“No, only a tire broken,” replied the boy. “But can you tell me whether this is the way to Cresville?”
“Well, you could get there on this road, but it’s about five miles out of your way. Is that where you want to go?”
“It’s where I live,” Ned answered. “I went to Boston yesterday, and on my way back last night I lost my way, my machine broke, and I had to sleep in a hay stack.”
“I see you did,” observed the farmer. “Some of the grass is in your hair yet.”
Ned hastily removed the traces of his recent bed.
“But if you’re going to Cresville,” went on the man, “I can give you a lift. I’m going within three miles of there.”
“I’d be much obliged if you would,” spoke Ned.
“Well, pile your machine in back there, and climb up on the seat,” was the invitation, and Ned did so.
“You don’t happen to know of any restaurants around here, do you?” he asked the driver.