CHAPTER XIV
PINE BRANCHES
There were still many miles to cover before they reached their destination, but there were no more railroad tracks to cross, and as there was little danger of meeting anyone, Roger let the car fly along at a high rate of speed. The storm continued and though the party endeavoured to keep cheerful, yet the situation was depressing, and each found it difficult not to show it.
Roger, of course, devoted his exclusive attention to driving the car, and Patty scarcely dared to breathe, lest she should disturb him in some way.
The three on the back seat became rather silent also, and at last everybody was rejoiced when Roger said, “Those lights ahead are at the entrance gate of Pine Branches.”
Then the whole party waxed cheerful again.
Mr. Farrington looked at his watch. “It’s quarter of two,” he said, “do you suppose we can get in at this hour?”
“Indeed we will get in,” declared Roger, “if I have to drive this car smash through the gates, and bang in at the front door!”
The strain was beginning to tell on the boy, who had really had a fearful night of it, and he went dashing up to the large gates with a feeling of great relief that the end of the journey was at hand.