CHAPTER XXIX

THE ARM OF THE LAW

Soon Dick and Sam were on the way to where they had left the chauffeur
and the big touring car. They fairly ran down the woodland trail,
stumbling over the rocks and tree roots in the darkness. Once Sam went
down, and scratched his hand, but he got up without complaining.

They were almost in sight of the machine when they heard a peculiar
sound. Dick's heart gave a bound.

"Listen!" he cried. "He's trying to crank up! He must have gotten free
of his bonds!"

The oldest Rover boy was right, the chauffeur had worked at the straps
and ropes until he had liberated himself. Now he was working at the
crank of the touring car, hoping to get away in the machine.

"He won't get started," muttered Sam, remembering what he and Tom had
done to the automobile.

They sneaked up behind the man, and before he could resist had thrown
him flat on his back. Then, while Dick held him down, Sam ran and got
the straps and ropes.

"You let me go!" yelled the man. "Let me go, or it will be the worse for
you!" And he tried to get away. But then Dick put a pistol to his head
and he collapsed and offered no more resistance.

As soon as the chauffeur was again secured, the boys bundled him into
the enclosed portion of the car and tied him fast to the foot rail and
the robe rail. Then the youths lost no time in readjusting the machine
so it could be used, and lighting all the front lamps.

"If they hear us they'll think it is the chauffeur going away," said
Dick.

"Can you run her, Dick?" asked his brother.

"I think so. It seems to be a good deal like our car at home, only
larger."

It was agreed that Sam should get into the coach part and watch the
prisoner while Dick ran the car. Then Dick started up the machine,
backed out and turned around, and then made his way out of the woods and
across the field to the highway. At first he ran cautiously, but as soon
as he became accustomed to the car he turned on the speed and spun along
at the rate of thirty miles an hour in the direction of Plankville.

"How is she going?" asked Sam, from behind.

"Fine! How is that prisoner?"

"As mad as a hornet," and there was a chuckle in Sam's tone.

It was not long before they came in sight of Plankville, and Dick slowed
down a little. He ran directly up to the hotel, where several men were
on the point of separating for the night.

"I want to get some officers of the law," he cried. "Where can I find
t