road until they came to a hilltop that commanded a view of a wide stretch of country. Here they could see the road winding and dipping for a distance of more than a mile, until it was lost to sight in a grove of trees. But there was no sign of the automobile they were seeking.
"They've given us the slip, I guess," said Frank, as he brought his motorcycle to a stop.
"They had a good start and they weren't letting the grass grow under their feet, either. Think we should keep on?"
"There's not much use. We'd better go back to the farmhouse and hear what Mr. and Mrs. Kane have to say about this."
They turned their motorcycles about and headed back toward the farm. On the way they discussed the mysterious kidnapping.
"Evidently those men in the other motorboat saw us rescue Jones, or else they heard that he had been taken to the farmhouse," remarked Joe. "They must be desperate characters."
"I wonder what will happen to poor Jones now," said Frank gravely. "They tried to kill him in the first place. This time―"
"Do you think they'll murder him?"
"It looks like that. They didn't show him any mercy out in the bay. They left him for dead that time. Now they'll make sure of it."
Joe shuddered. "If they were going to kill
