"I never thought of that,"--remarked Walter.

Ed was searching in his tool-box, and presently drew out some strong
string.

"I never go without a bit of cord, a knife and some pins for just
such emergencies as these," he said with a laugh. "I never know when
I may be shipwrecked on a desert island."

Ed skillfully sprung the guard back, and as one of the rivets was
torn out, he lashed the protector into place. It was only a
temporary repair, but it would protect the occupants of the car from
a shower of dust or mud.

"There," said Ed finally. "I guess that will answer. The road
ahead is pretty muddy. Too much moisture from a sprinkling-cart, I
guess. I caught some of it."

Cora turned to see if everything was in readiness for a start, and
was surprised to find Mary in close conversation with Ida. Both
girls and Sid were in a group an the other side of the Whirlwind.
And another thing Cora noticed was that the faces of both Ida and
Mary were unusually flushed.

"That's rather odd--that Mary and Ida should get so chummy,"
murmured Cora. "Sid must have introduced them to each other:"

A moment later Ida looked over, and seeing Cora watching her, she
quickly turned away and walked over to where Ed was locking up his
toolbox. She placed her hand on the seat of his small auto and began