Everybody rushed to the big window in the front hall. Sure enough! A splendid motor car stood at the gate.
"Peter," faltered Mrs. Crane, "have I got to ride in that? I've never set foot in one, and I'm sure I'd be scared to at this late day."
"What! Not ride in your own automobile? Bless you, Sarah, in another week you'll refuse to stay out of it. Get your things on, everybody; and warm ones, too. Find extra wraps for these girls, Sarah. There's room for everybody but Rosa Marie."
"Now, isn't that just like a man?" said Mrs. Crane, looking about helplessly. "Whose clothes does he think you're going to wear for 'extra wraps'? His, or mine?"
Everybody laughed, for obviously Mr. Black's house was a poor one in which to find little girls' garments.
"We'll stop at your houses," said he, "and pick up some duds. Besides, perhaps your mothers might like to know that you've been kidnaped. What! no hat on yet? Here, pin this on," said Mr. Black, handing Mrs. Crane a pink dust-cap. "I can't wait all day."
"Mercy! That's not a bonnet," cried Mrs. Crane, scurrying away. "I'll be ready in two minutes."