 Chapter 1 of The Motorgirls This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Read by Lucy Burgoyne The Motorgirls by Margaret Penrose Chapter 1 Cora and her car Now you've got it. What are you going to do with it? Ask Jack Kimball, with the most significant smile at his sister Cora. Do with it, repeated the girl, looking at her questionnaire in surprise. Then she added, with a fine attempt at sarcasm. Why? I'm going to have Jim break it up for Kinlingwood. It will make such a lovely blaze on the library half. I have always loved blazing autos. Now Cis, objected the tall, handsome boy, as he swung his arm about the almost equally tall and even handsome girl. Don't get mad. Oh, I'm not in the least angry. Ah, maybe not. Put I honestly thought, well, maybe you would like some of the boys to give you a lesson or two in driving the car. There's Wally, you know. Um, I thought perhaps Wally. Walter can run a machine. I'm perfectly willing to grant you that, Jack. But this is my machine and I intend to run it. The girl stepped over to a window and looked out. There, on the driveway, stood a new automobile. Four cylinder, sliding gear transmission, three speeds forward and reverse, long wheelbase, new ignition system, and all sorts of other things mentioned in the catalogue. Besides, it was a beautiful maroon color and the leather cushions matched. Cora looked at it with admiration in her eyes. An hour before, Jack Kimball and his chum, Walter Pennington, had brought the car from the garage to the house, following Mrs. Kimball's implicit instructions that the new machine should not be driven and unnecessary block between the sales rooms and the Kimball home. The car must come to Cora on the eve of her birthday. Jack's mother had stipulated to him, and I wanted to come to her brand new, with the tyres nice and white. Hers must be the first ride in it. So it was, after dodging her surprise, as she expressed it, and spending the intervening hour in admiring the beautiful machine, climbing in and out of it, testing the levers, turning the steering wheel, and seeing Jack start the engine, the Cora was able to leave it and enter the house. It's just perfect, she said, with the longing wheel back at the car. Yes, and isn't it a shame, mother won't let you go out in it tonight, spoke Jack as he joined his sister at the window. If they had only unpacked it a little earlier, it's too bad not to have a run in it while it's fresh, but he concluded with a sigh, I suppose I'll have to push it back in the shed. Yes, assented Cora also sighed, but mother must be human, and if she insists that I shall not take a trial spin after dark, I'll simply have to wait until daylight. Jack, you're a dear. I know perfectly well that you influenced mother to give me this, and Cora brushed her flushed a cheek against Jack's bronze face. Well, I know a little sister when I see one, replied the lad, and though she may want to drive the motor car, she's all right, for all that, and Jack rather awkwardly slipped his arm around his sister's waist again, for she did seem a little sister to him, even if she was considered quite a young lady by others. Girls coming up tonight asked Jack after a pause, during which they both had been silently admiring the car and its graceful lines. I don't know, replied Cora, they haven't heard about my new auto, or they'd be sure to come. Let's run over and tell them, proposed Jack. Cora thought for a moment, she had plans for the evening, but they did not include Jack. She said finally, I have to write a few letters, acknowledging some birthday gifts. Don't wait for me if you intend to go over to Walters, you might call at the Robinsons however, to fetch me, say at half past nine. Oh then, I'm not to say best, or bell, or well, there are plenty of other girls just as keen on ice cream sodas as those mentioned, and he pretended to leave the room as if his feelings had been hurt. Now, you know Jack, I always want you with me, but, but just tonight you don't. Alright little sister, after me running that machine up from the garage for you, and not even scraping the tyres, after me, even kissing you. Thee-thee little girl, someday you may want another machine or a kiss. Children, children, called Mrs Kimball. Are you coming to dinner? And are you going to put that machine in the shed before dark Jack? Both, both mum. We were just discussing a discussion about the machine, girls and ice cream sodas. What nonsense, exclaimed his mother with a laugh, come to dinner, do. But Jack, run the machine in first place. The car was put under a shed attached to the barn, Cora looking enviously at Jack as he manipulated the levers and wheels. She sitting on the seat beside him on the short run up the driveway. She would not venture to operate at herself in such cramped quarters. There exclaimed Cora as Jack locked the shed door. I hope nobody steals it tonight. Did you take out the plug Jack? And he handed her the brass affair that formed the connection for the ignition system and without which the car could not be run. Put it under your pillow sis, he added. Maybe you'll have a gasoline dream. They went into the house where dinner was waiting for them. The meal was a simple one. Although the means of the little family were ample for a most elaborate affair, that Mrs Kimball preferred the elegance of simplicity. Mrs Grace Kimball was a wealthy widow, a member of one of the oldest and best known families in Chelten, which was a New England town, not far from the New York boundary. Her husband had been Joseph Kimball, a man of simple tastes and sterling principles. When he had to leave her with the two children, he said as he was passing away, Grace, I know you will bring them up rightly, plainly and honestly. Plain in character, upright and fair, the two children had grown, but in personality nothing could make either Jack or Cora Kimball plain. They were just simply splendid. Then I can't take out the machine tonight, mother dear, ask Cora after dinner. Not tonight, daughter, I know you can run a car, but this is a new one, and I would feel better to have you give it a test run in daylight. You must get the man at the garage to show you all about it. Do you like it very much, Cora? Like it, oh mother, I perfectly love it. I can scarcely believe it is all mine. That Jack has no mortgage on it, and that it's my very own. I don't know about that, put in Jack. A fine car like that is rather a dangerous thing for a handsome young lady of 17 summers and some incidental winters to go sporting about in. Someone else may get a mortgage on it and want to foreclose. Now, I don't tease you, Jack, objected his sister, and a girl has just as much right to tease a boy as a boy has to tease a girl. Goodness me, you don't call that teasing, do you? The girls have all the rights now, but help yourself. I'm not particular. Did you say I was to call at the Robinson's at 9? No, 9.30. Oh, exactly. Well, I'll try to be there. You might make it a point not to be waiting on the drive for me. A fella wants to get a look at a girl like this once in a while. Just for practice, you know? Oh, Jack. Oh, Cora. What's the matter? You're horrid. Alright, then I'm going off and read a horrible tale about pirates and walking the plank and all that. I'll be on hand at time and place mentioned, hoping this will find you well, remain yours very truly, Jack, and he hurried out of the room amid the laughter of his mother and sister. What a boy, exclaimed Mrs Kimball. It was a pleasant summer evening, and when Cora hurried down the avenue toward the Robinson home, she actually seemed to have wings, for she was not running, and her pace could hardly be called walking. Her tall, straight figure was clad in a simple linen gown. She had need to disregard frills now, for she was a motor girl. Oh, come on and don't ask a single question, she exclaimed, as the Robinson twins, Bess and Belle, facing to meet her in response to her ring. Come on, we must go over to the garage quick. I've got a new machine, and I've got to learn all about it. She had to pause for breath, and Belle managed to say, Cora, a new machine, all for yourself. Oh, you dear, who gave it to you? Why, Jack found it, Cora laughed. It was running along the street, you know, and he lassoed it. It was going like mad, but he whirled the lash of his riding whip about it, and now Cora dear, and Belle dropped her voice to one of the grieved tones, you know what I meant. Of course I do, girly, but hurry, do. I want the man at the garage to teach me all about my new machine. I call it the whirlwind, you know it's different from Jack's small runabout, and there are several new points to be posted on. I want to be all ready, so that when we go out tomorrow morning, we can surprise the boys. Oh, how perfectly lovely, exclaimed Bess. Delighted and excited, the three girls hurried over the railroad hill on a shortcut to the garage. Do you think he'll show you? Ask Bess. He might want you to hire a chauffeur. Well, we'll see, responded Cora, if we can manage to find a nice, agreeable, elderly gentleman, the storybook kind of machinist, you know. I fancy he will be sufficiently interested. Uh-huh, well, you know. And she finished with a little laugh, in which her chumps joined. They had reached the small door at the office of the garage, a notice on the glass directed them to push. Cora put both hands to the portal, and it swung back. She almost stumbled into the room. We would like to see someone who will teach us how to run an auto. She begun. I know something of one, but I have a new kind. The three girls threw back a nice, agreeable, elderly gentleman, whispered Belle to Cora. Cora could not repress a smile. Instead, at the storybook machinist, a handsome young lad stood before them, smiling at their disconfiture. What is it, he asked, in a pleasant voice, and Cora noticed how white and even his teeth were. Where I—that is, I want to learn some points about my new car. She stammered. It's a—I understand, replied the handsome chap. I will be very glad to show you. Just step this way, please. And with a little bow, he motioned to them to follow him into the semi-dark machine shop back of the office. End of chapter one. Chapter two of The Motorgirls. This is a LibraVox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibraVox.org. The Motorgirls by Margaret Penrose. Chapter two. The Dash of the Worldwind. When Jack Kimball called at the Robinson home that same evening, at precisely 9.30, he found three very much agitated young ladies. Bess, or, to be more exact, Elizabeth Robinson, the brown-haired, plump girl she was known as the Big Robinson girl, was positively out of breath. While her twin sister, Isabel, usually called Belle, too slim to puff and too thin to fluster, was fanning herself with the very dainty lace handkerchief. Cora paced up and down the pièce, in the true athletic way of cooling off. Why, therefore, asked Jack, surprised at the excitement so plainly shown, in spite of the girl's attempts to hide it. Oh, just a race, replied Cora indifferently. Out in the dark persisted Jack. Only across the hill went on Cora, while Bess giggled threateningly. Seems to me you took a queer time to race, remarked the lad, with a sly wink at Isabel. Who won out? Oh, Cora, of course, answered Isabel. She won in and out. Oh, I don't know, spoke Jack's sister. You didn't do half badly, Belle. Oh, I was laughing, so I couldn't run. Cora said you were coming to her, putting Bess with a smile. Jack seemed disappointed that the subject was mentioned. Yes, he said. She was very particular to specify the time. It's 9.30 now, but I'm in no hurry. He looked about for a chair. But I am, insisted Cora. Well then, added Jack a bit stipply. If you're ready, suppose we run along. Or have you had enough running for this evening? Plenty, but I really must go, girls. Be sure and be ready in the morning for, well, you know what? And she finished with a laugh. We want the children, folks, to sit up and take notice, I suppose, pulling Jack quickly. Pardon the slang, ladies, but sometimes slang seems to fit where nothing else will. The twins managed to whisper a word or two in Cora's ear, as she said good night and left with her brother. They had had such a splendid time at the garage. It was the run back home over the railroad embankment that had caused all their flurry and excitement. And though they had not left the auto sales rooms until five minutes before the time Cora had appointed for her brother to meet her, they had actually managed to reach home before Jack called so that he could have no suspicion of their visit to the garage. Paul Hastings, the young man whom they had encountered on their visit to the automobile place, had proved a most interesting youth. He appeared to know many things besides the good and bad points of the average car. Mr. and Mrs. Perry Robinson, parents of the Robinson twins, happened to be out that evening so that, even to them, the visit to the garage was a profound secret and there was no need of making any explanations. That night in her sleep, Elizabeth was heard to mutter, the clutch, throw in the clutch. And Isabel actually answered, also in dream language. Jammed down the break, the Cora across the fields in her own cool, out of doors, sleeping apartment, built on a broad porch, did not dream. She just slumbered. It was a delightful morning in early June and the air seam sprinkled with centre dew. When Cora Kimball drove up to the Robinson home in her new automobile, come on, come on, she called as she stopped at the curb and tutored the horn. Hurry, I want to overtake Walter. He and Jack have just gone out. Oh, of course, you want to overtake Walter, answered Isabel with the emphasis on Walter. Well, never mind about that, but do come, urge Cora. What do you think of my car? She asked as the girls hastened to her. Isn't it a beauty? She handled the machine with considerable skill, for she had had some practice on Jack's car. Think of it, exclaimed Elizabeth. Why, it's simply beyond thoughts. It's overwhelming. A perfect dream, agreed Belle. Aren't you the lucky girl, though? Guess I am, admitted Cora. See, I can start it without cranking and to prove it, when the engine was quiet she threw forward the spark lever, shifted the gasoline, won a trifle and the motor began to throb and hum rapidly. Good, cried Isabel. Paul told me about it, went on Cora. The Paul, you know, he said when a charge of gas is in one of the cylinders, all you have to do is to send the spark to the cylinder and it didn't take you long to learn. Complimented best. Well, Isabel said. Paul, is he? Yes, he is, admitted Cora with a laugh. The youth of the garage. Well, I don't remember a thing he said, confessed Elizabeth. But Paul, who could forget Paul? Didn't he have nice teeth? And so polite, added Belle. Wasn't he just splendid, concluded Cora and such a number of things that he told me. But come on, get in. And she slowed down the motor somewhat, while removing a pair of buckskin gloves from her long, tapering hands. She produced a small, don'ty handkerchief and rubbed a spot of black grease from her aristocratic nose. Got that when I was oiling the rear wheels, she explained. The twins entered the tournée, neither of them caring to risk riding on the front seat, just yet. Cora speeded the motor up a bit, glanced behind to see that the tournée door was securely fastened and then pulled the speed lever and threw in the clutch. The car started forward as smoothly as if Paul himself were at the wheel. Elizabeth's hand flew to her hat, which tilted backward in the wind. They had not yet secured their motor togs and regulation hats were so difficult to manage. Oh, isn't this glorious? cried Isabel. Everyone is looking at us. Announced Elizabeth. Now, I wonder which road Jack and Walter took, said Cora as she swung the car around a curve in good style. I heard Jack say he was going for some fishing tackle. Perhaps they went to Arden, ventured Isabel. Maybe. Well, we'll take a nice little spin down the turnpipe. Decided Cora as she threw in the high gear. The cogs grinding on each other rather alarmingly. Gracious, what's that? asked Elizabeth. Only the gears, replied Cora calmly. I hope I didn't strip them, but I might have done that changing a little better. I wasn't quite quick enough. The car was going rather fast now. Don't put on quite so much speed. Beg Isabel, I'm so... Now please, don't say you're nervous, interrupted Cora. But I am. Well, you needn't be. I know how to run the car. Of course, since Paul showed her, put in Elizabeth. The speed was a trifle too fast for an inexperienced hand at the wheel. The Cora grasped the wooden circle at firmly, and with a keen look ahead, prepared for the descent of a rather steep hill. Coming up the grade were a number of autos, containing Chulton folks, who had been to the depot with early city commuters. Chulton was a great place for commuters and autos. Please don't put on any more speed, Cora. Again, Beg Isabel, leaning over toward the front seat. This is such a steep hill. All right, I won't. And Cora placed her foot more firmly on the brake pedal. While she was ready to grasp the emergency lever quickly, in case anything happened. Oh, there's Ida. Suddenly cried Elizabeth, as a small runabout loomed up in front of them. And said Wilcox, I wonder what she finds interesting in that, that lazy chap. A companion, that's all, replied her sister. I think Ida is about as un-energetic a girl as I ever knew. Funny thing said Cora, speaking loudly enough to be heard above the noise of the motor. How she manages to keep going. She rides as often in Sid's car as if, well, as if she was his own sister. Oftener than most sisters added Belle significantly. They have just left her friend, who was on from New City, at the depot, said Bess. It's quite handy to have a chum with a motor car, even if it does happen to be a chap like Sid. Well, I guess Ida's harmless, even if she is jealous, said Cora. I do believe that's all that ails Ida. Just plain jealousy. May be, assented Isabel. They rode along for some time, coasting down the steeper parts of the hill and running easily where there was a leveled stretch. They were now approaching the worst part of the descent. From this point, there was quite a steep slant to the level highway, which the railroad crossed at grade and approached on a curve. There was a long drawn shrill whistle. What's that? exclaimed Elizabeth. The train cried Isabel. Oh, the train. Cora, the train is coming. I hear it spoke Cora calmly, but she pressed her foot down harder on the brake pedal and tried to use the compression of the cylinder as a retarding force, as Paul had showed her. Can't she slow up? pleaded Elizabeth. There was a note of alarm in her voice. I'm trying to, almost shouted Cora, as she exerted more strength on the brake lever. I've done all I know now, but we don't seem to be stopping. She spoke the last words in a curiously quiet voice. Put on the brakes, call Bess. They are on, said Cora fiercely. Oh, Cora screamed Isabel. I see the train, there at the foot of the hill. We're running to it. I'm going to jump, we can't stop. It's still commanded Cora energetically. Elizabeth covered her face with her hands. She shrunk back into her seat. Her sister leaned up against her. Below could be heard the puffing of the train. Then the engineer seen the auto rushing down to destruction, blue shrieking whistles, as if that could help. Cora was frantically pulling on the brake lever. Her face was now white with fear, but even in the midst of this terror, she felt a curious calmness. It was just as if she were looking at some picture of the scene. She thought she was miles and miles away. Her foot was pressed down so hard on the brake pedal that it felt as if her shoe would burst off. But the car slid along, Cora and nearer the track, along which the train was thundering, rushing to meet the auto to Anna highlight it. Stop, stop, screamed Isabelle. Stop, she rose in her seat. Sit down, commanded Cora. But stop, pleaded Isabelle. We'll all be killed. Stop, oh Cora, stop. I'm trying to, with the grim reply, but I can't, the brake, the brake is jammed. The last words came out jerkily. The Cora was pulling on the brake handle with all her force. Nearer and nearer sounded the approaching train. The auto was sliding down the hill with ever-increasing speed. The Cora never let go of her hold of the steering wheel. Once more she tried to pull the brake lever. It would not come back another notch. The engineer of the train was blowing more frantic signals. He leaned from his cab window and motioned the auto back. He even seemed to be shouting to them. Cora braced both feet against the brake pedal. She took a firmer grasp of the wheel. The seams of her new gloves were starting from the strain. There was a desperate look on her face. Oh, we'll be killed, we'll be killed! screamed Isabel. We can't get across in time. She leaned over and fell into her sister's arms while Cora, with a keen glance to either side, stiffened in her seat. There was a bad chance of safety. End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of the Motor Girls. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Motor Girls by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 3. A Sudden Acquaintance. Despite the tense moment of anxiety, the almost certainty that the auto would crash into the train, Cora's quick eye had seen something that she hoped would enable her to avert the accident. She knew that she could not stop the machine in time by any means at her command. There was at one other thing to do. That was to steer to one side. To the left, there was a solid stone wall. To dash into that would mean almost as horrible an accident as if she collided with the train. To the right, there was a field, but it was fenced in, and between it and the road was a little mirey brook. In some places, the brook widened almost into a pond. The bottom was treacherous, and to steer into it meant to sink down deeply into the mud. To run into the fence might mean that one of the rails would become entangled in the mechanism of the motor, tearing it all to pieces. Or one of the long pieces of wood might even impale the occupants of the car. Cora's eyes swept down the length of the barrier with the flash. There was just what she wanted, a gap in the fence. She could go through that in safety, but suppose the machine was brought to too sudden a stop in the mud. They would all be thrown out and perhaps injured, but it was the only thing to do. With the firm grasp of the wheel, Cora sent the auto from the road. Elizabeth screamed as she felt the swaying of the car. She had to hold her sister from being tossed, but for Elizabeth was incapable of taking care of herself. Straight for the field rushed the car, the engineer of the train now tooting his whistle as if in gladness at the narrow escape. Splash! The auto fairly dived into the brook and gradually slackened speed. Right toward a clump of willow trees it surged, throwing a spray of water in advance. Then it became stationary in the middle of a spot where the brook widened into a pond. Cora was dimly conscious of a figure on the opposite bank of the screen, a figure of a young man with a fishing pole in his hands. She saw a spray of water cast up by the auto drenching. She even heard him cry out. But at that moment she gave him not a thought. Everything centered on a narrow escape, the condition of her two chumps, and last but not least, whether her new auto had been damaged. Cora leaned over the side and looked at the water flowing past the mudguards. Safe, she exclaimed. I thought we were doomed girls, didn't you? Doomed, echoed Elizabeth. I never want to go through that experience again. Me either, added Cora fervently. Has Belle fainted? I'm afraid so. Cora leaned over, scooped some water up in her hand and dashed it into the white face of the girl. Isabel opened her eyes. Are we, are we, she gasped. We're all right, you little goose. Said Cora with a laugh. Belle her voice trembled and her hands shook. I guess it wasn't nearly as dangerous as it looked. It was bad enough, spoke Elizabeth. Anyhow, the auto stopped, went on Cora. Don't you see where we are? In the middle of Campbell's pond. And we won't have to swim out either. It's not very deep. But this, you look like a sheet and Belle, you seem like. A pillowcase with the pillow out, added Isabel with a wane smile. I never was so glad to get a ducking in all my life. And I guess we're not the only ones who got a ducking, said Cora as she shook some drops from her hair. Why inquire best? Look, and Cora pointed across the pond. A very much drenched figure was standing up. The man with the fishing pole was wiping the water from his face. He looked at the girls in the auto. Oh dear, exclaimed Elizabeth. I should think we did give him a ducking. I'm awfully sorry, but we couldn't help it, said Cora, standing up and looking at the young man. He approached closer, again wading out into the pond toward the auto. The water was not very deep, hardly up to his knees. Cora found herself wondering how he had managed to fish in it. He was very good looking. He wondered the girls was thinking to herself, can't I help you? He asked, smiling broadly, in spite of the mud and water splashed all over him. There was actually a little glow ball of mud on the end of his nose. He seemed as much amused over his own predicament as he was over that of the motor girls. He didn't need any help. He went on. I'm sure that is, I hardly know, Stamford Cora. She was not altogether certain about the state of the auto. I'm afraid we've been very impolite to splash water and mud all over you, she added. Not at all, not at all. He assured her, better, a better turn, so to speak. You are very plucky. If I may be permitted to say, I almost said my prayers when I saw you racing down toward the train. Then I saw you turn in here. But what happened that you couldn't stop before? The break, replied Cora. It refused to work. This is a new car, our first trip in fact. Oh, I see, replied the young man. Well, I know a little about cars. Perhaps I can run her out for you. Just let me try. Cora shifted over to the other side, leaving the wheel free. The young fisherman cranked up from a very insecure and muddy footing in the middle of the pond. There came a welcome, chug, chug, chug. The auto was all right after all. The young man climbed in. The spotted mud was still on his nose and Cora felt an insane desire to laugh. But she nobly restrained it. He took the wheel and threw in the low speed gear. There was a grinding sound. The whirlwind seemed to shiver and shake and then it began to move. A few seconds later, after running slowly through the pond, it ran up the soft bank and under the skillful touch of the stranger came to a stop in a grassy meadow. There exclaimed the young man. I guess you're all right now, but let me look at that break. Perhaps I can fix it. Then it occurred to Cora that she might attempt to introduce her friends and herself. The twins had not yet spoken a word to the fisherman. The same thought waved, must have surged into the stranger's brain, for he said, my name is Foster, Edward Foster, and he raised his wet cap. I was just trying to kill time by fishing, but it was a cruelty to time. I don't believe a fish ever saw this pond. Mr. Foster, my name is Erk Kimball, Cora Kimball, said the owner of the auto, imitating the young man's masculine style of introduction. And these are my friends, the Mrs. Robinson. The young man bowed twice, one for each of the twins. Mr. Foster had a most attractive manner that was instantly decided by the three girls. I know your brother, he remarked to Cora, Jack Kimball of Exmouth College. Oh yes, of course. I've heard Jack speak of you, I'm sure. Yes, he was on our team. Oh, you are the great football player, interrupted Elizabeth. She made no secret of her admiration for great football players. Not exactly great, answered Mr. Foster, but I have played some. My interest in sports has rather kept me away from society. That accounts for me not being better acquainted in Chilton, or perhaps. Hello there, came a hail from the road. Jack and Walker exclaimed Cora, as at that moment another machine came along and drew up alongside the fence, which separated the highway from the meadow. Now, won't they laugh at us? Well, I declare exclaimed the mud-bespattered young fellow. If that isn't Jack, and Walker Pennington is with him. What's up, called Jack, leaping from the car and running across the meadow after a quick climb over the fence. A great deal is up, said Cora. Well, Ed Foster, where in the world did you come from? Jack added, as he saw the young man about to alight from Cora's car. From the ditch was Ed's laughing answer. As he looked down at his splattered garments, I'd just got budding time to. Never mind, shake. Interrupted Jack, extending his hand. When I was a youngster and our big newfoundland dog came out with the stick from the pond. Now, now, cautioned Ed, I may be big, and I may have just crawled from the pond, but I deny the stick. I'm sure we would have been here forever if Mr Foster hadn't begun Cora. I'd been here first, interrupted Jack. That's all very well, sis, but I told you so. A brand-new, spick-and-span car like this, and to run it into a muddy ditch. Indeed, exclaimed Elizabeth, we were almost killed. Cora just saved our lives. Mercy me, cried Walter, who had left the car and joined Jack. Now, Cora, he added mockingly. When you start out to save lives, why don't you give a fella the tip? There's nothing I do so love as to see lives saved, especially nice young ladies, and he made a low bow. Oh, you may laugh, said Cora somewhat indignantly, but I don't want anything like it to happen again. Jack would not work, and the train was just in front of us, and we were running right into it, put in Isabelle, her voice far from steady, and her face still very white. At this point, Ed insisted upon telling the whole story, and he described the plight of the motor girls so graphically that both Jack and Walter were compelled to admit that Cora did indeed know how to drive a car in an emergency, and that she had acted most wisely. Good for you, sis, exclaimed Jack, when the story was finished. I could not have done better myself. Such praise is praise indeed, spoke Ed with a laugh. He went around back to look at the break and found what had caused the trouble, a loose nut had fallen between the brake band and the wheel hub and prevented the band from tightening. The trouble was soon remedied, and the brake put in working order. There, you are all ready for the road now, remarked Ed. Thank you very much, said Cora quietly, but there was a world of meaning in her tones. Ed looked into her eyes rather longer than perhaps was necessary. Come on, get in with us, Ed, invited Jack, having seen you in an age. Let's hear about the Detroit team. Oh, I'm too dirty to get in the car. I'm afraid, objected Ed, with a glance at the mud spots that were now turning to light grey polka dots on his clothes in the strong sunlight. Nonsense, cried Jack Hardley. Come along. Walter will drive for Cora, in case she is nervous. It needs a strong wrist in this soft ground. Oh, yes, do please steer for us, be the still trembling Isabel. I'd feel so much safer. Well, I like that, cried Cora with a light laugh. Is that the way you treat me, after having saved your life? But it was you who almost ran us into the train, Cora, answered Isabel, giving her friend a little pinch on her now rosy cheek, so you see it was your duty to save us. Well, I did it, replied Cora. Glad that she had come out of the affair with such flying colours. Walter took Ed's place at the steering wheel at the whirlwind, and the fisherman seated himself beside Jack. Then Walter ran Cora's car out of the mire of the meadow and into the road, the three girls remaining in the machine. I suppose if the young ladies hadn't run you down, we wouldn't have seen you the entire summer, said Jack to Ed, and then the smaller machine along behind the touring car. Oh, indeed you would, answered Ed. I really intended looking you up in a day or two. You see, I have been very busy. What are you laughing at? Because I said I was busy. Well, I guess I have the busiest kind of business on hand. So, let me whisper, I leaned over confidentially, though there was no need for it, as the other auto was some distance ahead. I'm going into finance. Finance? Yes, stocks, bonds, and so on. You know, bank stocks. Think of that, Jack, my boy. Good for you. Three cheers for the bank stock, exclaimed Jack in a half whisper, in the new bank, I suppose. The correct supposition, answered Ed. I have been invited to subscribe for some of the new issue of stock, and I've decided to. I'm going over to get it in a day or two. I'm to pay partly in cash, and turn over to them some of my bonds and other negotiable securities that I inherited from father, who was a banker, you know. I think I am making a good investment. Not a bit of doubt about it, said Jack. I wish I had the chance. I hear that Sid Wilcox wanted to get some of the stock, Jack, went on Ed. He comes of age soon, and he will have some cash to invest. But somehow there's a prejudice against Sid. I've been asked to take stock, though the directors-rectors know he has money. Well, I guess the trouble is he can't be depended on. He'd be peddling the stock all over the state, or putting it up for doubtful transactions, and I guess the directors wouldn't like that. He's a reckless sort. I shouldn't mind his fits of crankiness, if he would but when he goes in for some kind of mischief, harmless in itself, he invariably brings some girl into it, and she has to suffer in the scrape with him. It's not right of Sid. But speaking of angels, there he is now. Jack's runabout, called the get there, had been climbing the hill back at the whirlwind, now on a level stretch of road, and approaching Fisher's store, and Emporium, as the sign called it, and a place where one could get anything from a watch to a shoestring, if old Jard Fisher only knew that it was wanted before he went to town. It so happened, however, by strange intervention of Providence, that he never did know in time. But at any rate, you could always get soda water, the kind that comes in the push in the cork bottles, and that was something. As the two autos drew up, the occupants beheld, standing on the steps of the store, Sidney Wilcox and Ida Giles. Jack halted his car behind the whirlwind. Hello there, called out Ed. Seems to me I'm bound to meet all my friends today. How are you, Sid? Ed leaked from Jack's car and up the steps to greet Sid. Oh, I'm so-so. Was the rather drawing answer. But what's the matter with you? Been planning? Not exactly, replied Ed, glancing down at the mudspots. But I caught something just the same. So I see, responded Sid, chuckling at his wit. Pity to take it all, though. You should have left some of the turtles. They like mud. Jack, who followed Ed, said something in conventional greeting to Ida. But the girl with Sid never turned her head to look in the direction of the whirlwind. Cora remarked on this in a low voice to Isabel and Elizabeth. I hear that you are going in for Wolf Street, said Sid, to Ed, in rather a sarcastic voice. Oh, no. Nothing like that. No chance for a lamb like me in Wolf Street. It's too much of a losing game. Oh, I don't know, drawled Sid. A fellow might make good and then do well better. Ed glanced at Jack. How did Sid know about Ed's plan to take stock in the new bank? That was a question that each youth flashed to the other. There was something unpleasant in the manner of Sidney Wilcox. All in the party seemed to feel it. And as far as the girls were concerned, they noticed much of the same manner in Ida, though Jack and Ed were not quite so critical. As for Wolka, he did not seem to be giving Ida a thought, but it is doubtful if she was so indifferent toward him. Still, she would not look in his direction while Cora and her two chums were with him. Cora walked slowly at the broad store steps Bess and Belle following. I'm simply choked, said Cora with a laugh. I never had such a thirsty run. Ida seemed very much interested in the distant landscape. The roads are awfully dry, she murmured. And so am I, added Elizabeth as she followed her sister and Cora into the store. Wolka and Jack trailed in after them while Ed stayed for a moment outside with Ida and Sid. The latter did not introduce Ed to Ida. It was a habit Sid had of never presenting his young men chums to his girl unless he could not avoid it. Ida perhaps knew this and she strolled to the other end of the porch. How'd you make out in your exams, asked Ed of Sid, for the latter attended college with Jack? That is, he was in his study class though not in the same grade socially. Oh, pretty fair. I've cut most of them. I've finished next year and I don't intend to get grey hairs over any exams now. You cut them, repeated Ed. Sure, and Sid started toward his car. Ida following. Well, you're not going away mad, are you, asked Ed, with a laugh, wondering the while over the identity at the striking looking girl whom Sid so obviously refrained from introducing to him. I, not so you could notice it was Sid's answer as he began to tuck the dust robe over Ida's lap. Then Sid cranked up his car, which he had named the streak, though it didn't always live up to the name, and soon he and the girl were out of sight around a turn in the road. Huh, exclaimed Ed, as he entered the store. I wonder where he heard about the plan to take, bank stock. I wish he didn't know of it, and I also wonder who that pretty girl was. Ida was pretty in spite of her reddish hair and a rather jealous disposition which was reflected in her face. Ed shook his head. He was puzzled over something. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of the Motor Girls. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org The Motor Girls by Margaret Penrose Chapter 4 $20,000 Say Jack remarked Ed a few days later when the two were sprawled beside a brook with rod and reel. I believe I'll have to get better acquainted with the folks out here. Honestly, I feel wobbly when I get talking to them. I've been out of touch with them so long that I'm afraid I'll ask after some dead and gone aunt or uncle or for some brother that has been in trouble and isn't spoken of any more in polite society. For instance, who is Ida? Ida Giles. You know the girl who was with Sid. Introduce me to her last night. Oh, Ida, why? She's just Ida. That's all. But that's a good idea of yours. I was thinking myself that you ought to begin studying up the blue book of Chelten Society. Now, as to Ida, the red-haired girl, not really red, corrected Ed slowly, but that bright, like deliciously, like lobster, Allah. Oh, pardon me. And Jack assumed an affected manor. Of course, Ida's hair is not really red. Not merely, Karatee is the very word needed. Well, she's the daughter at the Reverend Mrs. Giles. Don't you remember the woman who always scolded us for everything? Wouldn't let us even and she wore such pious looking spectacles that we dubbed her Reverend Mrs. Giles. Well, she still is Ida's mother. Then I don't blame Ida a bit. I'd be Ida myself if I was brought up as she's been. Though I suppose her mother means all right. It's curious what queer menors some people have, but I dare say they're false. And with all of them, I hope the girl's lover still, even Ida, added Jack quickly. Now, those others, the beautiful Robinson twins, pursued Ed. Oh, yes. Well, Bess and Bell are certainly the real thing in girls. Right up to the minute. Besides, Perry Robinson, the railroad king. Oh, yes. And their mother, if one may be permitted to ask. Certainly, fair sir. Their mother is a wonderfully handsome woman in a statuette sort of way. Very dignified and all that. Now, the twins are worthwhile. Exactly so, answered Ed. Now, I think they were suddenly and quickly jerked up his rod, but not quite speedily enough. So he had the pleasure of seeing a fish slip wriggling off the hook. Biggest one today, he murmured, as he adjusted some fresh bait. Now, as to the Robinson twins, the only fault I have to find with them from my limited acquaintance is that they are not evenly divided. This is, well, not to be too delicate about it. Too fat. No, no, I beg of you, exclaimed Jack. Don't use that word. Say too much at a post. Sounds like indisposed, murmured Ed. But let it go with that. This is too much at a post and Belle. Well, she is too un-at a post, better not to put to fine a point upon it. As Mr. Snagsby used to say, she's too thin. Not faults in either of them beyond repair, commented Jack. Cora is very keen about them. Thinks they're the best ever. She is very much interested in them. How about Jack? Teased Ed. He might have a perfectly pardonable interest in being interested in the twins, solely on his sister's account. However, solely and the part of his sister. Ah, murmured Jack. That's neither here nor there. To carry it a little further and still discussing the twins, there is Ed Foster, who is always at college when he is not fishing. He has money to burn and so he's going to set fire to some of it by entrusting it to the new city bank. Not quite money to burn, said Ed, as he carefully threw out the baited hook again. I've about $20,000 that came from Father's estate and it is stipulated that it must be most carefully secured. I think the new bank a good investment, but as for that being a drawing card in my favour, to yourself. His Jack Kimball went on Ed, the best musician at X-Mouth, the girls' pet, and altogether a very nice boy. I believe that's all. No, hold on. I never said a word about your weakness for chicken pot pie. Although you did appropriate my dish the last day at college. I was hungry, pleaded Jack, and I thank you for your considerate description. Do you think that you now have the children folks to rights? We haven't touched on Walter Pennington. He seems to be the whole thing with the girls, and Ed did not try to disguise his tone of sarcasm. Oh yes, Walter, said Jack. Oh, Walter's all right. He seems to have more time for girls than the rest of us have. Is that it? asked Ed. I thought it was the other way about that the girls had more time for Walter than for the rest of us. I don't pretend to understand you, remarked Jack, pulling up quickly and looking in disgust at his empty hook. But if you want anything, why, go in and win. After John Olden, you can beat Walter, your handsome up. Drop that, cried Ed, looking for a clot of earth to throw at Jack. Then he ran his fingers through his thick black hair. He was handsome, but he did not like it, cast up to him. Oh, I don't know. He murmured after a pause. Walter was in a very strange and strange state of hair. It's capable of being made over to suit. Knocking, cried Jack, you're knocking. I'll tell Walter, you called him a first rate chap, and I mean it, insisted Ed warmly. That's just what I think of Walter Pennington. Well, you know what is the kind of a fella that will keep without Penning. Meaning some others won't, such as Sid, for example. Well, he's very close, sometimes, so to speak. At least, very hard to understand, but let's talk about something else. When do you go over to the bank to stand and deliver your good cash, bonds, and securities for their stock? This very afternoon, may it please the court, and, by the same token, I should be getting home now. Hope we won't meet anyone, or they might ask, as Sid did, if I'd been clamming. I can't seem to keep out of the mud. They gathered up their fishing paraphernalia, and walked out to the highway. Are you and your money going over in the machine? Ask Jack. Certainly, why not? Henry Porter is going to loan me his runabout. Oh, I suppose it's all right, but it's a lot of money to carry with you alone. Twenty thousand dollars. And to hear you talk, I might suspect that you had designs on it. I guess I'll get over to New City with its safe and sound. I hardly think I need a bodyguard. Huh, maybe not. I guess you'll be all right. Your sister seems much interested in motoring, remarked dead, as they trudged along. Oh, yes, sis is just wild about it. She learned to run my car, and then began teasing for one of her own. We were waiting for her 17th birthday to give it to her, mother and I. Oh, I suppose you paid for part of it, remarked dead with a laugh. No, but I ran it up from the garage for her. It's a fine, up-to-date car. And now that sis has it, she's as happy as a kitten, lacking up sweet cream. And she's as plucky as, um, what shall I say? I never saw anyone manage a car better than she did the day the break wouldn't work, and they nearly ran into the train. I declared when I saw her die through that gap in the fence and steered toward me through the pond. I felt like yelling. I was almost frozen stiff, couldn't do a thing, but look on. And sis thought you out with a mudbark, said Jack. Oh, Cora is all right, even if I am her brother. She certainly is a star, if I may be pardoned the expression. Well, here's where I'm going to leave you. I've got to stop at the post office. People have gotten into the habit lately, and a mean habit it is, of mailing me bills about the first of the month. One would think they might let a fellow have a vacation from that sort of thing, once in a while. Oh, I get mine too. And this month, they're rather than usual, as it's Cora's birthday. There's Sid, suddenly remarked Ed, pointing down the road to where Sidney Wilcox was coming around the turn, walking slowly. Yes, and I guess he gets his bills too. Lively admitted Ed, he seems to have one now, and it doesn't appear to please him. For Sid was intently studying a piece of paper as he walked along. He turned back and looked up the road. Who's he looking for? Asked Jack. Give it up. No, I don't either. There she is. It's Ida Giles. Sidney waited for the girl to come up to him. Then he put the sheet of paper in his pocket, and the two walked along together until they came abreast Sid nodded, which salutation was returned by the two fishermen. Ida made a slight motion with her head, which might or might not have been taken for a bow. Then the two passed on. My, but they're brushing it pretty fast, commented Jack. Oh, Sid owns a nice little car built for two, spoke Ed. That makes it worthwhile for her. Yes, Ida does get in a lot of runs. Jack turned to look at the girl. She was rather becomingly dressed in a dark blue gingham sailor suit. Her red hair seemed fairly to blaze in the summer sunlight. Her companion slouched along in that indifferent way, common to many youths of neutral temperaments. Nothing much decided about them. They saved their dislike for hard facts. Ed and Jack had now reached the beginning of the sidewalk, leading into town. They noticed a torn envelope lying on the flags. It was, as they could see, addressed to Sidney Wilcox, and in one corner was the imprint of an auto firm, which made the style of car that Sid drove. The fishermen smiled at each other, but made no remark. Perhaps the envelope had contained a bill. I may take a spin out on the road this afternoon, said Jack, at parting. Cora and the twins are going out, and we have promised to trail along after them. We questioned Ed. Yes, Walter and I, of course. Oh, of course, Walter. Jealous? Call Jack. But cheer up. Perhaps we shall meet you, and you'll have a chance. Oh, I'll be too busy with the cash. I'm afraid. But at any rate, give my regards to your sister. Sureest thing you know. How about the twins? Well, never mind. All right. Say Ed, come over to dinner some night. I want Mother to meet you. All right, I will. Ed turned away. He seemed unusually thoughtful. Was it Jack's remark about carrying so much money unprotected along the highway that caused it? It was a large sum, $20,000, but he was strong enough to take care of himself. Besides, Walter with him. He decided on this, though at first it had not occurred to him. Then he laughed aloud at his worryment and his prospective precautions. Who ever heard of anyone being robbed on the road from Chilton to New City? End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of the Motor Girls This is a LibriVox Recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org The Motor Girls by Margaret Penrose Chapter 5 and Impromptu Race All ready? It was Cora who spoke. She and her chums, sons and twins, and a fourth girl were about to start out for the afternoon run Jack had mentioned. The fourth girl was Mary Downs a little millinery model and helper to whom Cora had promised a ride in the new car. It was Mary's initial spin and as Cora cranked up the young girl with the queer, oval face so dear to the hearts of model hunters barely quivered with anticipation. Are you alright Mary? Ask Cora with a reassuring smile. Oh yes! replied the girl with a happy little laugh. This is just glorious. Wait just a minute. I want to tie my hat on more securely. I do hope we get our auto bonnet soon. Madam said they would be finished today remarked Mary. They are very pretty I think. Madam Julia was Mary's employer. Chug chug sounded from the motor as it speeded up momentarily drowning all conversation. Then as Cora climbed in and adjusted the throttle and shifted the spark lever she let in the clutch and the car rolled gently away. Where were the boys to meet us asked Belle. At the turn pipe junction replied Cora as she deathly threw in the high speed gear and that without the terrific grinding of the cogs that betrays the inexperienced hand. The whirlwind leaped forward and the girls clutched their hats. Jack promised he wouldn't be a minute late went on Cora as she turned out to avoid a rut. Jack usually is on time murmured Isabel. She almost lisps yet the more you heard it the more you thought it was but a pretty little catch in her voice in the accent after the manner of babies who seemed to defer all they have to say to their listener. Everyone loved Isabel. Oh you think so do you asked her sister. Jack never makes any mistakes apparent to Belle. She added with an arch glance at Cora with whom she was riding on the front seat. Never mind murmured Belle. Mary listened to the talk and said in pleasure she was not accustomed to this thought of perfectly frank jokes. There they are suddenly cried Cora as they get their swerved into the site around the corner. Jack who was at the wheel of his car with Walter beside him swung in close to his sister's machine. All right asked Jack looking critically at Cora as she slowed up the big car and noting her firm grip of the steering wheel. Fine and dandy exclaimed the girl with the expression that makes that sort of slain a parody rather than a convenience. And if there aren't Sid and Ida exclaimed Belle seems to me we run into them wherever we go. As long as it's only metaphorically and not mechanically speaking it's all right observed Walter. The yellow street glided smoothly along. Quite a parade remarked Jack let's make it a race suggested Cora her dark eyes flashing in anticipation. Jack glanced at Walter the relations between him and Sid were rather strained. As for Ida Ida was credited with running after Walter and the sentiment it bled towards such girls is too well known to need describing. Oh yes do let us race chimed in best it would be such fun. All right agreed Jack that is if Sid is willing. You race Sidney call Cora before the occupants of the yellow car had had time to greet the others. Yes certainly he is centered I would like nothing better then we'll have to handicap the girls suggested Walter they have by far the fastest machine but it's brand new objected Cora the two runabouts are besides look who we are girls very charming ones I'm sure said Sid quickly but somehow his voice did not ring true. Handicap spoke Walter I suppose it's right but you see we fellows could he was floundering about for a way of saying girls should not be penalised by giving the drivers the two runabouts a start for in spite of their small size and less power the runabouts were speedy cars it seemed as if Walter did not want to take the obviously fair advantage due him. Oh no declared Cora we'll let you handicap us we wish we are willing to test the whirlwind on its merits I should think so sneered Ida and then she turned disdainfully away as if the landscape held more of interest for her than did the details of a race who is that forward girl asked quiet Mary of this Ida Giles was the whispered reply she looked at me as if I did not belong in a motor car went on the little milliner with that quick perception acquired by business experience well she doesn't belong in the one she's in retorted best kindly I guess you imagine she meant something like that Ida is not really mean she is merely thoughtless that's the very meanest kind meanness insisted Mary for when folks do a thing through thoughtlessness they do not know enough to be careful next time best smile to assure Mary that the milliner's model was on an equal footing with the girls in the whirlwind at all events line up call Jack get ready for the race will not insist on a handicap for you Cora Sid sent his car directly to the middle of the road the very best place better let the touring car go there suggested Walter in as even a tone as he could command it will need lots of room and the road's not very wide that's right added Jack a runabout can go on either side then I don't know begun Sid Cora ought to beat and yet with two fellows driving against her oh if it's a matter of girls almost snared Ida I'll drive the streak good idea hurriedly spoke Jack that will make the match even suppose we take a girl to drive our car Walter Walter glanced beautifully at his companion why Earth yes he drilled suppose we take best finish Jack quickly she knows considerable about a car and she's driven this one somehow the idea of having best as a rival to Ida suggested fun to Jack now we have it went on Cora's brother this alighted from the whirlwind and entered the get there are we all ready where's Walter going ask Cora for he had given up his seat to Jack who moved to make room for this Mary Cora and Belle were in the touring car I guess I'd better get into the big machine decided Walter through such pretty girls all alone are an unequal division of beauty and talent the last for myself of course he moved toward the whirlwind Ida frowned she had rather hoped to have matters so arranged that Walter would be with her Cora saw the frown and laughed merrily as Walter slipped into the seat beside her I suppose you think we are going to do the mascotting for this car she said at your service Madam Mazzell replied Walter trying to bow a politeness rather difficult of accomplishment in a small seat do anything you like but don't run me into the ditch my watch is deadly afraid of ditches blushing refreshingly Walter made a mental note of Mary's eyes and the soft tints like the bloom of a peach in her cheeks the two other girls were not slow to observe his interest it was odd thought Cora how boys go in for the romantic sort and models all ready called Jack again Ida shook her head she looked critically at the clutch lever from her seat at the wheel which Sid had relinquished to her the lever was not properly adjusted and she called her companion's attention to it Sid shifted it and then Walter called from his seat beside Cora all ready here it's about time jokingly the cars which had been cranked were chugging away and vibrating with the speed of the unleashed motors three clutch pedals were released and the three cars moved forward there was a grinding of gears as Ida threw in a higher speed her hand and ear were not quite true to the surprise of the others her car darted ahead it was speedier than had been thought it was a beautifully clear road and the machines were now fairly flying along it best clunk desperately to the wooden rim at the steering wheel of Jack's car keep her straight he cautioned don't work so hard at it an auto is like a horse a light firm touch is what it needs ah, murmured best she was afraid to open her mouth lest she should lose her breath in the wind look out for that wagon Walter suddenly called to Cora a clumsy vehicle was some distance in advance and seemed to be standing still so slow was the movement Ida was nearer to it than the others and as she passed it she swung safely to one side giving several disconcerting blasts on the horn as she did so she was proving herself a good driver somehow best had managed to distance the big car and had swung to second place Cora thought she had her machine going at full speed but either it had not warmed up yet or she was not properly feeding the gasoline and had not correctly adjusted the sparking device just as Cora was about to pass the wagon which Pete Bess had now safely negotiated the old man driving it seemed to awaken from a nap he appeared to remember something he had forgotten pulled his horses to one side the wrong side toward Cora's car which was rushing right at him the whirlwind was almost upon the wagon mercy screamed Mary we'll be smashed steady called Cora though her face went white Walter reached over as if to take the wheel from the girl he stopped him by a shake of her head and then braced herself for what was coming she screamed at the top of her fresh clear voice stop stop don't turn stop the farmer heard just in time he fairly pulled the horses back on their horses and the wagon came to a stop there was barely room for the auto to get past the Cora managed it oh sighed Mary in thankfulness wasn't that awful a narrow escape as centered Isabel but not as bad as the other one was you should have seen that we're safe now the whirlwind careened along the road from the shelving gutter back into the middle of the highway why didn't you let me take the wheel Walter looking at Cora in a strange sort of way I couldn't seem to let go she said with a nervous little laugh I knew of course that you could run it more safely than I could but somehow I couldn't seem to let go my fingers appeared to be glued to the wheel I certainly could not have done better admitted Walter I might help you look at Ida though she is going like grim death if she doesn't encounter another farmer she may be alright said Cora but I wonder why I don't go fast oh no wonder I'm on second speed I forgot to throw in the high gear here it goes now watch me pass them she advanced the lever the car shot forward it was going at a greatly increased speed and easily passed best and Jack here's where we leave you call Cora it's about time replied Jack I thought something was wrong with you third gear answered Cora forgot I had it her voice floated back on the wind with a merry shout for gasoline and advanced the spark she was almost up to wider the race was to end at a bridge which was only a few rods ahead careful caution Walter to the fair driver beside him she was making some rather reckless curves I'm alright declared Cora I'm sure we'll win exclaimed Mary the wind was now close to Sid's car he heard it coming and looked around then he caught the steering wheel from Ida leaning over to reach it foul shouted Walter that's not allowed never mind panted Cora I'm not afraid to let him steer I can beat him Jack stood up in his machine he was angry and showed it in his face stop sis he called to Cora the race is yours don't pass him she can't retorted Sid oh I'm afraid gasped best beside Jack he's steering right in front of her to cut her off he won't turn out then as if realizing that the race would be counted lost to them for Sid's violation of the rules Ida tried to displace the hands of her companion from the wheel let me steer she exclaimed I want to let me sit no he answered angrily I'm going to run it now the car was swaying from side to side because of the erratic motion imparted to it due to the struggle between Sid and Ida to gain possession of the wooden encircle it let me take it I want to beat her spoke Ida in a tense whisper and Sid with a queer look at her nodded he released his grip of the wheel and again Ida took it in a firm grasp but the change was not skillfully enough made and the next moment the street cut diagonally across the road in front of the whirlwind oh screamed Cora in spite of herself and Bess and Mary added their frightened cries Cora swung the wheel as far to the right as it would go there was a grinding sound as she threw on the emergency brake and the powerful clutch of it held the rear wheels in so firm a grip that the big rubber tires fairly slid along the road Sid cried Ida they'll collide with us do something do it quick he stood up and tried to take Ida's hands from the wheel again but she seemed to have lost her head the big car was still careening toward them though the brakes were slowing it up then Ida with a flash of instinct did the only thing possible instead of putting on brakes and trying to stop she pressed the accelerator pedal and the little car shot forward at a momentarily increased speed between them Ida and Sid managed to steer it into a ditch and brought up with a crash against a fence splintering the rails Ida with more force she persist jammed on the brakes and the streak with a groan and a jar came to a stop then there came a jolt a ripping sound and Korra's big four cylinder machine banged into the streak for in spite of all Korra and Walter could do the whirlwind could not be stopped in time but fortunately to the large car was not great for as she saw that a collision was inevitable Korra had quickly shifted the wheel and butter glancing blow had been struck a mudguard was torn from the whirlwind only Korra's plucky driving and her emergency stop had prevented a worse accident well remarked Sid in a strange voice we're alive at any rate yes added best sharply and no thanks to somebody either if you mean me begun Sid the colour flaming into his face look at your radiator suddenly exclaimed Walter it sprung a leak a stream of water trickling down from the front of the streak testified to this that the broken fence rail had jammed into the radiator puncturing several coils and bending others out of place no more go in her observed Sid roofily will have to be towed back home is your car damaged much Korra asked Walter for the girl had leaped out and was critically examining the auto only the mudguard she replied as she reached up to the steering wheel touch the levers and shut off the engine end of chapter 5 chapter 6 at the motor girls this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the motor girls by Margaret Penrose chapter 6 getting a tow for a few minutes everyone seemed to be talking at once and there was considerable confusion Sid and Ida came in for a number of rather angry glances for the mishap seemed to be due entirely to their thoughtless conduct and their runabout had been the most damaged did not appear to lessen their offence Walter took the wheel of the whirlwind which Korra gladly relinquished to him and soon had the car out of the ditch and upon the highway the streak of course could not move under its own power for more than a short distance as the water had all leaked out of the radiator and there being none to cool the cylinders to operate it was to invite disaster Jack and Bess had alighted from the get there Jack was very angry nice way to brace he exclaimed I've got a good mind to do something to you Sid Wilcox oh you have a snared Sid well I don't know I'd like to take it out of you for your sister cutting so close across my course I guess I'm the one to get mad you snick she did nothing of the sort cried Jack oh Jack please don't beg the sister if it was my fault I'm ready to apologise your fault exclaimed Walter it wasn't your fault at all it was well Sid I'm ready to blame that's the way it looked to me declared Cora I just stared at Jack's sister for a moment and then with an open snare on her face turned deliberately away oh I'm so glad we escaped anyhow ejaculated Mary Downs her voice attracted Sid's attention he had not noticed the little work girl before first he appeared to scowl and then he smiled most pleasantly the action was not lost upon bell though Cora puzzling over Ida's manner had not seen it come on get in girls call Walter from his seat in the touring car no use standing there in the sun you've got to Tommie ordered Sid in a peromptery manner repeated Walter with a curious inflection hush whispered Cora let's do it Walter Jack is so angry at him that I'm afraid something will happen very well just as you say replied Walter gallantly Jack turned away in disgust he was evidently trying hard to keep his temper under control that he and Ida should deliberately endanger the lives of several people to say nothing at their own risk seems past belief Jack murmured to Walter I have a good mind to teach him a much deserved lesson we ought to leave him to walk home oh I do dislike Rouse exclaimed Cora and she whispered in Jack's ear don't bother with him bud he isn't worth it your right about that was the response and the lad looked affectionately at his sister she had gotten over the momentary fright and there was now a pretty flush on her face I'll overlook it this time sis went on Jack perhaps he'll get his lesson later without me having to give it to him aren't some of you going to Tommie mother disconsolidly I can't run my car the way it is don't ask any favours of them Cora heard Ida whispered to Sid we'll walk I will not he answered sharply I'm not going to leave my car here will you give me a tow Cora he asked seeing that you made me smash she did not cried Jack also your Jack exclaimed his sister well he knows it was his fault concluded Jack not wishing to accuse Ida Sid looked a bit worried we'll tow you said Cora simply thank you responded Sid got a rope asked Walter he's one answered the owner of the streak from the rear of his runabout looks as if you were in the habit of getting towed remarked Walter yes I've had bad luck with this car Sid and Walter were soon busy arranging the two cars so that the big auto would tow the disabled one I want the boys to separate whispered Cora to this I'm so afraid Jack will quarrel not if they keep as far apart as they are now was the answer for Jack had gotten back into his own car and was looking on Ida too seemed to keep herself at a distance from the other girls well I guess that will hold remarked Walter as he put the last knot in the rope here comes Ed Foster suddenly exclaimed Jack as the puffing of an auto was heard and a machine came inside now I guess we're all here hello Ed hello yourself replied Ed well what's up now somebody turned turtle no but somebody's turned begun Jack on the point of saying something uncomplementary about Sid but Cora interrupted him we had a race and this is how I, that is we won it she said with a laugh Ed stepped out of his car and walked to where Sid's silent machine stood radiator A he questioned a bad break that's what Cora collided with me but it was partly my fault added Sid quickly for Jack's benefit and look at my nice guard spoke Cora see how it hangs down like a dog's broken leg isn't it a shame I guess we'll have to tear it off so we can run let me look at it suggested Ed maybe I can spring it back into place I never thought of that remarked Walter Ed was searching in his till box and presently drew out some strong string I never go without a bit of cord a knife and some pins for just such emergencies as these he said with a laugh I never know when I may be ship wrecked on a desert island Ed skillfully sprung the guard back and as one of the rivets was torn out he lashed the protector into place it was only a temporary repair but it would protect the occupants from a shower of dust or mud there said Ed finally I guess that will answer the road ahead is pretty muddy too much moisture from a sprinkling cart I guess I caught some of it Cora turned to see if everything was in redness for a start and was surprised to find Mary in close conversation with Ida both girls and Sid were in a group on the other side of the whirlwind and another thing Cora noticed was that the faces of both Ida and Mary were unusually flushed that's rather odd that Mary and Ida should get so chummy murmured Cora Sid must have introduced them to each other a moment later Ida looked over and seeing Cora watching her quickly turned away and walked over to where Ed was locking up his toolbox she placed her hand on the seat of his small auto and began talking to him I hear you are going into business Cora heard Ida say well not exactly business replied Ed I'm going to have some interest in the bank at New City oh yes I heard about it say Ed have you all that begun Jack and then he stopped quickly he had been on the point of asking Ed if he had with him the $20,000 in cash and negotiable securities but he quickly reflected that such a question was not a proper one to ask on a public road got what but at the same time Cora saw him frown slightly at her brother I meant to say have you any of those fish with you that we caught last time asked Jack laughing rather uneasily yes I have them replied Ed which was his way of replying to Jack's implied question going over to New City asked Sid an inspection of the broken radiator yes I've some business over there and as it's getting late I'll have to hurry I'll bid you all good bye hope you get safely home Ed jumped into his car which he had quickly cranked up and called a general farewell so long answered Jack come on call Walter as Ed's car puffed out of sight we'll have a load to pull now Cora perhaps I'd better get in with Jack and Bess remarked Belle we can manage it if we squeeze some then she blushed and everybody laughed the more the merrier replied Jack I think it will be a good idea though we'll get home quicker than Cora and her toe will Belle climbed into the get there this left Cora alone with Walter in the big car Ida and Sid stood on the ground apparently waiting for an invitation to get in somewhere I'll have to steer my car said Sid you had better get in Cora's machine Ida for it's no fun riding in a towed auto yes do come in here said Cora quickly but Ida hung back looked miserably unhappy come on and Walter added his invitation I'm going to be the shuffler and I may as well have something worthwhile to shuffle while I'm at it Ida smiled at this it was evident that she could not resist after this appeal especially as it came from Walter who found much favour in her eyes Ida climbed into the big car nimbly enough and sat on the thick cushions in the roomy tourney beside Mary I guess she'd rather be in front remarked best in a whisper to Belle but she took care that Jack should not hear Walter started Cora's car off and Sid's followed with himself at the wheel looking very glum Jack brought up in the rear with the pretty twins the whirlwind easily towed the weight of the disabled runabout and the autoists were soon approaching town let me out at the post office please beg Mary of Cora as they rolled through the village streets I had better not let Madam see me out riding why she gave you permission she asked Cora in surprise but I would rather get out here insisted Mary not answering the question directly if you'll pass me loose I'll run my machine in this shop suddenly called Sid as they passed a rather tumble down shack on a side street but you're not going to let old Smith tinker with it are you ask Walter don't know what I'll do with it snapped Sid may as well leave it here as anywhere else Smith's place was the second rate blacksmith's shop while at Shelton centre a little farther on there was a fine garage Newtons the one at which Cora and the twins had met the handsome machinist why don't you take it to Newtons ask Cora I know the machinist there I prefer to leave it here said Sid shortly stop please and I'll loosen the rope I exclaimed Cora shortly she could not understand Sid Walter stopped her car and before it had come to a full halt Sid was detaching the tow rope Mary took this chance to alight from the whirlwind as they were not far from the post office and Ida followed her Sid cranked up for the short run into the blacksmith's shop Ida and Mary were walking down the street together go ahead Sid called to Walter oh you're welcome replied Walter sarcastically not the least trouble thank you glad at any time Sid shot at him with his hands over his shoulder I'd like to know who had a better right to haul me out of the ditch he said sneeringly Jack with the twins had run on as Walter started Cora's machine off again they saw a man coming out of the smithy he helped Sid push the car in and then stood talking with him in a friendly sort of fashion he was unkept and his general appearance anything but prepossessing who's that asked Cora him you mean inquired Walter oh that's limb guilty or just plain limb if you like that better what does he do nothing easily said yet I've heard it remarked that he'd do anything for money curious that Sid should be on such friendly terms with such a character rather remarked Walter and he turned to see Sid pointing at the big car while limb guilty was nodding his head as if assenting to something end of chapter 6