The boys behind the wind-break, and the girls crouching in the tonneau, saw little of the landscape through which the car rushed.
They rolled into Hambleton without mishap, and before noon. A word from Lyddy put Master Tom on the right track of Aunt Jane's house, for he had been in the town before.
"We're here quicker than we could have had a telegram delivered," declared Harris, as he helped the girls out of the car. "I'm going in with you, Miss Lyddy--if you don't mind?"
"Why, of course you shall come!" returned Lyddy, really allowing her gratitude to "spill over" for the moment.
"Me--oh, my!" whispered 'Phemie, walking demurely behind them. "The end of the world has now _came_. Lyd is showing that poor young man some favor."
But 'Phemie, as well as the other two, grew serious when the girl who opened the door told them Mrs. Hammond had company in the parlor.
"Two gentlemen, Miss--on business," said the maid.
Just then they heard Professor Spink's booming voice.
"Oh, oh! he's here ahead of us!" cried 'Phemie, and she flung open the door and ran into the room.
"Don't sign it!" shrieked 'Phemie, seeing Aunt Jane, her bonnet on as usual, with a pen in her hand.
"For the good land's sake, child! how you scart me," complained the old lady.
"Don't sign anything, Aunt!" urged 'Phemie. "That man is trying to cheat you," and she pointed a scornful finger at Professor Spink.
"What do you mean, girl?" demanded the other man present, who was sitting next to Mrs. Hammond. He looked like what he was--a shyster lawyer.
"This girl is crazy," snarled Spink, glaring at the party of young people.
"So are we all, then," Harris Colesworth responded. "I assure you, Mrs. Hammond, that these men are trying to trick you."
"I dunno you, young man; but I _do_ know my own mind. This man, Spink, has finally made me a good offer for Hillcrest Farm."
"And if you don't sign that paper at once, ma'am," suggested the lawyer, softly, "the deal is off."
"That's right," declared Spink, rising. "I've made my last offer--take it or leave it."
"How much do they offer you for the farm, Mrs. Hammond--if that's not a rude question?" demanded Harris.
"I expect it is; but it ain't worth no more to me," replied the old lady, calmly.