It did not take long, and after getting a few more detailed instructions from Mr. Tunison, Dick left for Hamilton Corners. When he got home he found Paul and Innis waiting for him.
"Yes; we've been doing nothing but dream of this trip!" cried the other.
And he was as good as his word. His plans were completed, the route finally decided on, and, with the auto thoroughly in shape, the boys started off early one morning, Grit sitting proudly beside Dick, who was at the wheel.
"Take care of yourself, my boy," cautioned Mr. Hamilton, as he shook hands with his son and his chums.
"I will, Dad. If Uncle Ezra asks for me--well, tell him I'll see him later!"
"Yes, they're in the auto where no one can find them. I'll write as often as I can. All ready, boys?"
Dick pressed the button of the electric starter. There was a hum, a throb of the powerful motor, and the big car moved slowly out of the yard. Dick and his chums were off on their long trip.
"What's our time-table, Dick?" asked Paul, as they swung out of Hamilton Corners into the less-populated country.
"We haven't any. That is, we're not going to try to make any special time, as long as we get to 'Frisco by September first," for Dick had told his chums of the endeavor he was going to make to save Mr. Wardell's fortune.
"What's our programme, then?" Innis Beeby wanted to know. "Are we going to run along, hit or miss, or have we some definite plan?"
"Well, old man, we went over it so often, and made so many changes, that I don't know now whether we're going by way of New Orleans or Alaska."
"More like Alaska this time of year!" exclaimed Paul. "Shall I start the electric fan, Dick?"
"Yes, do. There isn't much breeze to-day," and soon a big electric fan near the roof of the touring car was stirring the air, making the three travelers more comfortable.
"This is the schedule the way I have worked it out," went on Dick, as he steered out to avoid a load of hay being driven along the country road. "We'll go to Buffalo, and from there on to Cleveland. Next, in the order as they come, will be Chicago, Des Moines, Omaha, Denver, Leadville, Salt Lake City, Carson City, Sacramento, and then 'Frisco."
"All good places to visit," observed Innis, reflectively.