Part 21 (1/2)
”This is the worst ever!” murmured Tom. ”They are in no fit condition to run the cars. I wouldn't trust my neck with either of them.”
”And I am not going to trust the lives of the girls in their care,”
answered d.i.c.k, firmly.
”What are you going to do?”
”I don't know yet. But one thing is settled--they shan't take us back.”
”I think I could run one car--if we didn't go too fast,” suggested Tom, who had run several machines at various times in his lively career.
”I could run the other.”
”Then let us do it, d.i.c.k. Those fellows don't own the cars, and we didn't hire from them, we hired from the owner of the garage. I guess we have a right to run them under the circ.u.mstances.”
The two boys walked back to the automobiles. All of the others were now anxious to know what was wrong and they had to give the particulars.
”Oh, d.i.c.k, you must not let them run the cars!” cried Grace, turning pale.
”I'd rather have you and Tom run them ten times over,” declared Dora.
While the party was talking the two chauffeurs came from the hotel and walked unsteadily towards the automobiles. Their faces were red and their eyes blinked unsteadily.
”Stop!” called d.i.c.k, when they were some distance away, and the gardener and some guests of the hotel gathered around to see what was the matter.
”What yer want?” growled h.e.l.lig, thickly.
”We are going to leave you both here and run the cars ourselves,”
answered d.i.c.k, coldly. ”You are not fit to run them.”
”What's the reason we ain't?” mumbled Snall. He could hardly speak.
”You've been drinking too much--that's the reason.”
”Humph!”
”We are going to run them machines an' don't you forgit it,” mumbled h.e.l.lig, and lurched forward.
”Don't you ride with those intoxicated fellows,” said one of the hotel guests.
”We don't intend to,” answered d.i.c.k. ”All ready, Tom?” he called out.
”Yes.”
”Then go ahead. I'll catch up to you.”
”Hi, you stop!” screamed Snall, as one of the automobiles began to move off down the road. But Tom paid no attention to him.
Running swiftly, d.i.c.k reached the other car and hopped up to the chauffeur's seat. He had watched the driver operate the car and knew exactly what to do. He soon had the engine running and then he threw in the speed clutch just as h.e.l.lig lurched up.
”You mustn't run away with that machine!” he roared.