The chauffeur was trying his steering wheel. The right wheel responded, but that which had hit the rock did not.
"Out of commission!" he said, with a frown. "I was afraid something would happen."
"If it's only the steering gear it won't cost much," said Dick. "How much further to that place?"
"Not over half a mile."
"Then we'll walk it!" cried Tom.
"Of course," added Sam.
"Ain't you going to pay me!" exclaimed the chauffeur, in dismay. "I did my best."
"Yes, I'll pay you," responded Dick. "And give you an extra five for the repairs. Now tell us just where that place is, and what sort."
"It's a country home,—a white place, set in a lot of trees,—with a wind mill back of the barn. Got a green hedge in front—the right side of the road—you can't miss it."
"Did you hear the name of the owner?"
"Belongs to one of the crowd—man named Japson. It's an old country home that was in his family for years. He don't live there, but it's furnished, I understand."
The boys said no more, but as soon as the chauffeur was paid, they set off through the rain. It was a disagreeable journey, and but little was
