r I confess
that I myself feel the gnawings of hunger. Let us eat the hard-boiled
eggs and ham sandwiches that we have with us, and then if we like, we can
stop at Hartford this afternoon for a more satisfying lunch, as I begin
to think we will not reach Pine Branches until sometime later than their
usual dinner hour."

They all agreed to this plan, and Roger, with his peculiar sensitiveness
toward being discovered with his car at a disadvantage, said seriously:
"I see a racing machine coming, and when it passes us I hope you people
will act as if we had stopped here only to lunch, and not because this
ridiculous belt chose to break itself just now."

This trait of Roger's amused Patty very much, but she was quite ready to
humour her friend, and agreed to do her part.

She looked where Roger had indicated, and though she could see what
looked like a black speck on a distant road, she wondered how Roger could
know it was a racing machine that was approaching. However, she realised
that there were many details of motoring of which she had as yet no idea,
and she turned her attention to helping the others spread out the
luncheon. The beautifully furnished basket was a delight to Patty. She
was amazed to see how cleverly a large amount of paraphernalia could be
stowed in a small amount of space. The kit was arranged for six persons,
and contained half-dozens of knives, forks, spoons, and even egg-spoons;
also plates, cups, napkins, and everything with which to serve a
comfortable meal. There were sandwich-boxes, salad-boxes, butter-jars,
tea and coffee cans, salt, pepper, and all necessary condiments. Then
there was the alcohol stove, with its water-kettle and chafing dish. At
the sight of all these things, which seemed to come out of the kit as out
of a magician's hat, Patty's eyes danced.

"Let me cook," she begged, and Mrs. Farrington and Elise were only too
glad to be relieved of this duty.

There wasn't much cooking to do, as sandwiches, cold meats, salad, and
sweets were lavishly provided, but Patty made tea, and then boiled a few
eggs just for the fun of doing it.

Preparations for the picnic were scarcely under way when the racing-car
that Roger had seen in the distance came near them. There was a whirring
sound as it approached, and Patty glanced up from her alcohol stove to
see that it was occupied by only one man. He was slowing speed, and
evidently intended to stop. Long before he had reached them, Roger h