the opening
is plenty large enough for our cars."

Mr. Basswood moved forward in the direction his son indicated, and soon
called to Ben to start the car. He led the way on foot, and the machine
followed slowly. They passed in and out among several trees, and then
emerged once more on the highway, some distance beyond the obstruction.

"Hurrah! That's the way to do it!" cried Luke. "Now the others can back
up and follow us."

"So they can," answered Shadow. "But what about leaving that tree in the
roadway? It's mighty dangerous, and will be more so after dark."

"We can notify the authorities at Simpson's Corners," said Mr. Basswood.
"They can send somebody up here with a lantern."

He went back to tell the others of what had been accomplished, and soon
the Wadsworth car was backed out from between the branches of the tree
that shut off the highway.

"Well, I think the rain is letting up a little, anyway," announced
Roger, after the two touring-cars were once more under way. And he was
right. That last downfall seemed to clear the sky, and soon they saw the
clouds scattering.

Wet from end to end, and covered with mud, the two automobiles rolled
into the little settlement that went by the name of Simpson's Corners.
Here an old man named Simpson kept a general store to which, in the
rear, was attached a small livery stable and garage.

"You certainly must have had some trip over the hills in this storm,"
remarked Mr. Simpson, after the party had trooped into his place. "It's
about as heavy a rainfall as we have had in some time. Where are you
bound?"

"We wanted to get to Carpen Falls if we could," answered Dunston Porter.
"But perhaps we'll stay in Simpson's Corners, if there are any
accommodations."

"Ain't no hotel here," answered the storekeeper. "Used to be one some
years ago, but it didn't pay, so the feller that run it gave it up. But
Mrs. Whittle serves lunch to travelers if you are hungry."

"Me for Mrs. Whittle's!" whispered Phil.

"Good gracious, Phil! You seem to be hungry all the time on this trip,"
was Belle's good-natured comment.

"Maybe if we stay here an hour or two it will clear off," said Dave, who
was examining the sky closely. "I think the storm is shifting very
rapidly."

"I believe you're right, Dave," answered his uncle. "Yes, we'll stay
here and get dried out a little, if nothing else."

It was learned that Mrs. Whittle's place was just across the street, and
the lady said s