Part 35 (1/2)
”h.e.l.lo, here's news!” cried d.i.c.k. ”Say, we want to get to Boston just as soon as we can!”
”What is it?” asked the others, quickly.
”Father has received a postal card, mailed from Boston. It is signed by Mrs. Stanhope, and asked for help.”
”Does she give any address?” asked Tom.
”He says all there is of the address is 234 Carm. He says the rest is rubbed out.”
”Maybe we can find out in a directory what Carm stands for,” suggested Spud.
”Exactly, Spud. Say, will you get us to Boston just as soon as possible?”
”I sure will.”
”How far is it?”
”About thirty-five miles.”
”Then you can make it in an hour.”
”Yes, if--” And Spud closed one eye suggestively.
”If what?”
”If they don't arrest us for speeding. It's against the law to run fast, you know.”
”Oh, well, we'll have to take a chance,” declared Tom. ”It's a case of necessity.”
As soon as they were outside of the city limits, Spud turned on the gasolene and advanced the spark, until the touring car was making forty and then forty-five miles per hour. On they tore, through Westboro and other places, and then on towards Wellesley.
”Look out, here, that you don't run down any college girls!” warned d.i.c.k, as they came in sight of Wellesley College.
”Oh, I wouldn't run down any girls for the world!” answered Spud, as he slowed down a bit. Soon the main street of Wellesley was left behind and on they sped for Newton and the Hub.
”Hi! hi!” came a sudden call from the roadway, and a policeman appeared, waving his hand frantically.
”Sorry, but we can't stop to talk!” flung back Spud, and in a minute the officer of the law became a mere speck in the distance. He had not gotten their number, so could do nothing.
They were just entering Boston proper when a loud report came from one of the rear tires. The car swerved to one side, and Spud had all he could do to keep it from going into a hitching post. Then he shut off the power.
”A blow-out!” announced Tom, as he leaped to the ground.
”That ends running for the present,” said Sam.
”So it does,” agreed Spud, mournfully.
CHAPTER XX AN ADVENTURE IN BOSTON