"I can make it all right myself," he declared.

"Suppose you can," was the reply, "but it is just as well to be on the
safe side."

"Well, suit yourself," said Hal, "but don't expect me to wait for you."

"If you can distance me you will have to travel," returned the Austrian.
"I've the fastest craft in the service."

"I'm glad to hear that," replied Hal, and added to himself: "I
don't think."

"Set your pace," continued the Austrian. "I'll trail along behind."

"No use talking any more, I guess," Hal muttered to his friends. "May as
well go along."

Chester and Colonel Anderson nodded their assent and the machine moved
forward again.

Things might have gone well had it not been for Stubbs. Suddenly the
little man uttered a yell and sat up straight in his seat.

"Ouch!" he shouted. "I've got an awful pain!"