ffeur, and soon the boys and girls
went ashore and piled in. Dick and Dora, Sam and Grace, and Fred got in
the first turnout and the others in the second.

"Now do not go too far," said Mrs. Stanhope, "and be sure and keep on
roads that are safe."

"And do not stay out later than ten o'clock this evening," added Mrs.
Laning.

"Oh, we'll be back safe and sound and on time," cried Dick. "So don't
worry about us."

"Those are both powerful machines," was Mr. Rover's comment. "Be
careful that you don't exceed the speed limits, or you may be
arrested."

"Providing they catch us," answered Tom, with a grin.

It had been decided that they should go out into the country by the way
of Germantown, and soon they were bowling along in fine fashion over
the smooth city pavement. Here and there they met crowds shooting off
pistols and firecrackers.

"It is good we haven't horses," said Sam. "This racket might cause them
to run away."

"That is where the automobilist has the advantage over a horse driver,
Sam," answered his big brother. "But I must say, some of the young
fellows on the street are rather careless."

Scarcely had Dick spoken when the big machine rounded a corner and
speeded through a crowd of what were evidently factory hands. They were
shooting off pistols and firecrackers and raised a great din. Then one
ugly looking young fellow lighted a firecracker and sent it toward the
automobile. It landed directly in Dora's lap.

"Oh!" screamed Dora, and tried to draw away.

As quick as a flash Dick leaned forward and caught up the firecracker.
As he threw it out of the automobile it exploded close by.

"Do that again, and I'll come back at you!" shouted the elder Rover,
and shook his fist at the fellow in the street.

"Dick, did it hurt you?" asked Dora, anxiously.

"Oh, it burst my little finger a trifle, that's all," was the reply.
The finger smarted quite some, but Dick did not want to show it.

"We ought to go back and punch his head," was Sam's comment.

"Wonder if they'll try that game on the other auto," said Fred, as he
arose to look back.

He saw the street rough throw a lighted firecracker at the other
machine. It landed on the floor of the tonneau, but like a flash Tom
was after it. The fun-loving Rover held it up, took aim, and sent it
straight at the fellow who had first launched it. Bang! went the
firecracker, right close to the rough's left ear. He set up a howl of
pain, for he had been bu