As Mr. Basswood's friend had said, the road leading from Rayville northwestward was in fine shape, and they were able to cover the next thirty miles at a fair rate of speed. But then they got in among the hills, and here the road became as winding and dangerous as ever. Not knowing much about the stopping-places ahead, the grown folks had had the hotel people put up a substantial lunch for the tourists, packed in two hampers. "It will be jolly fun camping out this noon," said Laura. "It ought to just suit you, Belle." "It certainly will!" was the answer from the western girl. "I'd rather eat in the open than in the stuffy dining-room of a hotel any time." "There may be one drawback to having lunch outdoors," said Phil. "It looks like rain." "Phil, if you say rain again I'll throw you out of the car!" cried Roger. "I must admit it does look a little like rain," said Laura, casting her eyes skyward. "That's an awfully black cloud over yonder. O dear, rain would spoil it all! I do hope it holds off!" Dave had been running the car, but now his uncle insisted upon taking the wheel. Then Roger climbed over onto the front seat, giving the one he had been occupying beside Jessie to our hero. They were in the lead, with the Basswood turnout not far behind. "This is more like," said Dave, in a low tone to Jessie. "Oh, well, I suppose you had to do your share in running the car, Dave," she replied, giving him a bright look. "I don't believe Uncle Dunston cares as much for driving as he pretends," went on the youth. "Behind it all, he is a good deal like Belle--he prefers to be on horseback. He was brought up to it." "He has certainly been a great traveler, Dave." "Yes, indeed! And I would like to be just like him. I'd love to travel." "And where would you go if you had the chance?" "I don't know. Maybe around the world," and Dave's eyes lit up as he spoke. "Around the world! And would you go all alone?" "All alone? Not if I could get anybody to go along with me! Wouldn't you like to take a trip like that, Jessie?" and he gazed at her fondly. "Oh, Dave!" "Well, it would be a great trip for both of us; wouldn't it?" "Dave, don't be silly," and Jessie blushed deeply. "We are not going around the world yet, we are going to Bear Camp, and that's plenty far enough." "Yes, I know, Jessie. But you see"--and Dave lowered his voice--"I want to make sure that when I go you'll go with me. It will then be the finest trip that ever anybody----" Bang! It was a report like that from a small cannon, and came from close beside them. Jessie gave a scream, and so did Laura and Mrs. Basswood, while cries of wonder and alarm came from the boys. The Basswood car had come up alongside of the other automobile, and just at that instant the tire which Ben had said was cut blew out, sending a shower of dirt and stones in all directions. Mr. Basswood, who was at the wheel, brought the car to a quick stop, and Mr. Porter also halted.