She slackened just a bit to make sure that Hazel's anxiety had no foundation in fact, for, indeed, the big machine was using its engine and gas to the utmost capacity.
Just ahead the glare of the Comet could be seen as it plunged into a deep turn in a deeper lined wood. Jack, in his Get-There, was after the first, and then the girls had difficulty even in getting a responding sound from the toots and the blasts which all were continually sounding.
"They are away ahead," said Bess. "I thought they had seen enough of getting too far away from us. How do we know but that we might meet the gypsies on this lonely road?"
"I wonder if it is late or early for motorists?" asked Cora of Hazel.
"We haven't met a single party."
"Just happened so, I suppose," said Hazel. "Surely people out here must enjoy this sort of weather."
"Listen!"
Cora gave three sharp blasts on her horn, but no answer came. "The boys are getting too far ahead.
"I will have to accelerate——," she called.
She pressed down the pedal and bent over the wheel as if urging the machine to its utmost. Then there was jolt—a roar! a bang! Cora jammed on brakes.
"A shoe is gone!" she cried. "Exploded!"