"Maybe if we stay here an hour or two it will clear off," said Dave, who was examining the sky closely. "I think the storm is shifting very rapidly."
"I believe you're right, Dave," answered his uncle. "Yes, we'll stay here and get dried out a little, if nothing else."
It was learned that Mrs. Whittle's place was just across the street, and the lady said she would be very glad to furnish them with a hot supper, and added that they could come in and dry themselves in her sitting-room, where she started an open fire. The machines were placed in Mr. Simpson's garage, and they purchased from the storekeeper some gasoline and oil.
"Only a little after five o'clock," announced Roger. "I think by six o'clock the storm will be over," he added.
While they were eating the supper provided by Mrs. Whittle, it stopped raining, and a little later they saw the setting sun over the hills to the westward.
"How many miles is it to Carpen Falls from here?" asked Luke.
"Fourteen by the automobile blue book," answered Dave.
"And what of the road?" questioned Ben.
"Mr. Simpson said it wasn't so bad but that it might be worse," answered Dunston Porter, who had been interviewing the storekeeper and who had told the man about the fallen tree, having learned that Mr. Simpson was the head of the township committee.
"We don't want to get stuck, especially after it gets dark," said Ben.