ight like civilised beings, instead of doing this gipsy
act."

"It would have been a good idea," said Mr. Farrington thoughtfully, "but
it's a bit too late now, so there's no use worrying about it. But cheer
up, my friend, I think we'll arrive shortly."

"I think we won't," said Roger. "I don't want to be discouraging, but we
haven't passed the old stone quarry yet, and that's a mighty long way
this side of Pine Branches."

"You're sure you know the way, aren't you, Roger?" asked his mother, her
tone betraying the first trace of anxiety she had yet shown.

"Oh, yes," said Roger, and Patty wasn't sure whether she imagined it, or
whether the boy's answer was not quite as positive as it was meant to
sound.

"Well, I'm glad you do," said Mr. Farrington, "for I confess I don't.
We're doubtless on the right road, but I haven't as yet seen any familiar
landmarks."

"We're on the right road, all right," said Roger. "You know there's a
long stretch this side of Pine Branches, without any villages at all."

"I know it," said Mrs. Farrington, "but it is dotted with large country
places, and farms. Are you passing those, Roger? I can't seem to see
any?"

"I haven't noticed very many, Mother, but I think we haven't come to them
yet. Chirk up, it's quite some distance yet, but we'll keep going till we
get there."

"Oh," said Mrs. Farrington, "what if the belt should break, or something
give way!"

"Don't think of such things, Mother; nothing is going to give way. But if
it should, why, we'll just sit here till morning, and then we can see to
fix it."

Mrs. Farrington couldn't help laughing at Roger's good nature, but she
said, "Of course, I know everything's all right, and truly, I'm not a bit
frightened. But somehow, John, I'd feel more comfortable if you'd come
back here with me, and let one of the girls sit in front in your place."

"Certainly," said her husband, "hop over here, Elise."

"Let me go," cried Patty, who somehow felt, intuitively, that Elise would
prefer to stay behind with her parents. As for Patty herself, she had no
fear, and really wanted the exciting experience of sitting up in front
during this wild night ride.

Roger stopped the car, and the change was soon effected. As Patty
insisted upon it, she was allowed to go instead of Elise, and in a moment
they were off again.

"Do you know," said Patty to Roger, after they had started, "when I got
out then, I felt two or three drops of rain!"

"I