he answered, I fancied--oh,
really it's nothing at all. I shouldn't have said it."

"I don't like those half-formed questions, Bess. If you think anything----"

"No, really I'm too tired to think, Cora. I'm going to bed." They had
adjoining rooms.

"Perhaps you have some theory yourself?" suggested Cora.

"None in the least. I don't even know what a theory is. Is it that algebra
affair?"

"No," answered Cora, with a laugh. "You are hopeless, Bess. Good-night!"

Jack and the other boys were up early, despite the former's objection to
a too-soon breakfast. They ate before the girls had come down, and then
went around to the garage to see about the cars, Jack to get a new tire
for his, while Norton wanted the ignition system of his engine gone over.

It was when these attentions had been given that Norton, with a twinkle
in his eyes, exclaimed:

"Fellows, I've thought of a joke!"

"What is it?" demanded Jack.

"Hush! Listen, as the telephone girl says. Pray thee come hither," and
he led the three to a corner of the garage. Then ensued some whispering.

"How's that?" demanded Norton, when he had concluded. "Won't it be rich?
The girls won't know what is up, for we can get Bess and Belle into the
car, without them seeing the rear of it."

"It's a good trick all right," admitted Jack rather slowly, "I only hope
they won't get angry about it."

"Angry!" cried Norton. "How could they be? According to your story they've
done worse than that to you fellows lots of times."

"Sure they have," declared Ed. "Go ahead and do it."

"I have my doubts," spoke Walter, deliberately, "but I'm not going to
be the kill-joy. Go ahead, I'll do my share," but he was not very
enthusiastic.

"We can get the cloth and paint here," went on Norton. "I'll do the
lettering. You can make the pudding, Jack."

"All right. But who's to get in the car with Belle?"

"I will," exclaimed Norton, quickly. "You fellows can make some excuse.
I'll let Walter drive my car, and Bess can ride with him."

"All right," assented Jack. "It's a go," and they proceeded to carry out
their little joke, over the outcome of which Walter and Jack, at least,
had some anxiety.

CHAPTER XI

THE GIRLS RETALIATE

"But why should we change our plans?" asked Cora, when, a little later,
the boys had brought their own cars up in front of the hotels and had
gone back for those of the girls. "I don't see why Bess should ride with
Walter."

"No, but I