"Oh--not much. Only I--er--I have just ex experienced quite a loss, and it makes me--blue." "That's too bad!" "Yes," he went on. "I had an opportunity of getting a first-class position, but another fellow got ahead of me." "How's that?" "Well, you see, a firm in New City needs a manager. I have good backing, and was almost certain of the place. But another fellow had just as good a chance, and it was a question of who got there first. I was delayed here and missed the only train that would bring me there on time. He caught it, and is now on his way there. He'll get the place and I--won't." "But why don't you take a machine and go there? You can do it as quickly as the train can." "Take a machine?" he repeated. "I wouldn't dare. I'd be sure to lose my place here, and might not get the other. I haven't a car in the place I would dare risk taking out on the road. The owners are too particular about them, and I can't blame them, either." Cora thought for a moment. A daring plan came into her mind. "Let me take you," she suggested. "Oh, indeed, I would not think of such a thing. I should not have mentioned my troubles to you. But they were so--so much to me that I didn't realize what I was doing. But let me look at your car." He soon adjusted the broken bolt of the mud guard, and announced that it was now as good as new. "But why won't you go in the Whirlwind?" demanded the girl. "I am only out on a little pleasure spin, and I would be very glad indeed to take you to New City. Besides, I'd like to race with the train," she went on with sparkling eyes. "I know I could beat it." Paul looked interested. "I guess you could," he said. "It would be a good chance, anyhow." "Come on, then! Don't waste a moment. Let's try it." Paul called his assistant, a young lad, and gave him instructions about some cars, and what to do if certain customers came in. It was not a busy part of the day, and he could leave without causing any complications. Then he slipped into his long, linen coat and stepped into Cora's car. "I'm afraid this is an imposition," he declared, taking the steering wheel, a sort of unconscious habit he had. Then he bethought himself. "Oh, but I suppose you'll drive," he added quickly, shifting over, rather abashed at having taken his place in the driver's seat without being asked. "You see, I'm so accustomed to being here." "I believe I will drive," answered Cora. "I have great faith in the obedience of my machine. It knows my hand." "I shouldn't wonder," agreed the young, man. "I do believe that motor-cars can almost be made to think--under the guidance of very gentle but sure hands."