The little folks in Russell’s car were in mild excitement, watching proceedings with great interest. The less fortunate ones, after vainly craning their necks and being unable to get a satisfactory view of the scene, gave themselves up to conversing with their neighbors or finishing their interrupted naps. “I say, it’s a good time for a lunch--” began Polly. “Oh!”--“Oh, do, Miss Dudley!”--“I’m hungrier than anything!”--“What are we goin’ to have?”--“Oh, my! are we goin’ to have ice-cream?” “We’re going to have cookies and milk,” replied Polly. And she began fishing out the cakes from a deep bag. The little folks were all wide awake at once, including Dolly Merrifield, who looked as fresh as need be. Polly and Dr. Abbe walked over to the workers where John, driver of the truck, was pumping. “It was good of you to hold Dolly all this time,” said the girl. “Isn’t she a darling?” “She is,” he answered. And then they fell to talking of the little maid and what they hoped the outing would do for her. The tire was in place, the men were putting on their coats. “Whew, but it’s hot!” ejaculated Russell, wiping his forehead with his grimy handkerchief. “I supposed my tires were in good con--” “Bang!” There was a scream from Polly’s car, a series of screams, and she and the Doctor ran ahead together. The rest came up. “Don’t be frightened, dears! It’s only a tire.” “I thought I was shot!” wailed Jozy. “So did I!” chimed in Grissel. The others laughed. “Pretty big blow-out,” said Russell. He pulled off his coat that was on only one arm. Dr. Abbe regarded it ruefully. “Wish I knew how to help,” he said. “It’s a shame--” began Polly. “It’s fine,” returned Russell; “I’m glad to have a change from driving. They’ve chosen a good, shady spot for it. And the tools are out--all handy.” He ran back for them. They went at the work good-humoredly, and presently the new tire was on, and they were ready to start. “Miss Dudley,” began Jozy, a little shyly, “would you mind--may--may--” “Well, what is it?” urged Polly, one foot on the running-board. “May I--” Jozy began again,--“do you mind if Grissel and me sit in the other car--the big car?” “For what?” asked Polly in astonishment. Jozy didn’t answer. Grissel’s courage leapt forward. “We want to sit in that,” she pointed, “so ’s--so ’s to be there when it goes off.” Polly gave a little shriek of laughter, in which Dr. Abbe joined. The children looked a bit shame-faced; they did not see anything funny. Russell was only a few steps away. He turned back questioningly. “Jozy and Grissel want to sit in the Gresham car, so as to be on the spot when that takes its turn at popping!” Russell shouted, and Jozy began to cry. “Beg pardon, mesdemoiselles,” smiled Russell with a low bow; “but”--glancing at the others--“that is a good one!” Grissel’s lip went up, and she hid her face in her elbow.