We'll be careful," answered Dunston Porter, with a smile. And then he
added to Caspar Potts: "Professor, don't forget to take good care of the
place while we are away."

"It shall be well taken care of, rest assured of that, sir," was the old
gentleman's reply. "I trust all of you enjoy the outing," he went on,
his kindly face beaming.

Dave was at the wheel, with his uncle beside him, and the others packed
rather tightly in the tonneau behind. With many a shout and merry word,
the Wadsworth touring-car left the grounds, followed by the Basswood
machine, and passed out along the highway leading north from Crumville.

"Now Dave, do look where you are running," cautioned Laura. "We don't
want any punctures or blow-outs."

Soon Crumville was left behind, and the automobiles were passing along
the river road where some time before Dave and his chums had assisted
Nat Poole. Then they began to climb the distant hills, and presently
were on the highway leading to Poughkeepsie, where they were to cross
the Hudson River.

"If only this lovely weather holds out I'm sure we'll have a splendid
trip," said Jessie.

"I suppose, Belle, you'd rather be on horseback than in an auto,"
remarked Phil.

"Well, I won't go back on horseback-riding," returned the western girl,
"I love it too dearly. But this is very nice," she added, quickly. "Very
nice indeed!"

By noon they reached the city on the Hudson River, and there stopped for
lunch. Then they passed over the high bridge spanning the stream and
struck out northward once more. Mr. Dunston Porter was now running the
car, and this gave Dave more of a chance to talk to those behind him.

That evening found them in Albany, where it had been decided to spend
the night. Dunston Porter had already telegraphed ahead for hotel
accommodations, so there was no difficulty on that score. The older
folks were glad enough to rest during the evening, but the young people
went out for a walk up the hill leading to the Capitol building.

In the morning the tourists were rather alarmed to see that the sky had
clouded over, and there were some indications of rain.

"Well, if it rains we can put on our raincoats and put up the tops,"
said Dave. So far they had been traveling with the tops folded down.

Noon found them well up in the heart of New York State. They stopped
only for a short while at lunch time, wishing to cover as much ground as
possible before the storm might break.

"If possib