un into the next state," joked Nat,
to whom being lost was fun, and having an adventure the best part of a
ride.

For some time the Fire-Bird flew along, the beautiful August day adding
a wonderful charm to the tender shade of the oaks that lined the road,
and through which just enough sunshine peeped to temper the balmy
shadows.

"I am hungry. It must be lunch time," said Dorothy, as they reached a
pretty spot, "let's stop here and eat."

"Let's," agreed Nat, slowing up the machine.

"What do you suppose this road is for?" asked Ned, as neither the
rumble of a wagon wheel nor any other sound broke the stillness that
surrounded the party.

"For instance," suggested Tavia.

"Or for maps," said Ned.

"For automobile parties," declared Dorothy.

"For yours truly," finished Nat, stretching himself on the soft sod,
that came down to the road as beautifully as if it had been made to
order on a well-kept terrace.

The girls soon had the lunch cloth spread and the basket was then
produced--or rather its contents were brought forth.

"Yum, yum," exclaimed Nat, smacking his lips as Dorothy began placing
the eatables on the cloth.

"Oh, but water," sighed Tavia. "We were to get some as we came in the
woods. There is a fine spring there."

"Two miles back," announced Nat.

"But there must be one near here," declared Tavia, "for there are
forget-me-nots in this grass."

"Is that a sign of water?" asked Ned.

"Positive--sure sign," replied Tavia. "Let's hunt for the spring."

"Too early," answered Nat, "against the game laws. Can't hunt for two
whole months yet. Worse luck."

"Well, look for the spring then," Tavia corrected herself. "I fancy I
smell watercress--"

"Well, of all the fanciers,--first bluebells mean spring water, then
gasoline from our own tank smells like watercress. Now, Octavia
Travers, I'll go you," said Nat. "Come and find spring water, bunches
of watercress and a salt spring to go with the cress, or you will--walk
home."

Tavia answered the challenge by skipping along through the grassy
track, with Nat dragging lazily along at her heels.

"Don't get lost," cautioned Dorothy.

"And don't expect us to watch this food all afternoon," said Ned, as
the two disappeared over a bank on the "still hunt" for water and
perhaps watercress.

"Tavia knows everything that grows," remarked Dorothy to her cousin, "I
think it is so interesting to have a practical knowledge of nature."

"An