human
Mother, you better let me help you back here,
gpt
Better turn out your back lights! he said in a quiet, steady voice.
human
They might follow, you know. They're in an ugly mood. They've been drinking.
gpt
Then the car isn't really out of commission?
human
Not seriously.
gpt
We're not on the right road, did you know? This road goes to The Pine Tree Inn and Singleton!
human
Then they're headed for more liquor. I thought something was up.
gpt
Is there a cross road back to the Pike?
human
I'm not sure. Probably. I know there is about three miles farther on, almost to the Inn. This is an awful mess to have got you into! I'd rather have been in the guard house than have this happen to you!
gpt
Please don't! said Ruth earnestly.
human
It's an adventure! I'm enjoying it. I'm not a doll to be kept in cotton wool!
gpt
I should say not! said Cameron with deep admiration in his tone.
human
You haven't shown yourself much of a doll to-night. Some doll, to run a car the way you did in the face of all that. I'll tell you better what I think when we get out of this!
gpt
They are coming, I believe! said Ruth glancing back.
human
Don't you see a light? Look!
gpt
Wouldn't it be better to get out and slip up in the woods till they have gone by?
human
No, mother! said Cameron quickly,
gpt
Something awful might happen, John!
human
No, mother! Don't you worry! he said in his gentle, manly tone. Then to Ruth:
gpt
There's a big barn ahead there on your left. Keep your eye out for a road around behind it. If we could disappear it's too dark for them to know where we are. Would you care to turn out all the lights and let me run the car? I don't want to boast but there isn't much of anything I can't do with a car when I have to.
human
Please!
gpt
Yes, I can see two lights. It might be someone else, mightn't it?
human
Not likely, on this road. But we're not taking any chances,