e
of which could not be mistaken. It was the rapid, pulsating chug-chug
of an automobile engine. They waited a few minutes, but it appeared to
be coming no nearer.

"The snow has stopped this one, too," said Clifford. "Come on and
we'll give them a surprise."

A few paces farther brought the boys in view of a machine with the
engine running idle and no driver visible in front. Naturally this
made them suspicious and a halt was called for a little
circumspection. Then, carefully, cautiously, they advanced toward the
automobile, keeping nervous watch on all sides to avoid a surprise.

They reached the machine, which they had been able to locate by the
noise of the engine, and found it also deserted, save for the three
prisoners, bound and gagged, in the car. While the other four in the
party of rescuers kept watch against a surprise, Clifford cut the
bonds on the wrists of the girls and removed the gags from their
mouths.

"Where did the villains in charge of this car go?" was the first
question he put to the released prisoners.

"They skipped," replied Violet Munday. "Two men who had been in the
machine ahead came back and said the game was up, that they were
discovered by a force of Boy Scouts armed with guns and they couldn't
afford to put up a fight, for even if they won, the whole country
would be aroused and they couldn't hope to carry out their original
plans. They went back to warn the other men. No doubt you'll find the
other machines abandoned, too."

"All right," said Ernie; "you girls stay here in the car and keep
warm. We'll be back as soon as we can find the others."

The boys found the other two automobiles also abandoned and released
six more Camp Fire prisoners.

"Now let's return and get the head auto started back first," Ernie
proposed.

This plan was adopted. Arrived at the machine in which Marion, Hazel
and Julietta had been prison-passengers, they found a new and
important development in affairs. Jake, the chauffeur, had confessed.
He had offered to conduct the boys to Helen's place of detention and
effect her release if the boys would let him go. It was less than half
a mile away. The boys agreed. Clifford suggested that the girls remain
in the automobile while the Scouts made the proposed raid, but they
objected strenuously.

In a short time the rest of the girls were brought forward, informed
of the plan, and the start was made. All of the girls insisted on
taking part in the expedi