Engine trouble developed before they had gone thirty miles, and as they were near no garage they attempted to locate the difficulty themselves, as they had often done. The mischief seemed to be in the carbureter, and it took an hour to remedy it.
“Whew! Some work!” cried Bob, for they had to labor over the engine in a hot sun. “Let’s pull up in the shade and eat!” suggested the stout lad, for they had brought along a liberal luncheon.
“A little of that ice-cold lemonade from the vacuum bottle!” sighed Ned. “It is some warm!”
Jerry smiled indulgently, and, a little later the boys were seated in the auto, beneath the shade of a big maple, enjoying a well-earned rest.
But this was not the end of their troubles, for first one tire, and then another, blew out, necessitating the use of two spare shoes they carried, so that when they had finally passed through Boston, and were on the road to the town where the professor lived, it was getting dusk.
“We’ll have to stay all night,” commented Jerry, as he switched on the electric lights, and peered at the road ahead. It was not the best highway they had encountered, either, being uphill, and in poor condition.
“Looks like a shower,” commented Bob.
It grew rapidly darker, due to the fast-gathering clouds, and a few drops of rain fell.
“We’re in for it,” cried Ned. “Better get the top up, Jerry, old man.”
“All right. Just as soon as we get around the turn in the road.”