o fit condition
to run the cars. I wouldn't trust my neck with either of them."

"And I am not going to trust the lives of the girls in their care,"
answered Dick, firmly.

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know yet. But one thing is settled--they shan't take us back."

"I think I could run one car--if we didn't go too fast," suggested Tom,
who had run several machines at various times in his lively career.

"I could run the other."

"Then let us do it, Dick. Those fellows don't own the cars, and we
didn't hire from them, we hired from the owner of the garage. I guess
we have a right to run them under the circumstances."

The two boys walked back to the automobiles. All of the others were now
anxious to know what was wrong and they had to give the particulars.

"Oh, Dick, you must not let them run the cars!" cried Grace, turning
pale.

"I'd rather have you and Tom run them ten times over," declared Dora.

While the party was talking the two chauffeurs came from the hotel and
walked unsteadily towards the automobiles. Their faces were red and
their eyes blinked unsteadily.

"Stop!" called Dick, when they were some distance away, and the
gardener and some guests of the hotel gathered around to see what was
the matter.

"What yer want?" growled Hellig, thickly.

"We are going to leave you both here and run the cars ourselves,"
answered Dick, coldly. "You are not fit to run them."

"What's the reason we ain't?" mumbled Snall. He could hardly speak.

"You've been drinking too much--that's the reason."

"Humph!"

"We are going to run them machines an' don't you forgit it," mumbled
Hellig, and lurched forward.

"Don't you ride with those intoxicated fellows," said one of the hotel
guests.

"We don't intend to," answered Dick. "All ready, Tom?" he called out.

"Yes."

"Then go ahead. I'll catch up to you."

"Hi, you stop!" screamed Snall, as one of the automobiles began to move
off down the road. But Tom paid no attention to him.

Running swiftly, Dick reached the other car and hopped up to the
chauffeur's seat. He had watched the driver operate the car and knew
exactly what to do. He soon had the engine running and then he threw in
the speed clutch just as Hellig lurched up.

"You mustn't run away with that machine!" he roared.

"Keep away!" cried Sam, and leaning out of the car he gave the
chauffeur a shove that sent him flat on his back in the dust of the
road. Then the car moved off. As