my
relatives who is roaming around like that."

Both Dunston Porter and Mr. Basswood had suggested an early start on the
following morning, so the entire party were downstairs and to breakfast
by seven o'clock. In the meantime the two automobiles had been
overhauled, and provided with oil and gasoline, as well as with water.

"I've got rather a bad cut on one of the rear wheels," said Ben.
"Perhaps I had better change the shoe before we start."

"Oh, take a chance on it!" cried Luke. "I think you'll get through all
right enough."

"Perhaps Luke; but if I don't, that blow-out will cost me a fine inner
tube. However, I'll take the chance. Get in everybody, and we'll be
off!"

As Mr. Basswood's friend had said, the road leading from Rayville
northwestward was in fine shape, and they were able to cover the next
thirty miles at a fair rate of speed. But then they got in among the
hills, and here the road became as winding and dangerous as ever.

Not knowing much about the stopping-places ahead, the grown folks had
had the hotel people put up a substantial lunch for the tourists, packed
in two hampers.

"It will be jolly fun camping out this noon," said Laura. "It ought to
just suit you, Belle."

"It certainly will!" was the answer from the western girl. "I'd rather
eat in the open than in the stuffy dining-room of a hotel any time."

"There may be one drawback to having lunch outdoors," said Phil. "It
looks like rain."

"Phil, if you say rain again I'll throw you out of the car!" cried
Roger.

"I must admit it does look a little like rain," said Laura, casting her
eyes skyward. "That's an awfully black cloud over yonder. O dear, rain
would spoil it all! I do hope it holds off!"

Dave had been running the car, but now his uncle insisted upon taking
the wheel. Then Roger climbed over onto the front seat, giving the one
he had been occupying beside Jessie to our hero. They were in the lead,
with the Basswood turnout not far behind.

"This is more like," said Dave, in a low tone to Jessie.

"Oh, well, I suppose you had to do your share in running the car, Dave,"
she replied, giving him a bright look.

"I don't believe Uncle Dunston cares as much for driving as he
pretends," went on the youth. "Behind it all, he is a good deal like
Belle--he prefers to be on horseback. He was brought up to it."

"He has certainly been a great traveler, Dave."

"Yes, indeed! And I would like to be just like him. I'd love to