"At this rate," he shouted, "it won't take us long to get to Paris."
"About two hours," Hal shouted back, without taking his eyes from the road ahead.
Through the towns of Villers and Cotterets the automobile flashed, although Hal reducing his speed a trifle when the little cities came in sight. On the road beyond, however, he proceeded to let the car out again, and so they dashed into Nanteul.
Here, because of somewhat more congested traffic, Hal was forced to reduce his speed considerably, and they went slowly through the streets of the towns. Before setting out on their trip, Hal had spent half an hour over the maps of the road, that there might be no danger of their getting lost, and the lay of the country was firmly impressed upon his mind.
As they wended their way slowly through the streets of Nanteul, there came suddenly the sound of an explosion beneath them. Hal brought the car to an abrupt stop and leaped lightly to the ground. Chester did likewise.
"Tire blown out," said Hal briefly, after a quick glance at the rear left-hand wheel.
He walked to the rear of the car, where a spare tire should have been ready for just such an emergency. There was none there.
The lad stepped back with an exclamation of dismay.
"What's the matter?" asked Chester.
"Matter is that we have no spare tire," replied Hal. "Where shall we get one?"