in the pilot house,
+directing the course of the <i>Comet</i>. The professor
+and Bob stood by, ready to lend whatever assistance
+was needed, while the prisoners in the
+hut, standing in the door, ready for an instant
+retreat, watched with anxious eyes the preparations
+for their rescue.</p>
+
+<p>“Are you going to try and electrocute every
+snake?” asked Bob of his tall chum.</p>
+
+<p>“As many as we can, Chunky.”</p>
+
+<p>“But that will take quite a while, to drag the
+wires across every one.”</p>
+
+<p>“We won’t have to do that,” replied Jerry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>
+as he looked through the plate glass window in
+the floor of the motor room, one hand on the
+switch that controlled the electrical current, while
+in the other he grasped a speaking tube, by which
+he gave orders to Ned in the pilot house. “You
+see, Bob, the snakes’ bodies are moist, and moisture
+is a good conductor of electricity. So if I
+can drag a live wire over a bunch of snakes, and
+only touch one, the current will go through all
+of ’em, and kill the whole lot. They’ll help to
+kill themselves.”</p>
+
+<p>“I see!” exclaimed Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Watch now, we’re going to begin!” cried
+Jerry, and his chum, looking down, saw the wires
+carrying the powerful current writhe and twist
+about, almost like snakes themselves. From the
+exposed ends there shot out a shower of blue
+sparks.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#image04">Suddenly one of the conductors touched a mass
+of snakes</a>, that seemed tied in knots. A moment
+before the snakes had been twining in and
+out, hissing stridently. The next instant they
+were as if turned to stone, for they had been
+killed at once.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 379px;">
+<a name="image04" id="image04">
+ <img src="images/image04.jpg" width="379" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</a><br />
+<div class="caption"><a href="#Page_218">SUDDENLY ONE OF THE CONDUCTORS TOUCHED A
+MASS OF SNAKES.</a></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“That’s the way to do it!” cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>Again a wire, twisting and turning, was
+dragged over a mass of serpents, and the life
+went out of them. Time after time this happened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>
+until the writhing snakes were more than
+half destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s a new and wonderful way to kill
+snakes,” said the professor, as he looked on. “I
+hope you aren’t killing any two-tailed toads.”</p>
+
+<p>“They’ll be just as good for specimens,” remarked
+Jerry as he turned on more power, sending
+the wires that dangled from the airship, swirling
+about, carrying death and destruction.</p>
+
+<p>At length, so great was the slaughter, that the
+snakes became terrified at the unknown power,
+and with angry hisses, they began crawling away
+in the crevices of the rocks, and under the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>“I guess that’s enough,” announced Jerry,
+when he could see none but dead serpents. “You
+can come out now, Noddy!” he shouted to the
+bully, for the airship was close to the hut. Jerry
+began pulling up the wires, the current having
+been shut off.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, take us away! Take us away from this
+awful island!” begged Noddy. “We won’t
+bother you again. We’re sorry we ever followed
+you; aren’t we, Bill?”</p>
+
+<p>“I am,” replied Noddy’s crony, thoroughly
+cowed.</p>
+
+<p>“But we have as good a right to stay and
+hunt for the radium as they have!” put in Dr.
+Belgrade sharply.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Then you stay!” cried Noddy. “I’ve had
+enough! I’m going back home.”</p>
+
+<p>“And desert me?” asked the renegade professor.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t care anything about you! I wish I’d
+never come on this trip. Oh, Jerry, I’ll never
+bother you again, as long as I live if you only set
+me on the main land. We can’t get to shore unless
+you help us, because the current is too swift.”</p>
+
+<p>“What shall we do?” asked Jerry of his
+chums.</p>
+
+<p>“Transport him,” suggested Ned. “We
+want the island to ourselves, if we hunt for the
+radium treasure. This is an easy way to get rid
+of Noddy.”</p>
+
+<p>The others agreed to this, and accordingly the
+airship was let down in front of the hut. The
+professor began searching among the dead snakes
+for a two-tailed toad, but did not find any.</p>
+
+<p>Noddy lost no time in scrambling aboard the
+<i>Comet</i>. Bill Berry followed, and Dr. Belgrade
+much against his will, did likewise. He scowled
+at the boys and the professor, but they took no
+notice of him. As Jerry had said, the less they
+had to do with the plotters the better it would be.</p>
+
+<p>Noddy was hysterically thankful to the motor
+boys, but they well knew he might, at the first
+chance, play some mean trick on them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“How did you come to get to the hut?”
+asked Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>Noddy briefly told his story. He did not mention
+taking the airship, nor the other unfair things
+he had done. He said he and his cronies had
+managed to reach the canyon, and, in spite of the
+advice of guides, they decided to try to float down
+the river in a boat. They took provisions with
+them, but were wrecked in the rapids. They
+managed to reach the island, and some of their
+provisions floated ashore. They had landed near
+the hut, which they found easily, and took shelter
+in there, hoping against hope for a rescue. They
+were at the opposite end of the island from where
+our friends had first landed.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’ll give you some provisions, and
+you’ll have to get to civilization the best way you
+can,” said Jerry to the bully and his cronies, as
+they were landed on top of the bluffs, and supplied
+with food and water. “You’ve made trouble
+enough for us.”</p>
+
+<p>“We left some of our food and things in
+the hut,” said Noddy, as Jerry and his chums
+were about to sail away. “After the flood which
+brought the snakes down, we didn’t dare go out.
+There was some stuff in the hut when we reached
+it. I think someone had been there just before
+we were.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“What?” cried Jerry. “Someone had been
+in the hut recently?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m sure of it,” spoke Noddy. “There
+was food in some boxes when we took shelter
+there. And some books, and papers with writing
+on. But we didn’t see anyone while we were
+there until you came, and we were never gladder
+to see anybody than you. We couldn’t find any
+radium. I’m sorry I treated you so mean,
+and——”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, never mind,” interrupted Jerry, in
+whose brain many thoughts were whirling about.
+“Are you sure someone had been in the hut
+recently?”</p>
+
+<p>“Positive. You can ask Bill Berry.”</p>
+
+<p>But Jerry had no desire to do this. He preferred
+to look for himself. Bill was sullen and
+angry, and so was Dr. Belgrade. Both knew
+that the game was up. But no attention was
+paid to them.</p>
+
+<p>With no very hearty good-byes, our friends
+watched the trio of unpleasant ones depart.
+They could reach civilization in a day or so, and
+they had enough to eat and drink for that time.</p>
+
+<p>“Now come on!” cried Jerry to his chums.
+“Come on, Professor,” for the scientist was chasing
+after a new kind of bug.</p>
+
+<p>“Where to now, Jerry?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Back to the hut on Snake Island. I’m going<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>
+to see who has been living there, and what has
+become of him.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you think it might be——”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m going to make sure before I say anything,”
+interrupted the tall lad, as he sent the airship
+aloft.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII</a><br />
+<small>THE RISING FLOOD</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Well, I don’t see much here to help us,”
+remarked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“No, not much that tells anything definite,”
+agreed Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Except parts of what seem to be a journal,
+or diary,” added Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“But those same leaves from the journal tell
+a sad story,” spoke Professor Snodgrass.</p>
+
+<p>The three boys and the scientist were in the
+hut on Snake Island. It was the day after they
+had taken Noddy and his cronies off, and they
+were seeking for traces of the person who, according
+to the bully, had been in the hut before
+they arrived. They found some preserved food,
+older than any Noddy could have brought, and
+scattered pages of a diary.</p>
+
+<p>“It is evident that someone—most likely a
+man—lived here for a time,” went on the professor,
+“and that up to recently, he kept an account
+of his day’s doings, for here is the last entry
+we can find, dated about a month ago.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“What does it say?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“The same thing as for many days before.
+‘Searched for it, but could not find it.’”</p>
+
+<p>“What do you suppose ‘it’ can be?” asked
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>The professor was silent a moment, and then
+he said quietly:</p>
+
+<p>“Radium.”</p>
+
+<p>“What!” cried Jerry. “Do you think someone
+has been here ahead of us, looking for the
+radium treasure?”</p>
+
+<p>“I am sure of it,” said Uriah Snodgrass, “and
+what is more, I believe it was Mr. Bentwell.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then where is he now?” demanded Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“That I don’t know,” and the professor’s
+voice was solemn. “Probably he is dead. He
+must have been here on this lonely island nearly
+a year. How he lived in that time no one can
+tell. When he and his companions were wrecked
+there must have been some food saved. Or, he
+may have been able to trap, or kill, small animals
+that are on the island, or that were brought
+down by the floods. He may have caught fish.
+At any rate, we know that someone was alive
+here up to a month ago, for the date in the book
+tells us that. Where he went to, we can only
+guess.”</p>
+
+<p>“The snakes,” suggested Ned in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, the snakes may have killed him,” agreed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>
+the professor. “It is a sad ending to the life
+of a noted scholar, alone on this terrible island.
+I shall preserve this record he has left, for his
+family.”</p>
+
+<p>“But where is the rest of it?” asked Jerry.
+“There are only a few pages here.”</p>
+
+<p>“The others were destroyed, somehow,” replied
+Professor Snodgrass. “The same agency
+that made away with Mr. Bentwell may have destroyed
+the record of his uneventful search, or
+Noddy and his cronies, not understanding the
+value of the book, may have used pages of it to
+light a fire with, for on the hearth you can see
+where a fire has recently been kindled. It is too
+bad, for a scientific person, like Mr. Bentwell,
+probably made valuable observations of what took
+place in this wonderful canyon of the Colorado.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it isn’t doing us any good to stay here,”
+spoke Jerry. “It’s only making us more gloomy.
+I vote that we get out, and make a careful search
+for the radium. We won’t be bothered by
+Noddy and his crowd now, and there isn’t likely
+to be another flood, right away.”</p>
+
+<p>“I agree with you,” said the professor. “We
+will be better off by doing some active work.
+I’ll take charge of what is left of the journal, and
+we’ll begin our search. What food is left we’ll
+pack away in the hut. Who knows but what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>
+some other daring adventurer, who seeks to navigate
+the river, may be wrecked here? It may
+save his life.”</p>
+
+<p>The food was carefully put away, and it was
+likely to keep for some time, since there were no
+evidences that the waters had ever risen quite as
+high as the hut. Then our friends began their
+search.</p>
+
+<p>It was kept up for several days, and, as thoroughly
+as they could, they covered every part of
+the island, beginning at the shore and working
+back toward the big mound in the center, with its
+tall pillar of sandstone rock.</p>
+
+<p>“I guess we’ll have to make a record in our
+notebooks, the same as poor Mr. Bentwell did,
+‘nothing doing,’” remarked Bob one day, after
+nearly a week of searching.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’ve got all that hill to explore yet,”
+replied Ned. “And that’s the most likely place
+for the radium; isn’t it, Professor?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I can’t say that it is,” was the reply of
+the scientist. “I think, if we find it at all, that
+it will be on comparatively low ground. But it
+begins to look as if our hunt for the treasure was
+likely to result in failure.”</p>
+
+<p>“And you haven’t got your two-tailed toad
+yet,” said Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“No, but I have hopes, boys,” and with that
+the professor, leaving the three chums to search<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>
+for traces of radium, went off by himself to look
+for the specimen he so much wanted.</p>
+
+<p>All that day the two searches were kept up,
+but without result. At night they assembled in
+the airship, which had been anchored on a level
+piece of high ground, near the upper end of the
+island, above the hut.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’ll put in a few more days,” suggested
+Ned, as they arose from the supper table,
+“and then I think we’d better get back home, and
+admit that we’re beaten.”</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t like to give up,” said Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“Neither do I,” came from the professor.
+“And yet I think we had better get ready to
+leave. I don’t like the looks of the weather,
+and the barometer is falling more rapidly than
+I care to see it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you think a storm is brewing?” asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“I do, and a bad one, too. I think we had
+better stay here one more day, and then move.
+I’ll have to look in some other place for the rare
+toad.”</p>
+
+<p>When they went to bed that night there was a
+low muttering of thunder, and fitful lightning,
+and Jerry insisted on his chums helping him make
+the airship more secure by ropes attached to trees.</p>
+
+<p>“We don’t want to be blown away in the
+night,” he said.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They all slept so soundly that they did not
+notice the increasing roar of the river, as it rose
+in flood, due to heavy rains above Snake Island.
+The river was always roaring, as it tore past the
+black cliffs, and split in twain at the island, and,
+though the rain added to this noise, it did not
+awaken the adventurers.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until early morning that Ned, sitting
+up in his berth, was conscious of an uneasy,
+bobbing motion.</p>
+
+<p>“Hello!” he cried, hopping out. “What’s
+the matter? Why did you start, Jerry? I
+thought you were going to stay another day.”</p>
+
+<p>“Start! I haven’t started!” cried Jerry.
+“What are you talking about?”</p>
+
+<p>Then, as he leaped out on the floor, he nearly
+lost his balance, as the <i>Comet</i> pitched and tossed.
+Jerry gave a hasty glance out of the window.</p>
+
+<p>“Boys,” he cried, “we’re afloat on the biggest
+flood the Colorado ever had, I guess! We’re
+still anchored, but the trees are under water!
+The ropes are holding us!”</p>
+
+<p>“But how can we float?” asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“On the hydroplanes, of course,” said Jerry.
+“You know we’ve been resting on them, instead
+of the bicycle wheels, for I wanted to take the
+weight off the tires. Lucky for us that I did,
+or we wouldn’t float. And now we’re on the surface
+of the river, and it’s still rising!”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX</a><br />
+<small>IN THE CAVE</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Steadying themselves against the swaying motion
+of the anchored airship, our friends crowded
+to the windows to look out. They beheld a terrifying
+and wonderful scene.</p>
+
+<p>Almost the whole of the island was under
+water. Only the high middle part, with its tower
+of rock, was out of the flood. Securely held by
+the anchor ropes, the <i>Comet</i>, as light as a chip on
+the surface of the waves, floated on the bosom of
+the flood. Her very lightness, due to the fact
+that the gas bag was partly filled, and the strength
+of the anchor ropes, had saved her. Then, too,
+the fact that she rested on hydroplanes, or pontoons,
+was in her favor. These were a new feature
+of the airship, which had only recently been
+added.</p>
+
+<p>“Say, it’s lucky you thought to let the hydroplanes
+down,” spoke Bob, as he looked out at
+the flood sweeping past them.</p>
+
+<p>“If he hadn’t, we’d probably be wrecked by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>
+this time,” was Ned’s opinion. The hydroplanes,
+I might explain, were light hollow boxes, made
+water tight, and attached to the <i>Comet</i> by long
+toggle-jointed arms. They could be raised or
+lowered at will, and allowed the <i>Comet</i> to float
+on the surface of water. If you boys have
+ever seen a water-spider, or bug, skimming along
+on the brook or lake, as you doubtless have, you
+will get a good idea of how the hydroplanes
+worked by recalling to mind the insect.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Ned,
+as he looked at the flood sweeping past. On the
+surface of the water floated all manner of débris,
+including much driftwood, and even whole trees.
+“We can’t stay here,” went on the lad, “for we
+may have a hole punched in us any minute.”</p>
+
+<p>Even as he spoke there was a grinding sound,
+and a log scraped along the side of the <i>Comet</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, we’d better get out,” agreed Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll get breakfast right away,” said Bob
+briskly, “and then——”</p>
+
+<p>“No, you don’t!” cried Ned. “No breakfast
+until we’re out of danger. Why, we might
+be wrecked, and then I’d like to know how we
+could ever get out of this canyon,” and he looked
+up at the towering cliffs on either hand—cliffs
+that no mortal could scale. On each side—all
+around them—was the raging flood, in which no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>
+craft, save one as light as an airship, could have
+lived for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>“It all depends on the airship,” agreed Jerry.
+“We must get away while we can.”</p>
+
+<p>The words were hardly out of his mouth before
+there came a crash, and the craft trembled
+from end to end. There was a splintering noise,
+and Jerry sprang toward the stern.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ve been hit! One of the hydroplanes is
+smashed and a bicycle wheel crushed! We’ve
+got to go up right away! Start the gas machine,
+Ned. Bob, you come in the pilot house with me,
+and help. Professor, you see that the motors get
+plenty of oil; will you? We’ll need all the power
+we’ve got.”</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the interior of the <i>Comet</i> was a scene
+of activity. The effect of the damage was at
+once apparent, for the craft had settled on one
+side. But as soon as the gas began flowing into
+the bag she began to lift, until she was once more
+on a level keel.</p>
+
+<p>“All ready now?” called Jerry to Ned, in the
+motor room.</p>
+
+<p>“All ready—let her go! But what are you
+going to do?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m going to land on the high ground near
+the tower of sandstone. I can see a good level<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>
+place there, and the water can never get as high
+as that. Besides, I want to make some repairs
+before we try to make the mainland, and we can
+make ’em there. We’ll stay on top of the hill
+until the flood goes down. Give me full speed,
+Ned. Tell the Professor to use lots of oil.”</p>
+
+<p>As Ned turned to convey the request to the
+scientist, Uriah Snodgrass, who had been looking
+from a side window out on the flood, uttered a
+cry of delight. The next instant he caught up a
+small fish net, attached to a long handle, and
+thrust it out of the window, into the swirling
+water. Then he cried:</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve got it! I’ve got it! Oh, you little
+beauty! I’ve got you almost at the last minute,
+when I least expected you. Oh, what a rare
+find!”</p>
+
+<p>“What is it?” cried Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“The two-tailed toad! I saw it floating down
+on a log, and I made a grab for it. I have it!”
+and holding out the net he displayed a queer-looking
+object—a hideous toad, covered with
+“warts,” but having two unmistakable tails.</p>
+
+<p>“Ugh! What a creature!” cried Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“A most valuable acquisition to science,” declared
+the professor proudly.</p>
+
+<p>There came a shrill whistle through the tube
+leading to the pilot house.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“What is it?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Aren’t you going to start?” Jerry wanted to
+know. “The river is still rising, and more logs
+are coming down! Get a move on!”</p>
+
+<p>“Aye, aye!” answered Ned, and he yanked
+over the electrical switch. Instantly the propellers
+whizzed around, and the <i>Comet</i> strained
+at the mooring ropes.</p>
+
+<p>“Now’s the time!” cried Jerry to Bob, who
+had been provided with a light, keen hatchet, for
+the purpose of severing the lines. “Cut!”</p>
+
+<p>The little axe came down as the <i>Comet</i> lifted
+her dripping hydroplanes out of the water, and,
+freed from the holding cables, she soared aloft.
+Jerry directed her toward the big hill in the middle
+of the island, where there was room to land.
+Fortunately there was scarcely any wind to sway
+the craft, though the rain came down in torrents.</p>
+
+<p>Well aloft now, over the raging flood of the
+Colorado, the <i>Comet</i> was more like herself, and,
+with Jerry to guide her, there was comparatively
+little danger.</p>
+
+<p>“You’ve got to be careful how you let her
+down,” suggested Ned, when, having set the machinery
+to working automatically, he joined his
+tall chum in the pilot house. “You don’t want
+to smash that hydroplane and wheel any more
+than they are.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Sure not. We’ll be down in a few minutes,
+and then we can get right to work.”</p>
+
+<p>“What about the radium?” asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, we’ll look for that, too, as long as we’re
+in no immediate danger. I hope we find it. The
+Professor got what he wanted, and it’s up to us
+to make good, too.”</p>
+
+<p>It was but a short distance from where the
+flood had floated the <i>Comet</i> to the place where
+Jerry proposed to anchor, and, a little while after
+arising, the airship came gently down. It required
+no small skill to make a landing without
+further damaging the broken parts, but Jerry
+managed it.</p>
+
+<p>“Make fast the ship! All hands out at anchor
+work!”</p>
+
+<p>The professor rather disliked to leave off making
+notes about the two-tailed toad that the flood
+had brought him, but he finally put the specimen
+away, and joined the boys in the work of making
+their craft secure.</p>
+
+<p>They had landed on a small plateau, which
+was, in a manner, cut in the side of the hill. Back
+of it arose a steep cliff of sandstone, while the
+surface of the shelf was covered with trees, grass
+and bushes.</p>
+
+<p>Ned, taking one rope, walked off to the left
+to fasten it to a big stump that he thought would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>
+hold. As he came near it he glanced behind a
+bush, and, as he did so he uttered a cry:</p>
+
+<p>“Fellows, look here!” he shouted. “Here’s
+a big cave leading right into the hill!”</p>
+
+<p>Through the rain, splashing over the soaked
+ground, came Bob and Jerry, the professor following.
+They stood grouped about a hole in the
+slope—a hole large enough to permit a man to
+enter upright.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s go in and see what’s there,” proposed
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“I guess it’s safe,” came from Jerry.
+“There are hardly likely to be any bears on this
+island.”</p>
+
+<p>Together they advanced into the cavern. It
+was dark, but their eyes soon became somewhat
+accustomed to the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s too big to explore without a light,” remarked
+the professor. “This may be a place
+for valuable relics. Let’s fasten the airship, and
+then come back with electrical torches.”</p>
+
+<p>They turned to go, but, as they did so there
+came a sound which startled all of them. It was
+the sound of a human voice and, in cracked tones,
+as if the speaker had not used his vocal cords
+for some time.</p>
+
+<p>“Who are you? What do you want?” was
+demanded in hollow accents. And then there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+came a faint glimmer of light, and in the rays of
+it they beheld a man—apparently a very old man—with
+matted beard, tangled hair and hollow,
+sunken eyes, who stood staring at them from the
+depths of the cave.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter"></div>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX</a><br />
+<small>THE RADIUM TREASURE—CONCLUSION</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>“Bless my soul!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass.</p>
+
+<p>Bob, with a catching of his breath, and a nervous
+tremor, started to run in a panic. But Jerry
+caught him by the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>“Hold on!” the tall lad cried. “It’s only a
+man.”</p>
+
+<p>“A—a man!” gasped the fat lad. “I
+thought——”</p>
+
+<p>“Stop thinking!” commanded Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>The man in the cave advanced, and the boys
+and the professor saw that he carried a torch
+made from some resinous wood that burned with
+much smoke.</p>
+
+<p>“Who are you?” again demanded the man,
+holding his torch on high. “Who comes here
+to disturb me? Why can’t you let me die in
+peace?”</p>
+
+<p>The professor took a sudden resolve. Afterward
+he said he did not know why he did it.</p>
+
+<p>“Hartley Bentwell!” cried the scientist, “we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>
+have come to save you. You are not going to
+die. We have come to take you away from Snake
+Island!”</p>
+
+<p>The effect of these words on the unfortunate
+man was indescribable. He fairly leaped forward,
+and a cry came from his lips.</p>
+
+<p>“You know me!” he exclaimed. “You have
+come to save me? Oh, the dear Lord be thanked!
+Yes, I am Hartley Bentwell, but in a few days
+more I would not have known myself. I—I fear
+I was going mad. It was almost the end. Oh,
+what a life I have lived on this island! Unable
+to escape! Menaced by the snakes! Not a soul
+to speak to! In fear of the floods! Oh, even
+now, my mind is not right!”</p>
+
+<p>“There, there!” exclaimed the professor
+soothingly, as he would have talked to a child.
+“You are with friends. You will soon be away
+from here, and in your own home. We are going
+to restore you to the world again. You have
+seen the last of Snake Island.”</p>
+
+<p>“The last of Snake Island! Oh——” but the
+unfortunate castaway could say no more, for he
+had fainted, and would have fallen, had not Jerry
+and Ned caught him.</p>
+
+<p>“Quick! Carry him to the <i>Comet</i>,” directed
+the professor. “When he comes to, he must
+find himself in brighter surroundings.”</p>
+
+<p>This was quickly done, and, as the rain soon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>
+stopped, and the sun came out, when Mr. Bentwell
+became conscious, he found himself in a
+pleasant cabin, surrounded by his new friends.
+A look of wonder came over his face, and the
+wild, half-insane stare faded from his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Here, drink this,” commanded Uriah Snodgrass,
+and he held out a bowl of nourishing soup.</p>
+
+<p>And, following a refreshing sleep, that afternoon,
+while seated in the airship cabin, Mr. Bentwell
+told his story. He had been with the scientists
+who, about a year before, had come to search
+for the radium on Snake Island. There had been
+an accident, one boat was wrecked, and the unfortunate
+man was cast alone on the island. His
+companions escaped, and got back to civilization,
+believing him drowned.</p>
+
+<p>The cargo of the boat, consisting of a considerable
+quantity of provisions, stores and tools, was
+washed up on the island.</p>
+
+<p>He built the hut, and rudely furnished it.
+Then, having nothing else to do, being unable to
+escape from the island, he began a search for the
+radium, as told in his torn notebook. But he
+could not find it.</p>
+
+<p>Then floods came, there were several visitations
+of snakes, and, in terror, he fled to the hill,
+where he found the cave that he made his home,
+only going occasionally to the hut. He had been
+away from it for several days when Noddy and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+his companions took up their abode there. So
+despondent and gloomy was Mr. Bentwell over
+his plight that he withdrew to the cave altogether,
+and stayed there, living on scanty food. He did
+not come out, and so did not see the airship making
+trips over the island.</p>
+
+<p>“But now I am saved!” he cried. “Let us
+get away from this awful place!”</p>
+
+<p>“I am willing,” agreed the professor. “I
+have my valuable toad.”</p>
+
+<p>“But we haven’t the radium,” said Jerry.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not believe it is here,” said Mr. Bentwell.
+“I searched all over for it, and found not
+a trace.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, we saw your notes,” spoke the professor.
+“I saved what were left of them for
+you.”</p>
+
+<p>The weather soon became pleasant again, and
+the river went down. But the boys in their airship
+remained on the hill, as they liked it better
+there. Jerry asked for three days more in which
+to search for the radium treasure, and the others
+agreed to this.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I give up,” admitted Jerry, on the
+afternoon of the third day, when, after a wearying
+search, he and his two chums were returning
+to the <i>Comet</i>. “We’ll start for home to-morrow
+morning. Mr. Bentwell is well enough to
+travel now.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I sort of hate to go back empty handed,”
+spoke Ned regretfully. “It’s the first time we
+ever had a real failure.”</p>
+
+<p>“We can’t always be successful,” commented
+Bob. “Whew! I’m tired. I’m going to have
+a rest.”</p>
+
+<p>He sat down on a grassy spot. Just below
+them was the <i>Comet</i>, which had been fully repaired,
+and was all ready for the homeward trip.
+Ned and Jerry walked on a little way, and then
+took a seat on a log, for they, too, were weary.
+They talked over their adventures, agreeing that,
+even though they had not found the radium treasure,
+they had had a good vacation.</p>
+
+<p>Bob suddenly jumped up, and rubbed his thigh.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter; sit on a thorn?” asked
+Ned with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>“Something like that,” answered the stout lad.
+“Or else a bee stung me. Well, come on. It’s
+all over.”</p>
+
+<p>They were packing up that night, ready for
+the trip home in the morning, when Bob complained
+of a burning sensation in his leg.</p>
+
+<p>“Better let me look at it,” suggested the professor,
+who knew something of medicine. “You
+may have been poisoned by some insect.” But,
+when he had looked at a peculiar red spot on
+Bob’s leg he cried out:</p>
+
+<p>“Boys, that’s the most wonderful thing I ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>
+heard of! Bob has solved the riddle for us!”</p>
+
+<p>“What riddle?” demanded Jerry eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>“The radium riddle! That’s a blister caused
+by emanations from radium!” went on the professor.
+“Look at it, Mr. Bentwell, and see if
+you don’t think so!”</p>
+
+<p>The castaway, who had had his hair cut, and
+who had shaved himself, being attired in a spare
+suit of the professor’s, looked at the red spot.</p>
+
+<p>“That is undoubtedly a radium burn,” he said
+quickly. “How did it happen?”</p>
+
+<p>“It must have been when I sat down to rest,”
+explained Bob. “On the hill out there. I felt
+something sting me, and——”</p>
+
+<p>“It was the radium!” cried Mr. Bentwell.
+“Where is the place? Let us go to it at once!”</p>
+
+<p>“We can’t find it in the dark,” objected Jerry,
+but the professor and the castaway hurried out
+on the deck of the airship leading Bob with them.</p>
+
+<p>“Point out, as nearly as you can, where it was,”
+begged Uriah Snodgrass.</p>
+
+<p>Bob raised his hand, and, as he did so, he uttered
+a cry.</p>
+
+<p>“Look! Look!” he gasped. “The ghosts!
+The ghosts again!”</p>
+
+<p>There, floating down toward the airship, were
+tall whitish objects, wrapped in a bluish haze,
+like the tall forms of willowy beings shrouded in
+mist.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“The ghosts!” cried Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, radium ghosts!” fairly shouted Professor
+Snodgrass. “I understand it now. I wonder
+I didn’t guess it the first time. The ghosts
+we saw before were vapors, caused by radium.
+It is the same now. Boys, we have at last found
+the radium treasure! We will get it in the morning!”</p>
+
+<p>They were up at dawn, after an almost sleepless
+night. Bob pointed out the spot where he
+had rested, and digging there, under a thin layer
+of sod, was found the peculiar hornblende rock
+mixed with pitchblende, which contained the radium.
+It needed but a simple test to demonstrate
+this.</p>
+
+<p>“And the peculiar thing about it is this,” said
+Professor Snodgrass. “Usually it takes tons of
+rock to produce even a grain of radium, but in
+this case there is almost pure radium in this sample.
+We must be careful of it, for, not only is
+it very valuable, but it may seriously harm us if
+left exposed.”</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the first sample was put in the
+lead receptacle prepared for it, and the work of
+digging the rock for more was begun.</p>
+
+<p>But if our friends hoped to find an enormous
+fortune of radium on Snake Island they were disappointed.
+For, after they had dug a little distance
+down, the rock disappeared, and there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>
+no more of it. Search as they did, there was
+only a comparatively small quantity. But that
+was of great value, sufficient to more than compensate
+them for the trip, for the radium, being
+almost pure, commanded an exceptionally high
+price.</p>
+
+<p>“But there must be some where we first saw
+the strange ghosts,” suggested Bob. They went
+to the place, but found nothing. As there was a
+deep hollow, where before there had been none,
+they concluded that the flood had washed the
+precious radium away.</p>
+
+<p>“But we have enough to satisfy almost anyone,”
+said Jerry, one evening a few nights later.</p>
+
+<p>In the days following Bob’s unexpected discovery
+of the precious stuff they had searched
+diligently, but no more was located.</p>
+
+<p>“I think we have all there is here,” was the
+professor’s opinion, and Mr. Bentwell agreed
+with him. There was no longer any use in remaining
+in that desolate place, and so they arose,
+and left behind Snake Island, and the rushing
+river cutting its way through the mighty chasm,
+a mile below the surface of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with her nose pointed toward Denver,
+the return trip began. Little worth mentioning
+occurred on it. Mr. Bentwell continued to improve
+and after a short stay in Denver, at the
+Montrose home, nearly all traces of his terrible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>
+year on the lonely island disappeared. Of course
+the story of the boys caused much comment, and
+they were regarded as heroes.</p>
+
+<p>They received many offers for their radium,
+but they refused nearly all of them, giving a share
+of the stuff to Mr. Bentwell, some to Professor
+Snodgrass, and a portion to Mr. Montrose. The
+latter was interested in a Denver hospital that
+very much wanted some of the precious metal for
+medical purposes.</p>
+
+<p>As for their portions the boys kept some for
+themselves for future use, and some they gave to
+the academy they attended. The rest they sold
+for a large sum.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing more was heard from Noddy Nixon,
+save that he and Bill got safely home, after much
+hardship. As for the renegade professor he
+and Noddy quarreled, and separated.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s go all the way home by airship,” proposed
+Bob as they were about to leave Denver.
+“We can have the auto shipped to Cresville, and
+it’s much easier to get meals in the <i>Comet</i> than
+at hotels.”</p>
+
+<p>“Bob, if you mention eating again, until we
+get home, we’ll put you on a bread and water
+diet,” threatened Ned, and Bob went off to the
+galley in a huff. But he was soon heard whistling
+as he made himself some sandwiches.</p>
+
+<p>The airship trip was voted the best, and accordingly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>
+it was undertaken. All went well,
+and in due time they were near their home town.
+At his request, Mr. Bentwell was allowed to leave
+the ship at a place where he could get a train to
+his home, for he did not want to take his new
+friends out of their way. He had telegraphed,
+at the first opportunity, to his relatives, telling
+them of his rescue. To say that they, and the
+world at large, were surprised by his wonderful
+story, is putting it mildly.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we got the radium treasure, after all,”
+remarked Jerry, one day a week or so later, when
+they were all assembled at his house.</p>
+
+<p>“And I caught the two-tailed toad,” added the
+professor. “My college has conferred additional
+honors upon me for that. I am indeed
+a lucky individual.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wonder what you’ll look for next?” spoke
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“And I wonder what we’ll do?” added
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>Those of you who care to know, may learn by
+reading the next volume of the series, which will
+be called “The Motor Boys on the Border; Or,
+Sixty Nuggets of Gold,” a strange tale of the Far
+West and of Canada.</p>
+
+<p>“Well,” remarked the professor, “I think I
+will——” He stopped suddenly, sprang to a
+small table, and clapped his hand down on it so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>
+suddenly that he upset a pitcher of lemonade,
+which spilled all over Bob.</p>
+
+<p>“Ouch! Ugh!” gasped the fat lad. “What’s
+the matter?”</p>
+
+<p>“I just caught a most rare specimen of a red-winged
+fly,” answered the professor, pulling out
+a specimen box and imprisoning the luckless insect.</p>
+
+<p>“But—l-l-look at me!” gasped Bob. “I’m
+all wet!”</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind, it’s a hot day, and you aren’t
+the only lemon in the house,” laughed Jerry, as
+he helped his chum dry himself.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Professor Snodgrass apologized, and
+made amends by helping squeeze more lemons.
+And then, sitting about, he and the boys discussed
+their adventures on the trip after the radium
+treasure. And now, for a time, we will say good-bye
+to them.</p>
+
+
+<p class="p4 noic">THE END</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<p class="noic">A New Line By the Author of the Ever-Popular<br />
+<span class="noi adauthor">“Motor Boys Series”</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="noi adtitle">The Racer Boys Series</p>
+
+<p class="noi adauthor">by CLARENCE YOUNG</p>
+
+<p class="noic">Author of “The Motor Boys Series”, “Jack Ranger Series”, etc. etc.<br />
+Fine cloth binding. Illustrated. Price per vol. 60 cts. postpaid.</p>
+
+<p>The announcement of a new series of stories by Mr. Clarence Young is
+always hailed with delight by boys and girls throughout the country,
+and we predict an even greater success for these new books, than that
+now enjoyed by the “Motor Boys”. The stories are in Mr. Young’s
+best vein, full of vim and vigor from start to finish, and of a high
+moral order. They are in the same style that has made “The Motor
+Boys Series” the most popular young people’s line on the market.</p>
+
+
+<p class="noi adauthor">The Racer Boys<br />
+<small>or The Mystery of the Wreck</small></p>
+
+<p>This, the first volume of the new series, tells who the Racer Boys were
+and how they chanced to be out on the ocean in a great storm. They
+rescue another boy in a wrecked motor-boat and take him to their
+home only to discover later that the stranger has lost his mind and cannot
+remember who he is or where he comes from. Adventures follow each
+other in rapid succession, and the Racer Boys finally solve the mystery
+in a manner that only our author, Mr. Young, can describe.</p>
+
+
+<p class="noi adauthor">The Racer Boys At Boarding School<br />
+<small>or Striving for the Championship</small></p>
+
+<p>When the Racer Boys arrived at the school they found everything at a
+stand-still. The school was going down rapidly and the students lacked
+ambition and leadership. They lacked even the heart to take part in
+any athletic contests. The Racers took hold with a will, and got their
+father to aid the head of the school financially, and then reorganized
+the football team. Much to the astonishment of everybody, the school
+won the championship of the league.</p>
+
+
+<p class="noi adauthor">The Racer Boys To The Rescue<br />
+<small>or Stirring Days in a Winter Camp</small></p>
+
+<p>Here is a story filled with the spirit of good times in winter—skating,
+ice-boating and hunting. How the lads went out after big game, how
+they stumbled upon a queer trail and made a great discovery, and how
+they came to the rescue of a crippled boy who was virtually held a
+prisoner in a wilderness cabin, are related in a manner to chain the attention
+of the reader from beginning to end.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 noic">Other Volumes to Follow</p>
+
+<p class="noic">CUPPLES &amp; LEON CO., Publishers      NEW YORK</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<p class="noi adtitle">The Webster Series</p>
+
+<p class="noic adauthor">By Frank V. Webster</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/image05.jpg" width="150" height="197"
+     alt="The Webster Series" title="The Webster Series" />
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Mr. Webster’s style is very much like
+that of the boys’ favorite author, the late lamented
+Horatio Alger Jr., but his tales are thoroughly
+up-to-date. The stories are as clean as they are
+clever, and will prove of absorbing interest to
+boys everywhere.</p>
+
+<p>Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated.
+Stamped in various colors. Price
+per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</p>
+
+<ul class="p2">
+<li class="li1">Only A Farm Boy<br />
+<span class="ident">or Dan Hardy’s Rise in Life</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Tom The Telephone Boy<br />
+<span class="ident">or The Mystery of a Message</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The Boy From The Ranch<br />
+<span class="ident">or Roy Bradner’s City Experiences</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The Young Treasure Hunter<br />
+<span class="ident">or Fred Stanley’s Trip to Alaska</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Bob The Castaway<br />
+<span class="ident">or The Wreck of the Eagle</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The Newsboy Partners<br />
+<span class="ident">or Who Was Dick Box?</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Two Boy Gold Miners<br />
+<span class="ident">or Lost in the Mountains</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The Young Firemen of Lakeville<br />
+<span class="ident">or Herbert Dare’s Pluck</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The Boy Pilot of the Lakes<br />
+<span class="ident">or Nat Morton’s Perils</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The Boys of Bellwood School<br />
+<span class="ident">or Frank Jordan’s Triumph</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Jack The Runaway<br />
+<span class="ident">or On the Road with a Circus</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Bob Chester’s Grit<br />
+<span class="ident">or From Ranch to Riches</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Airship Andy<br />
+<span class="ident">or The Luck of a Brave Boy</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The High School Rivals<br />
+<span class="ident">or Fred Markham’s Struggles</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Darry The Life Saver<br />
+<span class="ident">or The Heroes of the Coast</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Dick The Bank Boy<br />
+<span class="ident">or A Missing Fortune</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Ben Hardy’s Flying Machine<br />
+<span class="ident">or Making a Record for Himself</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Harry Watson’s High School Days<br />
+<span class="ident">or The Rivals of Rivertown</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">Comrades of the Saddle<br />
+<span class="ident">or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains</span></li>
+
+<li class="li1">The Boys of the Wireless<br />
+<span class="ident">or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep</span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<p class="p2 noic">CUPPLES &amp; LEON CO., Publishers,      NEW YORK</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="tnote">
+<p class="noi tntitle">Transcriber’s Notes:</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">A List of Illustrations has been provided for the convenience of the
+   reader.</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">Printer, punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently
+   corrected, except as noted below.</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">Variant spellings of Pittsburg for Pittsburgh (PA.) and Allegany
+   for Allegeny (River) have been retained as these have been used
+   consistently throughout the book.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 47417 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/47417/47417-h/images/cover.jpg b/47417-h/images/cover.jpg
index 6d10fcc..6d10fcc 100644
--- a/47417/47417-h/images/cover.jpg
+++ b/47417-h/images/cover.jpg
diff --git a/47417/47417-h/images/image01.jpg b/47417-h/images/image01.jpg
index a182066..a182066 100644
--- a/47417/47417-h/images/image01.jpg
+++ b/47417-h/images/image01.jpg
diff --git a/47417/47417-h/images/image02.jpg b/47417-h/images/image02.jpg
index d95c107..d95c107 100644
--- a/47417/47417-h/images/image02.jpg
+++ b/47417-h/images/image02.jpg
diff --git a/47417/47417-h/images/image03.jpg b/47417-h/images/image03.jpg
index 6dd8f29..6dd8f29 100644
--- a/47417/47417-h/images/image03.jpg
+++ b/47417-h/images/image03.jpg
diff --git a/47417/47417-h/images/image04.jpg b/47417-h/images/image04.jpg
index 61abd2d..61abd2d 100644
--- a/47417/47417-h/images/image04.jpg
+++ b/47417-h/images/image04.jpg
diff --git a/47417/47417-h/images/image05.jpg b/47417-h/images/image05.jpg
index 3a9e6e1..3a9e6e1 100644
--- a/47417/47417-h/images/image05.jpg
+++ b/47417-h/images/image05.jpg
diff --git a/47417/47417-0.zip b/47417/47417-0.zip
deleted file mode 100644
index c400f7c..0000000
--- a/47417/47417-0.zip
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/47417/47417-h.zip b/47417/47417-h.zip
deleted file mode 100644
index 4a14330..0000000
--- a/47417/47417-h.zip
+++ /dev/null