The Motor Boys Overland | Page 5

the trio of parents.
They agreed, wondering what he was about to do. Jerry got his hat and
hurried from Mr. Baker's house. In a little while he returned, all out of
breath.
"He'll be here in five minutes," said the boy.
"Who?" asked Mr. Slade.

"Mr. Wakefield." Jerry referred to Horace Wakefield, an instructor at
the Athletic Club, who was quite a friend of the boys, and who himself
had recently purchased an automobile. He lived near Mr. Baker.
"What's all this I hear about a trip to the West these boys are going to
take?" asked Mr. Wakefield, a few minutes later, coming into the parlor
where the conference was going on.
"You mean the trip they think they are going to take," corrected Mr.
Slade, with a laugh. "I suppose Jerry told you it was all settled."
"To be honest, he wanted me to come over and settle it for him and his
chums," replied the instructor. "He said there was some doubt about the
feasibility of making the trip."
Mr. Baker explained how matters stood. He and the other parents were
willing the boys should have a good time, he said, but did not want
them to run into danger.
"Do you think they could make a trip away out west in their car?"
asked Mr. Slade.
"From what I know of the boys, and from the build of their car, I have
no doubt it could be done with perfect safety, as far as ordinary
conditions are concerned," said Mr. Wakefield. "Of course, there will
be some few troubles, but none that cannot be overcome with a little
work. I think the trip is perfectly possible. In fact, you know, autos
have gone clear across the continent."
"Then you think we ought to let the boys go?" asked Mr. Slade.
"I -- think -- you -- ought to," replied the instructor, with purposed
deliberateness, smiling at the anxious lads.
"Hurrah!" yelled Bob, forgetting that he was in the house.
"Lucky I thought to go and get him," spoke Jerry to Ned.
"I might add," went on Mr. Wakefield, "that I am going to make a trip

as far as Chicago. If you decide to let the boys go, they could
accompany me that far, at least. It would be a good experience for
them."
"Oh, dad! Please let us go!" pleaded Bob.
"Yes, yes!" chimed in Jerry and Ned.
There was a moment of silence, while the parents were gravely
considering the matter. During it the boys could almost hear the beating
of their own hearts.
"Well," began Mr. Baker, "I'm willing, if the rest of you are."
"I suppose I may as well say yes," spoke Mr. Slade.
"Then the only thing left for me to do is to agree with the majority,"
said Mrs. Hopkins, with a laugh.
"Westward ho!" fairly shouted Bob, and he began to do an impromptu
jig until his father stopped him.
"We'll take Andy Rush along," said Ned, "and we'll start the first of the
week!"
"Hark! What was that?" asked Mr. Baker, suddenly.
Out on the night air sounded an alarm.
"Fire! Fire! Fire!"

CHAPTER III.
THE OLD MILL ON FIRE.
They all rushed to windows and looked out into the night. Off to the
north a dull red glare lighted the sky.

"What is it?" asked Mr. Baker.
"I can't see from here," replied Jerry.
"Come on, fellows! Let's go!" exclaimed Ned. He started for the door.
"Take the auto," suggested Bob. "No telling how far off it is."
The next instant the three boys were in the automobile shed, getting the
machine ready for a start. The red glow in the sky increased. People
began running past on their way to the fire.
There was a clatter and bang, a ringing of bells, and the one engine the
town possessed, in all the glory of its brass and nickel plate, rushed past,
as fast as the horses could drag it. The hose-cart followed.
"Hurry up or we'll miss the fun!" cried Ned to Bob, who was cranking
the auto. Somehow, Chunky could not get the engine started. At last he
succeeded and the boys climbed to their seats.
"It's my turn to steer!" cried Jerry, and no one disputed him. He ran the
car out of the side path, past the Baker home. On the stoop stood Mr.
Slade, Mrs. Hopkins and Mr. Baker, watching the fire.
"Want to come along?" asked Ned.
"Let's go," exclaimed Mr. Slade, and he and Mr. Baker got their hats
and were soon in the rear seat with Ned. Mrs. Hopkins, with a laugh,
declined the trip. Jerry speeded the car ahead and soon was chugging
on toward the fire, which was some distance outside of town.
On the road the