kes, Uncle Dunston," answered the
youth, who had already thrown off the power. He had the foot-brake well
down, and now he threw in the emergency as well.

On and on slipped and slid the big touring-car, bumping over a road
which seemed to grow worse as they progressed. All of the lights were
on full, and they were needed, for the road turned and twisted in such a
fashion that but little could be seen ahead. In some places the highway
seemed extra narrow, this being caused by the heavy trees and bushes
lining both sides. At one point the water had caused quite a washout,
and into this and out again they bumped with such violence that all the
girls shrieked in alarm.

"Some bump that!" was Roger's grim comment.

"O dear, I thought sure I'd be jounced out!" cried Jessie. "Dave, can't
you go a little slower?"

"I'll try," returned the youth, and jammed down the foot-brake as hard
as he could. For an instant the touring-car came almost to a standstill,
but presently they slid onward again, coming a moment later to another
bend.

"Look out! Don't run into us!" It was a yell from in front, and now Dave
saw Luke Watson standing in the roadway, waving his handkerchief.

Down in the darkness beyond Dave made out the red, rear-light of the
Basswood automobile. As the second touring-car came on Luke leaped to
one side, but his warning had had its effect, and now Dave jammed on
both brakes with all the force at his command, at the same time swerving
slightly to the left. He just grazed a trunk strapped to the back of
the first machine, and then came to a halt on a water-break a short
distance beyond.

"Somebody get out and put a few stones under the wheels!" cried Dave,
who could not leave his seat because of one foot on the brake.

"All right, we'll fix it!" cried his uncle, and leaped out, followed
quickly by the boys in the tonneau of the car.

Loose stones were to be had in plenty, and soon the car wheels were well
blocked. Then Dave was able to join those on the ground.

"Shall we get out?" asked Laura, anxiously.

"Suit yourselves," returned Dunston Porter, who was already moving in
the direction of the other car.

The Wadsworth machine contained a hand flashlight, and getting
possession of this, Dave and his chums hurried toward the other
automobile. They had already seen at a glance that the Basswood
touring-car had swung around to the side of the road, and that one front
wheel was held fast between a large r