"Oh, I didn't mean anything!" said Cora, contritely. But Bess
simulated indignation.

The throb of motors soon told that the three girls were on their way.
Cora in her powerful car, and the twins in their new one, both
heading for the railroad station, though the train was not due yet
for nearly half an hour, and the run would not take more than ten
minutes.

"I wonder if Walter will stay on for a few days?" asked Belle of
Bess, who was steering.

"I should think so--yes. He'll probably want to see how Jack stands
the trip. Poor Jack!"

"Isn't it too bad?"

"Yes, and that reminds me. I wonder if he couldn't--"

"Look out, for that dog!" fairly screamed Bess, as one rushed barking
from a house yard. It was only instinctive screaming on the part of
Bess, for it was she herself who "looked-out," to the extent of
steering to one side, and so sharply that Belle gasped. And, even at
that, the dog was struck a glancing blow by the wheel and with barks
changed to yelps of pain, ran, retreating into the yard whence he had
come, limping on three feet.

"Serves him right--for trying to bite a hole in our tires," murmured
Bess, with a show of indignation.