n the gasoline and spark levers were set at
the proper places, the motor did not respond, the fly wheel merely
revolving under the impulse of the starter.

"What is it?" asked Grace. "Can you tell what is the matter?"

"No, I can't!" and Mollie spoke shortly. "I'll tell you as soon as I've
found out," she said. "Please don't make me nervous, Grace--dear."
Mollie added the last as a polite concession.

"Nervous! If anyone is more nervous than I am, I'd like to know it,"
murmured Grace. "Oh, how I wish I had a chocolate!" and she hurriedly
sought among her possessions, but in vain.

"I wonder how we happened to get here--at the entrance to Shadow
Valley?" queried Amy. "I thought we were far away from it."

"We are far enough from the other end," replied Grace. "I guess Mollie
didn't know this road took us here, or she wouldn't have come. We are
nearer--nearer the--oh, you know what I mean, Amy."

"Yes, you mean--that house!"

"That's it. I--I hate to mention it. But we are nearer to it than ever
since--since Mr. Lagg told us about the--the trouble there. I wish we
were--back home. Gracious--what's that?" and she jumped nervously,
clutching Amy's arm.

"Only thunder--a sharper clap than usual--don't be a goose!" said Betty,
sharply. "Shall I try it again, Mollie?" for Mollie was still inspecting
the motor by the light of one of the oil lamps held over it by Cousin
Jane, while Betty was at the steering wheel, manipulating the levers.

"Yes, try it once more. I can't seem to see what is the matter. The
ignition seems to be all right, but when you throw in the gas, and set
the spark, the motor doesn't take it up. Try again."

Again Betty tried, but the fly wheel would only revolve, and that was
all.

"It's no use!" sighed Mollie. "I'll have to have a garage man look at
it. Probably it's some simple little thing. That's generally the
way--it's the little things of life that make so much trouble. You can
fight a big thing better."

"But where will you find a garage man around here--and at this time of
night?" asked Amy, for it was really night now, with the clouds adding
to the darkness.

"I don't know, I'm sure," and Mollie's voice did not have its usual
pleasant note. "Maybe one will come along in an airship," she added a
bit sarcastically.

"Mollie," spoke Betty soothingly.

"I don't care--I don't like foolish questions asked of me when I'm
worried."

"I didn't mean to bother you," said Amy gently.

"O