Patty was beginning to learn the different kinds of stops that a motor-car can make, and she felt pretty sure that this was not a momentary pause, but a stop that threatened a considerable delay.
She said as much to Roger, and he replied, “Patty, you’re an apt pupil. The Fact has paused here not for a day, but for all time, unless something pretty marvellous can be done in the way of belt mending!”
Patty began to think that accidents were of somewhat frequent occurrence, but Elise said, cheerfully, “This seems to be an off day. Why, sometimes we run sweetly for a week, without a word from the belt. Don’t we, Roger?”
“Yes, indeed,” said Roger, “but Patty may as well get used to the seamy side of motoring, and learn to like it.”
“I do like it,” declared Patty, “and if we are going to take up our abode here for the present, I’m going out to explore the town.”
She jumped lightly from the car, and, accompanied by Elise, strolled down the main, and, indeed, the only street of the village.