"Might go around the block," suggested Sam.
"Around the block would mean about fifteen miles extra," said Dora, who knew all about country "blocks."
"I don't know the roads, so I'll keep to the one we came on," answered Dick. "All ready? Then off we go," he added, and started on low speed, which he soon changed to second and then high. "This is something like!" he cried as he settled back with his hands on the wheel.
"Keep your eyes on the road, and not on Dora," cautioned Tom.
"Say another word and I'll drag you from Nellie and make you run the car," retorted Dick, and then Tom shut up promptly.
Mile after mile was covered, and Dick proved that he could run the big automobile fully as well as the regular driver. The moon was shining brightly, so that it was very pleasant. The party sang songs and enjoyed themselves immensely.
They were still two miles from Ashton when they came to a turn in the road. Here there were a number of trees, and it was much darker than it had been. Dick slowed up a trifle and peered ahead.
Suddenly the front lamps of the machine shone down on something in the roadway that sent back a strange sparkle of light. Dick bent forward and uttered an exclamation of dismay. He turned off the power and jammed on both brakes.
"What's the matter?" cried Sam and Tom in a breath, and the girls gave a scream of fear.
Bang! came a report from under the car.