They trudged southward along the winding road. At intervals they came to advertisements of “Noble’s Chill and Fever Compound” nailed to fence-rails and trees. For a while Dick religiously bowed and saluted each one, but at last his anger wore itself out and he only growled when he saw one. They had been walking for perhaps a quarter of an hour when a turn in the road disclosed what, at first sight, appeared to be a light in the window of a house, but their murmurs of satisfaction were quickly ended, for, as they approached they saw that the light was the tail lamp of an automobile standing by the side of the road.
“Wait!” whispered Dick, seizing Roy by the arm. “Maybe it’s old Ewing and the constable.”
“And where would they get an automobile?” asked Roy.
“They might; you can’t tell. Better let me go ahead and have a look first.” But the others laughed him to scorn. Just then a second light came into sight, and, as they were now close to the car, they saw that some one had been leaning with it over the engine.
“She’s broken down,” said Chub. As they drew near, the man with the lantern held it up until its rays shone on them, when, as though he had hoped for better things, he turned indifferently away and began to pull things from under the rear seat. It was a large car, seating seven, and was painted gray with trimming of some darker color.
“Having trouble?” asked Chub, sympathetically.
“No, I’m just spending the night here from choice,” was the answer.
“Well, it’s a pretty spot,” laughed Chub. “Anything we can do for you?” The man turned and regarded Chub, disgustedly.
“Yes, get out!”
“Of course!” said Chub. “That’s easy. I asked you a civil question, though. Good night.”