CHAPTER XVI.
PLANS FOR A MOTOR-CYCLE RACE.
"Well, Ned," said Mr. Slade when the sheriff had gone, "you came closeto getting into trouble. Why didn't you mention to me something aboutseeing the light in the mill."
"I thought of it," replied the boy, "but after I talked it over withBob and Jerry we decided it was better not to say anything about it.Besides, I haven't told all yet."
"What? Is there more to tell?"
"Yes. I saw some one besides Bill Berry at the mill that night."
"Who?"
"Noddy Nixon," and then Ned told of meeting Noddy with the box of bait,as the bully had called it. He also related what the three boys hadplanned to do in keeping watch of Noddy, and of the odd bank bill.
"I think it would have been wise to tell some older person of all this,"commented Mr. Slade. "Still I appreciate that you did not want to castsuspicion on any one. And, as you say, it is only a vague suspicion asyet. Noddy may be as innocent as you. I would like to know more of thisBill Berry."
"He knows who robbed the mill," said Ned.
"What makes you think so?"
"Because he was looking right in the office door when the light wasvisible."
"If he knew why should he cast suspicion on you?"
"I don't know, unless it is to draw attention from some one else."
"You mean Noddy?"
Ned nodded his head affirmatively.
"Think no more about it; at least for the present," advised Mr. Slade."I will see to the legal end of it, and take care you are not againannoyed by the sheriff unless it is necessary to give evidence. I wouldurge you and your two chums to keep quiet about this."
The boy promised, and both Bob and Jerry agreed to say nothing of thelatest development in the mill robbery mystery when Ned had told them ofthe outcome of the sheriff's act.
For several days after this it was so hot that the boys stayed quietlyat home instead of taking trips on their machines. Toward the end ofthe week, however, there came several heavy thunder showers that cooledthe air, laid the dust, and made traveling pleasant. It was on Saturdayafternoon that the three chums went for another short spin.
Coming back they stopped at the Athletic club house. Leaving theirwheels in charge of the caretaker they went to the refreshment room tohave some soda and ice cream.
"I say, what's this?" exclaimed Ned, catching sight of a large noticefastened on the wall. "Come here Chunky and Jerry. This looks as if itwas meant for us."
Rapidly the three boys read an announcement that the Cresville clubhad decided to hold a grand motor cycle meet, open to competitors ofall classes and all makes of machines, not over two cylinders in size.There were to be three prizes. The first was to be optional with thewinner and of the value of two thousand dollars, the second one thousanddollars and the third five hundred dollars. Articles worth these amountswould be given, it was stated, and entries would be received untilwithin a week of the race, which was to be on September 20.
"What do you think of that, Chunky?" asked Ned.
"It seems to hit us in the right spot," replied the heavy-weight youth."I'm going to enter."
"So am I," came from Ned and Jerry in a chorus.
"Wouldn't it be great if one of us could win the first prize?" inquiredJerry. "Think of getting something worth two thousand dollars."
"I wonder what I'd take if I won?" asked Bob of no one in particular.
"I think we have as good a chance of winning as any one," proceededJerry.
"I don't doubt it," agreed Ned.
"Then let's agree," and Jerry's face was serious, "that if any of uscaptures that first prize we'll select an automobile touring car."
"An automobile?" exclaimed Ned.
"A touring car?" cried Bob.
"Certainly. Why not? Isn't that better than a horse, or a motor boat?Think what it would mean. We could travel all over,--make a tour of theUnited States perhaps. Yes, sir, that's the ticket! If we win let's geta touring car. What do you say, boys?"
For a few seconds the very audacity of the idea seemed to stagger Nedand Bob. They gradually recovered, and their eyes shone as they realizedthe possibilities of the plan.
"We'll do it!" exclaimed Ned.
"That's what we will!" asserted Bob.
"Then all we have to do is to go in and win that first prize," concludedJerry. "We must begin practice at once."
"And there isn't the least doubt but what you'll win," exclaimed amocking voice suddenly.
The boys turned, to behold Noddy Nixon grinning at them.
"Not the least in the world," went on the bully in tantalizing tones."In fact I don't see why they hold any contest at all. The club might aswell give you boys all three prizes. It would save a lot of work."
"Look here--," began Bob, but Ned placed a quieting hand on his shoulder.
"Don't reply to him," said Ned. "It may make trouble."
"You think because you won a little race a while ago that you can go ina big one," went on Noddy. "But you'll find that this is a differentmatter."
"I suppose you're going to enter?" asked Jerry.
"Is it any of your business if I do?" inquired Noddy.
"None at all," replied Jerry. "Only if you do decide to start in theraces you might find this handy, in case you had to cut any wires, youknow," and he handed Noddy the knife with the initials N. N. that theboys had found the day their cycles were disabled in the field.
"What's that?" asked Noddy, not seeing at first what it was that Jerryheld toward him.
"It's a knife that I think belongs to you," said Jerry. "It has beenused to cut wires with," he went on, "and it may come in handy for thatpurpose again."
"I don't know what you mean," Noddy responded, but a deep blush dyed hisface and he looked very uncomfortable.
"Then you don't care to claim this?" asked Jerry as he saw Noddy turnaside.
"It isn't mine; why should I?" Noddy asked in turn, though the boys knewhe was telling an untruth.
"Very well," Jerry said, replacing the knife in his pocket as Noddyhurried from the room.
"He's a cool one," commented Ned.
"That's what he is," assented Bob. "If he only knew all we know he wouldact differently."
"But it's not time to say anything yet," counseled Jerry. "We must goslow."
The boys resumed their talk about the coming motor cycle races. Theydiscussed the questions from all sides, and decided that, accidentsexcepted, they had at any rate as good a chance of winning, at least oneof the prizes, as any one else.
"We'll form a community of interests," said Bob. "We'll race separately,but whoever wins pledges himself to get a touring automobile, if one canbe had for the amount of the prize, and share it with the others. Isthat a go?"
"It is," said Jerry.
"Every time, as far as I am concerned," was Ned's answer.