Part 12 (2/2)

”Want me to take the wheel?” questioned his uncle

”Oh, no, I guess I can get along all right”

The Basswood car, with Ben in charge, had already taken to the highway on the left, and the other turnout followed it at a distance of several hundred feet Ben had put on considerable speed, and Dave had to watch closely to keep the other car in sight

”Take it easy, Davy,” said his Uncle Dunston ”We don't want any accidents away out here fro it pretty lively,” answered Dave

”Yes, it's a wonder his father doesn't hold him back a little But Mr

Basswood said he was anxious to reach Rayville, and that's at least twenty miles farther”

Ahead were several turns in the road, and at these Dave lost sight of the car ahead Being cloudy, it was quite dark on the roadway, especially where the trees lined the highway, and soon Dave found it necessary to turn on the headlights Then he sounded his horn, expecting to get a reply from Ben, but to his surprise none ca to do?” said our hero, hastily ”I believe he's trying to run away fro to attee road like this,”

answered Dunston Porter, gravely ”I should think Mr Bassould stop it”

Presently they were cli the trees, and at one place the grade was so steep that Dave had to throw the clutch into low gear He and his uncle listened intently, and fro way ahead

”Say, this is soer, as they made another turn, and Dave found it advisable to coear

”What will you do if you can't make it, Dave?” queried Phil

”Oh, we'll ear just for safety's sake This road twists so a fellow can't see fifty feet ahead of hier, a moment later

To this Dave did not reply There was another turn ahead, and a particularly hard cli touring-car came out on the top of the hill Here was another turn, and then began a sharp descent

”Stop here a minute, Dave!” ordered the youth's uncle, and then, as our hero brought the machine to a standstill, he added: ”That's rather a bad road ahead, and you had better give the other car a chance to get down before we try to ood idea, Uncle Dunston We'll wait,” answered Dave

As they stood there all strained their ears to catch some sound froer

”All I hear is the breeze in the trees,” put in Laura

”Theywithout power,” answered Dunston Porter

”If they are going down a really steep hill, it's a wonder we don't hear some squeak from the brakes,” was Phil's comment

”Listen!” cried Dave, suddenly, and held up his hand

All strained their ears once led with a shriek Then came a sudden crash, followed by more shrieks

”They've had an accident!”