CHAPTER II

THE MOTOR TRIP

"Mercy, goodness! Five minutes to eleven, and I can't find my hat," and poor Jerry darted from one closet to another in her search. "Where do you suppose it is?"

"It's just where you left it," answered Mary, who had arrived ten minutes before and had been helping Jerry hunt for the missing hat. "Now stop running around and try to think a minute."

Jerry stood still and thought very hard.

[Pg 16]"Why, I believe it's—it's in my hat box, you dear thing! Why didn't you tell me to do that before?" and Jerry darted up the stairs to her room, and in another minute called out:

"Yes, here it is, safe and sound," at which Mary burst into laughter.

"Honk, honk!" sounded from without.

"Here they are,—here they come," and both girls flew to meet Beth, who had just stepped out of the car as it stopped before the house.

Mrs. White followed the girls down the path and Uncle Billy smilingly promised her to have the girls home before dark.

"Jerry, you sit in front for a while [Pg 17]with Uncle Billy," suggested Beth. "I think it will be nice if we take turns riding beside him."

"Fine idea," laughed Uncle Billy, "then I can get acquainted with all of you."

Jerry climbed in the front seat while Mary and Beth sat in the wide seat behind, with a large wicker lunch basket on the floor before them.

"Good-bye," they called as the car started, and Mrs. White waved her handkerchief until they were out of sight.

It was the beautiful month of September and the leaves were turning to red and gold. The air was soft and cool against their faces and the sky was dotted [Pg 18]