of an automobile horn,
followed by a series of explosions, like a Gatling gun in full
operation, as Ned cut out the muffler, threw off the clutch, and
brought the machine to a stop at the door. More "honk-honks" called
Dorothy out to welcome her cousins, and presently Ned and Nat, and
Dorothy and Tavia were chatting merrily on the porch, as the big
machine puffed and "gasped" after its long run from North Birchland to
Dalton.

"We will go right off," insisted Dorothy, "so as to get all the ride we
can, it is such a beautiful day. I only have to grab up the lunch
basket, and Tavia is all ready--has been waiting in fact," as Tavia
readjusted her "sailor," and endeavored to look spick and span, as she
had looked before the series of embraces and other disturbing
activities upset her rather perishable toilette--nothing wrinkles like
freshly-ironed gingham.

"Just a drink of cold water, lady," begged Ned, "before we start again.
My throat is macadamized, my eyes are veritable kaleidoscopes, and I
feel like a mummy generally."

"Why, of course," apologized Dorothy, "you must want a rest after that
long dusty ride. Come into the sitting room, and we will try to
refresh you."

"Just plain water, please," insisted Ned, "and then we will start off."

Tavia lost no time in bringing a pail of fresh water--Nat doing the
bringing, while Tavia smiled approval and encouragement; it is a matter
of such importance to carry the pail just so, when one really wants a
perfectly fresh drink and not a glass of bubbles, and Nat was seemingly
so anxious to learn all about well water--all that Tavia could tell him.

"Come on," called Ned, impatiently from the side window. "We want the
water in time to get away before nightfall. Must be lovely to go
fishing for water in a pail like Simple Simon. Nat, you can talk to
Tavia indefinitely after we have slaked our 'Fire-Bird' thirst."

Tavia blushed prettily at the good-natured rebuke, and Dorothy
playfully shook her finger at the tardy one, who seemed to have
forgotten all about Ned wishing a drink.

Finally the boys were satisfied that Dalton wells did justice to their
reputation, and so the "Fire-Bird" was made ready for the day's run.

"I am so glad," commented Dorothy, "that Joe and Roger are not around,
it would be hard to go off and leave them."

"Plenty of time for little boys," remarked Nat, turning on the
gasoline, then shoving the spark lever over, all ready to crank up.