"We didn't get that up any too soon," remarked the boy's uncle, when the job was finished.
"Hadn't I better put up the side curtains, too?" queried Dave.
"You'll have to put up everything you've got, Dave!" cried Roger. "Just look at what's coming!"
There was no need to look, for already the rain was driving in on them. Working with all possible speed, the boys soon adjusted the curtains.
"Uncle Dunston, we can't run without chains if the road gets wet," cried Dave.
"I am going to run under yonder trees. We can put the chains on there," answered Dunston Porter, and they started forward once again, with the rain pelting down upon them furiously.
"I guess I was right about the rain," remarked Phil, grimly, as the drops pattered unceasingly on the cover of the automobile.
"You sure were, Phil!" cried Belle. "It's coming down just as hard as ever it can."
"If only the wind would stop blowing!" said Jessie. "Do you think there is any danger of our being blown over?"
"Oh, it isn't as bad as all that," answered Dave.
A few minutes later Mr. Porter espied a suitable place under several large trees, and here he brought the touring-car to a standstill. Then the Basswood car come close alongside.
"Going to put on the chains?" called out Mr. Basswood, to make himself heard above the noise of the elements.
"I think we had better," returned Dave's uncle. "I imagine we've quite a hill to descend a little farther on."
There were raincoats in each touring-car, and these were now donned by Dave and his uncle, and by Ben and his father. Then the chains for the back wheels for both automobiles were brought forth.
Even under the thick foliage of the trees the rain was coming down, although of course not nearly as hard as on the roadway beyond. The chains were straightened out on the grass, and each automobile was backed up a little so that the articles might be fastened on. The task took but a few minutes, and then those who had accomplished it got back into the machines.
"I'll lead the way," called out Mr. Porter. "You had better not follow me too closely."
"Very well, I'll watch out," answered Mr. Basswood.
"Uncle Dunston, don't you want to let me drive?" queried Dave. "I've had a little more experience at it than you have had."
