“I know that perfectly well,” replied the doctor. “But all the same, it saved the church property, and I am exceedingly grateful. Lots of boys in your predicament would have thought of nothing but saving their own skins.
“The other day, Mr. Strong was speaking to me of an automobile trip he was planning to the coast of Maine, partly for pleasure, but chiefly for business reasons. He has a big seven passenger car, and as he is a sociable soul”—here he smiled at the visitor, who waved his hand deprecatingly—“he said he hated the thought of taking the long trip alone. Immediately the thought of you boys came into my head, and I suggested that he take you along. He took to the idea at once and said that nothing would give him greater pleasure. So there you are, if you want to go.”
The glad chorus of thanks and eager acceptance that broke from the group left no doubt on that score.
“Of course, we’ll have to get the consent of our folks,” said Bob. “But I’ve no doubt they’ll be willing.”
“That’s all been attended to,” replied the smiling doctor. “I’ve been to see every one of them in advance, so that there’d be nothing to mar the pleasure of the surprise.”
“Doctor Dale!” exclaimed Bob impulsively, “you’re a bri—” he was going to say a “brick,” but thought this would hardly suit the doctor’s dignity, and ended rather lamely “the real thing.”
For the rest of the evening, radio had to take second place, while the whole party discussed routes, stopping places, and all the other things that go to make up a successful tour. Mr. Strong had his road book with him, and before the boys left Doctor Dale’s house a tentative plan for the trip had been sketched out.
They were to start at dawn on the following Monday morning, and the interval was a busy one for the Radio Boys. Many things had to be bought and packed. But by Sunday evening everything was ready. It had been agreed that they should all go to Doctor Dale’s house, where Mr. Strong would call for them with his machine.
Jimmy was the first one to arrive on Monday morning, and got Doctor Dale out of bed while it was still dark. The good-natured pastor did not mind, however, as he had expected to get up early to see them off. It was not long before the other boys arrived, and promptly at six o’clock Mr. Strong’s machine swung around the corner. The boys said good-by to the doctor, climbed in, and the trip had begun.
It was a beautiful, clear morning, and as the sun rose and flooded the landscape with brilliant sunshine, the boys felt that life had little better than this to offer. Fine weather, a clear road, a good car—what more could any healthy boy desire?