hes of
dense timber were penetrated, and finally the machine shot out onto a
broad plain which stretched away for many leagues toward the west.
The sun was well up now, but the party had hardly felt its warmth.
The big automobile, moving along at a fair rate of speed, created
enough breeze to keep the occupants at a comfortable temperature.

Dorothy and Molly, thoroughly awake now, and in no way missing the
sleep they had lost, kept up an incessant chatter, Aurora and Aunt
Betty occasionally chiming in.

"I've never thought to ask, but what sort of sleeping quarters are we
to have at the camp?" asked Molly.

"Goodness me! I hadn't thought of that," said Aunt Betty. "Gerald,
did you provide sleeping quarters for the lady guests?"

"Yes, ma'am; there are several portable tent tops packed in the rear
compartment."

"Tent tops! Indeed, it seems to me we'll need some tent _sides_, too,
if we are to sleep with any peace of mind."

This caused a general laugh.

"I've provided for that, too," said Gerald. "Don't worry. It was
impossible to carry poles and stakes, however, so Jim and I will show
our woodcraft by cutting them in the mountains where we camp."

"I imagine we'll think of several things we've forgotten before we've
been long at our destination," said Aurora.

Dorothy uttered a startled exclamation.

"My goodness! How you startled me," said Aunt Betty. "What's wrong?"

"I've forgotten something already."

"Now our troubles begin." Mrs. Calvert heaved a long sigh of
resignation. "Well, what is it?"

"My curling irons."

"Pouff! I might have known you were starting a joke. You'll be lucky
to have a comb and brush, young lady, let alone curling irons, and as
for a mirror, I'm blessed if I believe we thought to bring one."

"I have one," smiled Aurora. "It will do for all. We can take turns
each morning combing our hair."

"A fine idea," said Jim. "Every morning, I'll delegate myself as a
sort of camp marshal to see that each of you has a turn at the
mirror. So when you hear me call, 'Hey, Molly; you're next!' you want
to bestir yourself."

Ephraim, who had been silent most of the time since the car left the
city, now burst into a loud guffaw.

"Lordy, but I didn't imagine dis was gwine tuh be sich er ceremonious
occasion. I done lef' mah curlin' irons tuh home, but maybe yo'-all
will take pity on er pooh colored gem'man en allow him tuh comb his
curly locks in front ob yo' solitary glass."

"Of