"But they're going down grade, and we have a hill to climb," spoke Cora a little despairingly. But she would not give up. On and on rushed the car. There was but five minutes left, and the railroad; station was very close to the building where the automobile concern was located. Sid's chances were very good--Paul's not quite so much so. "We'll have to be a little careful now," Paul reminded her as they swung around a curve. "We'll have to go slow through the city." "Yes, but I have been counting on that. We still have a few minutes. Oh, isn't it a pity that a motor isn't like a horse? When you get a machine going just so fast it can't go any faster, but a horse can always be depended on for a spurt." "Yes," answered Paul quietly. He was busy thinking. "How many minutes lift now?" asked Cora. "Two," was the grim answer. With keen eyes, that took note of every obstruction or vehicle that might block her, Cora drove her car on. Around corners, and through busy streets she piloted it. They were but a block from the center of the town. "There's the train," spoke Paul quietly as the engine pulled into the station. "And we're at the building of the Whitehall auto concern!" exclaimed Cora triumphantly a few seconds later, as she guided the car up to the curb. "Hurry!" she called to Paul. As if he needed to be told that! He leaped from the car and ran across the pavement to the office. As he entered the door Sid Wilcox, coming leisurely from the direction of the station, saw him. Sid started, and then, with a quick motion, hurried after Paul. But the chauffeur was ahead of him, and the door slammed shut in the face of the owner of the Streak. Paul, thanks to Cora's aid, had won the race against time. "Oh, I do hope he gets the place," she said as she stopped her engine and prepared to rest while Paul was within the office of the motor company. CHAPTER XIII THE STOLEN RIDE Cora was of a very independent character. She felt that she had done right, and she did not care who knew it. But, for all that, she could not help whispering to herself: "I'm glad Sid didn't see me bringing Paul here. He evidently thought he had plenty of time. He didn't look my way, and, besides, I had my veil down." Sid had disappeared after Paul. She decided that she would not wait in the main street for Paul, as he might be kept some time, but would spin through the park. She was about to start when Sid Wilcox reappeared. His face showed his anger, but at the sight of Cora in her car he called up a smile to his countenance. "Why, good-morning," he said pleasantly, stepping up to the auto. "You look as though you had been speeding," for her face was flushed from the wind. "A little," was her smiling response. She could afford to smile now. "Waiting for some one?" he asked. "Yes." It was too late to start off now: "I'm waiting, too. Suppose I get in and take a turn around the park with you? You've never invited me to try your new car."