he danger they had so narrowly
escaped.

Those in the back seat could not see the train, and the roar of the storm
drowned its noise.

"Patty," said Roger, very softly, "you saved us! I understood just what
you did. I felt _sure_ Mother was going to grab at me, when she heard
that whistle. It's a way she has, when she's nervous or frightened, and I
can't seem to make her stop it. But you saved the day with your sandwich
trick, and if ever we get in out of the rain, I'll tell you what I think
of you!"

CHAPTER XIV

PINE BRANCHES

There were still many miles to cover before they reached their
destination, but there were no more railroad tracks to cross, and as
there was little danger of meeting anyone, Roger let the car fly along at
a high rate of speed. The storm continued and though the party
endeavoured to keep cheerful, yet the situation was depressing, and each
found it difficult not to show it.

Roger, of course, devoted his exclusive attention to driving the car, and
Patty scarcely dared to breathe, lest she should disturb him in some way.

The three on the back seat became rather silent also, and at last
everybody was rejoiced when Roger said, "Those lights ahead are at the
entrance gate of Pine Branches."

Then the whole party waxed cheerful again.

Mr. Farrington looked at his watch. "It's quarter of two," he said, "do
you suppose we can get in at this hour?"

"Indeed we will get in," declared Roger, "if I have to drive this car
smash through the gates, and _bang_ in at the front door!"

The strain was beginning to tell on the boy, who had really had a fearful
night of it, and he went dashing up to the large gates with a feeling of
great relief that the end of the journey was at hand.

When they reached the entrance, the rain was coming down in torrents.
Great lanterns hung either side of the portal, and disclosed the fact
that the gates were shut and locked.

Roger had expected this, for he felt sure the Warners had long ago given
up all thought of seeing their guests that night.

Repeated soundings of the horn failed to bring any response from the
lodge-keeper, and Roger was just about to get out of the car, and ring
the bell at the large door, when Patty's quick eye discerned a faint
light at one of the windows.

"Sure enough," said Roger, as she called his attention to this, and after
a few moments the large door was opened, and the porter gazed out into
the storm.

"All right,