The man who had spoken first took the wheel, and his companion the
other seat. Ivan sat on his knee, with Warren on the running board.

It was soon evident that there was something wrong. The car went
plowing along on low speed, the engine bucking and starting.

"Good heavens, Ivan!" exclaimed Warren, after a few miles of this jerky
progress. "What ails the thing? Do you suppose the dub knows how to
drive?"

Ivan turned to the man at the wheel.

"What's the matter?" he asked. "Do you know how to drive? What ails
the car?"

"I don't know," said the man. "In truth I have never driven but twice,
but I thought I could and when the Princess told me to bring this car
after her I was sure I could. She is ahead with her son and Princess
Modjeska and some guests. I fear I will not be able to reach Lodz."
He pressed a lever at random, and the ear shot forward with a speed
that nearly threw Warren from the step. Another frantic attempt and
she slowed down with a suddenness that almost put the others through
the wind shield.

"Here, stop!" commanded Warren. "Get out of that seat and let me
drive! Ivan, tell him I simply eat cars!"

The machine stopped, and the Man thankfully resigned his seat to
Warren, who drew up the heavy motor gloves, and settled himself in his