That chap hasn't been running autos very long, I imagine, and he
lost his head in the emergency. But I had my brakes on and he
just coasted into me. I was lucky in that it wasn't worse."

"I should say so! Do you want to get right home?"

"I think I'd better. Mother and father may be a little worried
about me. And they've had trouble enough of late."

"Trouble!" exclaimed Tom, in a questioning voice. "Anything
serious?"

"No, just family financial matters. Not ours she hastened to
add, as she saw Tom look quickly at her. "A relative. I shouldn't
have mentioned it, but father and mother are a little worried,
and I don't want to add to it."

"Of course not," agreed Tom. "If there's anything I can do?"

"Oh, I expected you to say that!" laughed Mary. "Thanks. If
there is we'll call on you. But it may all be straightened out.
Father was expecting a message from Uncle Barton today. So,
though I'd like to take a cloud-ride with you, I think I'd better
get home."

"All right," agreed Tom. "I told Ned to telephone that you were
all right, so they won't worry. And now try to enjoy yourself."

"I'll try," promised Mary, but it was obvious, even from the
quick glances Tom gave her, that she was worried about something.