there shot out a big green touring car, very powerful, as they could
tell by the throbbing of the engine. It almost grazed the mudguards of
the machine in which the three boys were, and, skidded dangerously.
Then, with what seemed an impudent, warning toot of the horn, it swung
around and sped off down the road.

"That was a close shave!" remarked Jerry, as he released the brake.

"I should say yes," agreed Bob. "That was a six-cylinder car.
Bur-r-r-r! If she'd hit us--" He did not finish, but the boys knew
what he meant.

They proceeded to the garage, leaving their machine to be repaired. It
would be ready for them the next day, the man said, and they arranged
to call for it, and go for a trip in the country.

"Let's go to Riverton," suggested Bob, naming a summer resort about a
hundred miles away. "The season is just about to close there, and, as
it isn't crowded, we can get better attention and--"

"Better meals, he means," finished Ned. "All right, Chunky, we'll go."

"It wouldn't be a bad idea," agreed Jerry. "We could make it in one
day easily, and wouldn't have to hurry. We could stay there a couple
of days, making little side strips, and come back Saturday. That would
put us in good shape for Monday, when school opens."

There was no dissension from this plan, and, having secured the
consent of their parents, the boys, early the next day, started off on
their journey. It was a short one, compared to those they had been in