this
appears to be a poor road. We ought to try to find something better."

All those in the second car got out and walked to that which was
stalled in the bushes. They found Dick and Fred walking around the
machine trying to learn if any damage had been done.

"We might have kept right on," said Sam, and explained why.

"Well, we are here, and now comes the problem of getting back on the
road," said the eldest Rover. "I don't think I can back very well in
here."

"Better make a turn on the down grade," suggested Sam. "We can cut down
some of the big bushes that are in the way, and fill up some of the
holes with stones."

It was decided to do this, and all of the boys took off their coats and
went to work. Soon they had a fairly clear path, and after backing away
a few feet from the trees, Dick turned downward in a semi-circle, and
got out once more on the road. This time he was mindful to use the
brake with care, and consequently he gained the bottom of the stony
hill without further mishap, and the second machine came after him.

"There is that farmer," said Songbird. "Why not ask him about the
roads?"

"I will," said Dick, and stalked into the field.

"This ain't no good road to Philadelphia," said the farmer, when
questioned. "Better go back up the hill and take the road on the
right."

"We can't get back very well."

"Then you had better go along this road an' take the first turn to the
left and after that the next turn to the right. You'll have about three
miles o' poor roads, but then you'll be all right, but the distance to
the city is six miles longer."

There was no help for it and they went on, over dirt roads which were
anything but good. They had to go slowly, and Tom kept the second car
far to the rear, to escape the thick dust sent up by the leading
machine.

"This isn't so fine," declared Dick, with a grimace at Dora. "I am
sorry we took that false turn at the top of the hill."

"Oh, we'll have to take the bitter with the sweet," answered the girl,
lightly.

"I shan't mind it if you don't, Dora."

"Don't worry, Dick, I am not minding it a bit. I am only glad we got
rid of that intoxicated chauffeur. He might have gotten us into far
more trouble than this."

Inside of an hour they found themselves on a good stone road and
reached a signboard put up by the automobile association, telling the
exact distance to Philadelphia. This set them at ease mentally, and
they started off at a sp