“Don’t do that,” Mr. Hatfield commanded. “You’ll strain yourself. I’ll call a tow car.”
“We’ll help push,” Brad offered, starting to get out into the water.
“No, wait,” Mr. Wentworth ordered. “You youngsters oughtn’t to freeze yourselves. This water is like ice. I’m already soaked to the knees. Tell you what! I’ll go back to the drugstore and telephone for a tow car that will push both autos on through.”
The solution seemed the most satisfactory one. Mr. Wentworth started back toward the drugstore. Half way there, he paused as his ears detected the sound of an approaching vehicle.
A moment later a fire engine, returning from a run, came into view. The driver, seeing the water ahead, pulled up.
“Stalled?” he called to Mr. Wentworth.
“That’s right.”
“Hop back in your car, and we’ll give you a shove,” the fireman offered.
Both Mr. Wentworth’s automobile and Sam Hatfield’s sedan were pushed through the water. Neither could be started immediately. However, after the spark plugs were dried out, both cars were in running order once more.
“Many thanks,” Mr. Hatfield told the firemen. “I’ll be glad to get home. I’m carrying a valuable load tonight.”