Could that fellow have known what he was saying? If only Jack would call her up on the telephone. She had left word for him to do so, no matter how late the hour might be when he should return home. "Now drink every sip of this," commanded Adele, as she turned on the lights and fetched Cora a steaming cup of the very best Grotto Hyson. "There is nothing for shaken nerves better than perfectly fresh tea, and, you see, we make it without soaking the leaves." "It is delightful," said Cora, sipping the savory draught. "I must learn how to make tea this way--it is so different from the home-brewed variety." Gertrude sat close to the reclining girl. "Is there nothing I can do, Cora?" she asked. "No message I can send?" "Yes," whispered Cora; "you can manage to get the girls out of here before you and I leave for the night. I want to use the telephone privately." Gertrude understood. She had not been a roommate with Cora Kimball for two years without knowing something of her temperament. She pressed her friend's hand gently, then said loud enough for the others to hear: "We will soon have to get our machines under cover. Tillie says her grandfather has all sorts of sheds over around his country place. In fact, he has a regular shed-farm. Cora, I am just dying to try running a motor. Would you trust me to get the Whirlwind in the shed safely?" "Of course I would, Gertrude," and Cora jumped up from the wicker divan. "I would suggest that some one go along, though--perhaps Ray. She has had some experience, and you know the Whirlwind." "Is not a prize-package machine," interrupted Gertrude. "All right, Cora. I will humbly take instructions. Come along, girls. It will be dark directly, and then we might have to waste time lighting the lamps." "And grandfather's man has offered to look over every machine early in the morning," said Tillie. "He is quite expert; we will be sure that every nut and bolt is in perfect order." This was good news to the motor girls, especially to Daisy, who had her own secret doubts about her father's best car--she was accustomed to running the substitute. Presently all except Cora and Adele were attending to the cars. Cora was just about to call up her own house when the tinkle of the telephone bell startled her. She picked up the receiver and was not surprised to find the party inquired for was herself. "This is Jack," came the welcome voice. "Is that you, sis?" "Oh, yes, Jack, dear!" she replied. Adele had gone out to fetch the chairs in from the porch. "I have been almost frantic. Where are you? Where is Clip? Where is Wren?" "Oh, easy there, now, sis," and Cora thought she had never before appreciated the value of a real brother. "I can't answer everything at once, although I can come pretty near it. First, I am here--at home. Next, Clip is here--at our home, and third, the other party--I won't mention names--is here also." "All at our house?" exclaimed Cora.