“Get in.” And Tommy opened the rear door.
Thompson shook his head, got in front, and sat beside Tommy.
Tommy shifted gears more diffidently than usual. They clashed horridly. His face grew red.
“Excited?” asked Thompson, seriously.
“Yes,” answered Tommy, frankly.
“Get over it!” Thompson's advice was given in such a calm voice that it did not help Tommy. Whereupon Thompson laughed and said, “Tommy, I completely wrecked my first seven cars.”
A great wave of gratitude surged within Tommy. It gave him mastery of the machine. He drove on carefully and easily until he reached a good stretch of road near the city limits. He let her out. He did not remember when he had felt such perfect control. He slowed down when they came to a crossroad.
“Going to Columbus?” asked Mr. Thompson.
“If you wish,” replied Tommy, nonchalantly. “Not to-day. Let me off at the trolley line.”
“I'll take you back,” said Tommy.