"It's the leather facings on the friction clutch," declared Ned. "See that one worn off?"
"Guess that's right," answered Ned. "Well, now for a horse."
"I sold my wheel for an automobile; Get a horse! Get a horse!" sang Tavia, while she and Dorothy climbed out to join the inspection committee.
"Is it bad?" asked Dorothy.
"Bad enough to stall us until we can get it fixed up somewhere," said Ned. "We'll have to take part of the clutch out," and he proceeded to do so.
"Yes, we cannot move until we get a new leather on here," added Nat. "I wonder how far we might be from a blacksmith shop."
"A couple of miles," answered Tavia. "I have often been through this woods."
"Then I suppose," went on Ned, rather dolefully, "there is nothing to be done but 'hike' to the shop."
"You go and I'll stay and take care of the girls," suggested Nat.
"Oh, both go," chimed in Tavia. "You will get back sooner, and you may have some trouble getting it fixed at the shop, for I have been there and I know the man is as deaf as a post and—other things," she finished vaguely. "There is a house just across the fields there and we are not the least bit afraid—"