"I don't know," returned Chester. "The chances are that every spare tire within forty miles is in use. However, we might go into this restaurant and make some inquiries."
Hal followed his friend into the restaurant, where Chester made known their wants.
The proprietor, a smiling and effusive little Frenchman, greeted them warmly.
"I myself have a tire that shall be yours," he told them. "It shall be taken from my own car and put upon yours. Jacques!"
In response to this call a dapper little waiter came forward, and to him the proprietor made known his desires. The waiter bowed and departed. The proprietor turned to the lads.
"While Jacques is making ready messieurs' car," he said with a bow, "it will give me pleasure to have messieurs lunch with me."
"How long will it take him to fix it?" asked Hal.
The little Frenchman shrugged his shoulders.
"Perhaps fifteen minutes, perhaps twenty," he replied.
"In that event," said Hal, "we shall be glad to accept your invitation."