A Conference
Although the rain was no longer falling, the River Road was a sea of mud, and before Nancy Drew started for home, the Horner girls insisted on helping her put chains on the rear wheels of the roadster.
“You’ll never make it to the gravel unless you do,” Grace advised her. “The River Road is terribly slippery in wet weather. You’re sure you want to attempt it? We’d love to have you stay with us until tomorrow.”
“Oh, I’ll have only two miles to go before I strike gravel,” Nancy returned. “I’ll make it all right. But before I go I do wish you would let me pay for all the trouble I have caused you.”
“We couldn’t think of accepting money,” Grace said quietly.
“It’s been fun having you here,” Allie added.
At last, after thanking the Horner sisters for their hospitality, Nancy told them goodbye. Allie and Grace watched her until she had backed the roadster from the barn and was safely on the road.
“You’re taking a big chance in this mud,” called out Allie after her.
“If you have any trouble, come back here,” added Grace. “That is, if you can get back.”
“Don’t skid into a tree.”
“Or into a ditch—that would be worse.”
“What are you trying to do, make me nervous?” demanded Nancy, but with a smile on her face.