"Oh, of course; forgive me, Cora. I should not have asked that.
But you know what Paul and I are to each other!"

"Yes, I know," said Cora with marked emphasis. "You are each the
other's little brother and sister. But it's nice, Hazel, very
nice, and I forgive you the fling at Jack."

"And Ed?" asked Hazel mischievously.

"And Walter," added Cora, ignoring the personal.

"Oh, mercy!" yelled Belle. "We're going to have another fire and
brimstone thunderstorm! Cora, make for that farmhouse!"

"Yes," called Cora, "I guess it will be all wind, and it won't
hurt the machines. Turn for the cottage, girls!"

Blinding and brutal, the wind and sand attacked the eyes and ears
of the motor girls, in spite of all the hoods and goggles. It was
one of those tearing windstorms, that often come in summer,
seemingly bent on raising everything on earth heavenward except
the sand - that always sought refuge under eyelids - the average
grain of sand would rather get in a girl's eye than help to make
up a reputable mountain.

The line of cars made straight for the little farmhouse. It was
sheltered in a clump of pines quite near the roadside.

Bess drew up first. Belle was out, and upon the steps of the
porch. She had even struck the brass knocker before the others