Both boys were silent and the same thought flashed through their minds at once. "One of those men from that old house," said Hugh. "They must have had sentries posted," said Bob and he glanced about him nervously. "Probable they watched us leave it here and when we went back into the woods they took it. Probably they followed us and watched us all the time too; very likely they're watching us now." "Let's go home," exclaimed Hugh. "I've had enough of this." "But the car," protested Bob. "It's gone, isn't it?" said Hugh. "We can't find it by just standing around here. The best thing we can do is to hurry back to High Ridge as fast as we can and report it to police headquarters." "It's over three miles," said Bob. "Suppose it is," Hugh exclaimed. "Suppose it was twenty miles: we'd have to go just the same. We may get a lift on the way." "Not at this time of night." "Anyway we'd better start; we may be in danger here." This latter consideration had great weight with Bob. He realized that enemies of one kind or another were there, or had been recently, in that neighborhood and he had no desire to meet them, unarmed as he was. His judgment also told him that Hugh's suggestion about reporting the loss of the car to the police was the only feasible one under the circumstances. "Come on," he urged. "Let's go home." "Some one may come along and offer us a ride," said Hugh hopefully. "I'm afraid there won't be many people out at this time of night," returned Bob disconsolately. "I wish I knew what had happened to the car." They proceeded in silence, glancing about them nervously for fear that they might be the victims of some further surprise. For a half-mile they kept to the side of the road, for little as they cared to walk where the darkness was thickest, they knew they would not be as exposed there as they would be in the middle of the road. When they reached the top of the hill, however, they became bolder and ventured out upon the paved highway. They walked swiftly, every few yards one or the other of the boys turning to glance behind them to see if they were followed. The night was clear, and the stars were shining brilliantly; hardly a breath of air was stirring. Presently they came within sight of the town, and the sound of the clock on the town hall striking one came faintly to their ears. "Whew," said Bob, "it's late." "I should say so," Hugh agreed, "and I was just thinking of everything we have done to-day. We've certainly been busy." "We may be even busier to-morrow." "Why so?" "Well, if we go back to that house again, you can't tell what we'll get into." "I wonder if we ought to report to the police what we've seen." "Probably we should," said Bob. "I'd like to go it alone though." "And so should I. Let's wait a day or two longer anyway." "I hope it won't be too late then." "We'll risk it anyway," said Hugh. "Look, here comes an automobile." "It's going the wrong way for us. Get over on the side of the road."