Mrs. Farrington placidly took in the situation, and remarked that she was in no hurry, but if they cared to go on she was quite ready.
And so with laughter and gay chatter they started on again, and the car ran as smoothly as it had before the halt.
But it was nearly sundown, and there were many miles yet to travel before they reached the hotel where they had expected to dine and stay over night.
“Shall we go on, Mother?” said Mr. Farrington. “Can you wait until nine o’clock or thereabouts for your dinner? Or shall we stop at some farmhouse, and so keep ourselves from starvation?”
“I would rather go on,” said Mrs. Farrington, “if the girls don’t mind.”
The girls didn’t mind, and so they plunged ahead while the sun set and the darkness fell. There was no moon, and a slight cloudiness hid the stars. Roger lighted the lamps, but they cast such weird shadows that they seemed to make the darkness blacker than ever.
Patty was not exactly afraid, but the experience was so new to her that she felt she would be glad when they reached the hotel. Perhaps Mr. Farrington discerned this, for he took especial pains to entertain his young guest, and divert her mind from thoughts of possible danger. So he beguiled the way with jokes and funny stories, until Patty forgot her anxiety, and the first thing she knew they were rolling up the driveway to the hotel.
Floods of light streamed from the windows and the great doors, and strains of music could be heard from within.
“Thank goodness we’re here!” said Mrs. Farrington. “Jump out, girlies, and let us seek shelter at once.”
Roger remained in the car to take it away to the garage, and Mr. Farrington accompanied the ladies into the hotel.