a thing, Jack, except that I discovered her in the stairway that time
I screamed, and I let you think it was a rat. Then I told her to hurry
in the house without being seen. I saw she was in no condition to talk
then. That was all."

"Good for you, Sis. You managed it all right. But I would like to get at
the bottom of her trouble."

"So would I. Perhaps we may--later. Good-night," and they separated.

The next day was all that could be wished for. The sun shone with revived
and determined energy, as it always seems to after a rain, when it "has
been deprived of its proper set the night before," to quote Jack. The
roads had dried up nicely, and everything pointed to a most delightful
trip.

An investigation by Jack in the daytime proved that the fire had done
very little damage to the barn. A close inspection seemed to indicate
that spontaneous combustion of some gasoline carelessly left in an open
can had caused it. Jack's car was not enough scorched to be more than
barely noticeable from the rear.

Cousin Mary had arrived on time, and helped Cora get ready. Jack ran the
three cars out of the stable before his friends arrived, and had them
ready for the passengers. Gasoline and oil tanks had been filled the day
before, and the motors gone over to insure as perfect service as possible.
Tires had also been looked after.

Jack and Ed were to go together in the former's _Get There_, Cora, in her
big maroon _Whirlwind_ would have Eline as her passenger, the tonneau
being taken up with luggage.

Norton Randolf, who owned a small, but powerful car, had invited Walter to
go with him, Norton being included in the invitation to go "bungaloafing
by the sea," as Jack characterized it. He was really good company after
one had become used to some of his mannerisms. The Robinson twins, of
course, would use their own car. The girls, including Cora, were no
longer amateur motorists, but could drive their machines with a skill
equal to that of the boys.

Norton arrived soon after Walter and Ed, coming up in his car, which was
kept in a public garage.

"Where is your cousin going to ride, Cora?" asked Belle, as they hurried
the final preparations. "I don't see how you can get her in your machine,
with those trunks and things in the tonneau."

"That's so!" exclaimed Cora, with a tragic gesture. "I knew I had
forgotten something. I had down on my notes 'Cousin Mary--where?' and I
took it to mean where would I put her to sleep.