Once more they started off, Paul driving, while Dick and Innis overhauled the stores in the "kitchen," in preparation for getting a meal in case they did not find a good restaurant in the next town. "The beauty of this way of traveling," said Innis, "is that you can do as you please. If you want a course dinner you can get it--if not in one town, then in another. Or if you want simple grub, it's here ready for us." "That's right," agreed Paul. "It was mighty white of Dick to ask us along." "I'm sure I was only too glad to have you," said the latter. "I wouldn't have gone alone for a farm; would we, Grit?" and the bulldog barked his answer. "I guess you're hungry," went on Dick. "Innis, open some of that canned chicken." "What! Are you going to eat so near supper time?" "I am not. It's for Grit." "Shades of Uncle Ezra! What would he say if he were here? Canned chicken for a dog! Oh, the sinful waste!" "That's just what Uncle Ezra would say if he _were_ here," laughed Dick. "And I half wish he was, so I could tell him what I think of him. "But there! It's best to keep peace in the family if you can. Uncle Ezra is trying to ruin a young man, financially, and I'm trying to save him. It may come out even in the end, and that will be all right. There you are, Grit!" And the bulldog barked in delight as Dick gave him a generous helping of canned chicken. "That makes me hungry," called Paul, from the steering seat. "We'll soon be at Plattsville," answered Dick. "Say, you are hitting up the pace, all right!" he exclaimed, as the big car swung around a curve and careened down the straight road. "This is a good place to make time," answered Paul. "Don't get caught in one of those speed traps the old constable was telling us about," warned Innis. "I don't want to waste good money on some justice of the peace." "I'll be careful," promised Paul, and he slowed down a bit. They found a good restaurant in Plattsville, and so decided they would not get their own supper, as they were rather weary with the day's journey. The big auto was left outside, and to keep the curious crowd that gathered from going inside it, Dick locked the doors. The legal papers were left in plain sight, and while perhaps an older person might not have taken that risk, the boys thought they were doing the best thing. Grit was allowed to roam about while the travelers were eating, and later, after Dick and his chums had gone up the street a little way, to buy some things they needed, they missed the dog. "Why, where is Grit?" asked Dick, as they got in the auto again, to drive to the outskirts of the town, where they decided to "camp" for the night. "I haven't noticed him since coming from the restaurant," said Paul. "I took it for granted that he was following us." "So did I," said Innis. Dick leaped from his seat and went back. There was no sign of his pet, and the waiters said the bulldog had gone out after them.