the tank, in turn, could let the water down into the sink whenever
needed.

"Your mother'll like that," said Bunker Blue.

"Indeed she will!" cried Sue.

"Is there anything else new?" asked Bunny.

"Indeed there is!" cried Bunker Blue. "The auto-van's got a self-starter
on. That's the best of all, I think. You don't have to get out to crank
up now. It's great. See, I'll show you."

While the children stood on the ground near the automobile, Bunker Blue
climbed to the seat near the steering wheel and pulled a lever. All at
once there was a grinding noise and the van started slowly off.

"That's the self-starter," explained Bunker. "I didn't throw in the
gears. The self-starter is strong enough to run the auto a little while
all by itself, if it isn't too heavily loaded. That's a big
improvement."

"That's what!" cried Bunny. His sister did not know much about electric
starters and such things, but Bunny, through having asked Bunker Blue
many questions, had come to learn considerable about the machinery.

"Hurry, children! You must come to breakfast!" called Mrs. Brown. "You
may look at the auto another time. After breakfast we'll have to pack it
and get ready for the trip."