"Hullo, Billy! That you?" accosted the Chief driving slowly down the
street, "Say, Billy, you haven't seen Mark Carter, have you? They said
he had gone down to the blacksmith's to get something fixed for a car.
I thought perhaps you'd seen him go by."

Billy shook his head lazily: "Nope," he said, "I've been busy this morning. He mighta gone by."

"Well I'll just drive down and see!" The car started on and turned into
the Lane that led to the blacksmith shop.

Billy dove into the house, made short work of his ablutions, gave his
hair a brief lick with the brush, collected his cap and sweater, bolted
the plate of breakfast Aunt Saxon had left on the back of the stove
when she went away for her regular Monday's wash, and was ready behind
the lilac bush with old trusty, down on his knees oiling her a bit,
when the Chief drove back with Mark Carter in the back seat looking
strangely white and haughty, but talking affably with the Chief.

His heart sank. Somehow he knew something was wrong with Mark. Mark was
in his old clothes with several pieces of iron in his hand as if he
hadn't taken time to lay them down. Billy remained in hiding and
watched while the Chief's car stopped at Carter's and Mark got out. The
car waited several minutes, and then Mark came out with his good
clothes on and his best hat, and got into the car and they drove off,
Mark looking stern and white. Billy shot out from his hiding and
mounting his steed flew down the road, keeping well behind the maples
and hedges, and when the Chief's car stopped in front of the parsonage
he dismounted and stepped inside Joneses' drive to listen. Mark got
out, sprang up the steps, touched the bell, and said to someone who
appeared at the door, "Mr. Shafton, I'm sorry, but I'll not be able to
get those bearings fixed up to-day. The blacksmith doesn't seem to have
anything that will do. I find I have to go over to Economy on business,
and I'll look around there and see if anybody has any. I expect to be
back by twelve o'clock, and will you tell the lady that I will be ready
to start at half-past if that will suit her. I am sure we shall have
plenty of time to get her to Beechwood by five or sooner. If anything
occurs to keep me from going I'll telephone you in an hour, so that she
can make other arrangements. Thank you, Mr. Shafton. Sorry I couldn't
fix you up right away, but I'll look after the lady for you." Mark
hurried back to the car again and they drove off.