"Eleven o'clock," he remarked, as they passed a milestone, "and we're not half way there.Bless my gizzard, but I'm afraid we won't make it, Tom.We left about ten, and we ought to be back by two o'clock to do any good.That's four hours, and it will take some time to transfer the securities, and get the cash.Every minute counts.""I know it," answered Tom, "and I'm going to count every minute."With eager eyes he watched every inch of the road, to steer to the best advantage.His hands gripped the wheel until his knuckles showed white with the strain, and, every now and then his right hand adjusted the speed lever or the controller handle, while his foot was on the emergency brake, ready to stop the car at the first sign of danger.
And there was danger, not infrequently, for the road was up and down hill, over frail bridges, and along steep cliffs.It was no pleasure tour they were on.
When a little over half the distance had been made they came to a better road, and Tom was able to use full speed ahead.Then the electric went so fast that, had it not been for the steel wind- shield in front, Mr.Damon, at any rate, would have been short of breath.
"This is going some!" he cried to Tom.The lad nodded grimly, and shoved the controller handle over to the last notch.Then came a bad stretch and they had to slow down again.As they were about out of it there came a little flash of fire and the motor stopped.
"Bless my overshoes!" cried Mr.Damon."What's that; a fuse blown out?""No," replied Tom, with a puzzled air."But something has gone wrong." Hastily he got out, and made an examination.He found it was only one of the unimportant wires which had short-circuited, and it was soon adjusted.But they had lost five precious minutes.Tom tried to make up for lost time, but came to a hill a little later, and this reduced their speed.
"Do you think we can make it before twelve?" asked Mr.Damon anxiously."We've got to, if we're to get back before three, Tom.""I'll try," was the calm answer, and Tom's jaw was shut still more tightly.Once again came more favorable roads and pushing the car to the limit the occupants were rejoiced, a little later, as they topped a hill, to come in sight of a fairly large city.
"There's Clayton!" cried Mr.Damon.
Ten minutes later they were rolling through the main street, and as they stopped in front of the bank, the noon whistles blew shrill and noisily."You did it, Tom!" cried Mr.Damon, springing out with the valise ofsecurities."Now be ready for the return trip.I'll be with you as soon as possible."He went up the bank steps three at a time, like some boy instead of an elderly man.Tom looked after him for a second and then got down to oil up his car, and make some adjustments that had rattled loose from the rough road.Unmindful of the curious throng that gathered he crawled under the machine with his oil- can.
He had finished his work, and was back in his seat, ready to start, but Mr.Damon had not reappeared.
"It's taking him a good while to get that cash," thought Tom."Maybe the securities were no good."But, a few minutes later, Mr.Damon came hurrying from the bank.The valise he carried seemed much heavier than when he went in.
"It's all right, Tom," he said."I've got it.Now for the trip home, and I hope we don't have any accidents.It took longer than I thought to check over the bonds and receipt for them.But I've got the cash.Now to save the bank!"He took his place beside the young inventor, holding the valise between his knees, while Tom turned on the power and sent his car dashing down the street, and toward the road that led to Shopton.
