“It’s an even thing as to which is the ear-trumpet side,” Mitchell said, as they all stood about preparatory to climbing in. “Of course, that side don’t need to holler quite so loud; but then, to balance, he may get his one and only pair of front teeth knocked out any minute.”
“I’ll take that side,” said Jack. “I’m used to fighting under the inspiration of the trumpet.”
“And God be with you,” said his friend piously. “May he watch over you and bring you out safe and whole—teeth, eyes, etc.”
“Come on,” said Clover impatiently; “don’t you know this thing’s getting up power and you’re wasting it talking.”
“Curious,” laughed Burnett. “I never knew that it was gasolene that men were consuming when they kept an automobile waiting.”
And then they got in and were off—a merry load, indeed.
“Dear me, but it’s a-goin’!” Aunt Mary exclaimed, as the thing began to whiz and she felt suddenly impelled to clutch wildly at her flanking escorts. “Suppose we met a dog.”
“We’d leave a floor mat,” shrieked Mitchell. “Oh, but isn’t this great—greater—greatest?”
“Time of your life, Aunt Mary!” Jack howled, as they went over a boarded spot in the pavement, and the old lady nearly went over the back in consequence. “You’re in for the time of your life!”
“How do you like it?” yelled Clover, throwing a glance over his shoulder.