"I always do this when I see the observatory dome open," she said, smiling. "I never know when Ken's going to quit his stargazing and come in for the night."
"We're about through, Mom. I'll drive Maria over to her place and be back in a little while."
"I'm going to loan him the stamps," Maria said.
Mrs. Maddox looked at Ken in mock severity. "You mean you forgot again?"
"No—I remembered," Ken said lamely. "After the post office closed, that is. Anyhow, Maria has plenty."
"Well," said Mrs. Maddox, "I know who's going to have to mail my invitations if they're ever to get out in time for the party!"
After he and Maria had finished the snack, Ken started his car again. The engine had cooled to normal temperature, but he watched the indicator closely as he drove. Nothing seemed right about the action of the car. The engine had turned over sluggishly when he pressed the starter button, as if the battery were almost dead. Now it lugged heavily, even when going downhill.
"The whole thing's haywire," Ken said irritably. "It acts like the crankcase is full of sand or something."
"Let me walk the rest of the way," said Maria. "You take the car back, and I'll bring the stamps over on my way to school in the morning."
"No, we're almost there. Nothing much more could go wrong than already has."