Paul, thanks to Cora’s aid, had won the race against time.

“Oh, I do hope he gets the place,” she said as she stopped her engine and prepared to rest while Paul was within the office of the motor company.

CHAPTER XIII

THE STOLEN RIDE

Cora was of a very independent character.  She felt that she had done right, and she did not care who knew it.  But, for all that, she could not help whispering to herself: 

“I’m glad Sid didn’t see me bringing Paul here.  He evidently thought he had plenty of time.  He didn’t look my way, and, besides, I had my veil down.”  Sid had disappeared after Paul.

She decided that she would not wait in the main street for Paul, as he might be kept some time, but would spin through the park.  She was about to start when Sid Wilcox reappeared.  His face showed his anger, but at the sight of Cora in her car he called up a smile to his countenance.

“Why, good-morning,” he said pleasantly, stepping up to the auto.  “You look as though you had been speeding,” for her face was flushed from the wind.

“A little,” was her smiling response.  She could afford to smile now.

“Waiting for some one?” he asked.

“Yes.”

It was too late to start off now: 

“I’m waiting, too.  Suppose I get in and take a turn around the park with you?  You’ve never invited me to try your new car.”

Cora was surprised.  She knew very well she had not asked him to ride in the Whirlwind, and she had no intention of doing so.  She was about to reply, when Sid jumped in beside her.

“I see you’re not going to ask me,” he went on, “and, as I have no idea of losing the chance for a spin, I’ll get in without an invitation.”

With a quick motion he shoved over the spark lever and the motor started, for a charge had remained in one of the cylinders, obviating the necessity of cranking up.

“There, we’re all ready to go,” he said.

Cora was dumfounded.  But she felt it would not do to make a vigorous protest in such a public place.  For a moment her feelings threatened to master her.  Then she regained control of herself, threw in the clutch and turned the car in the direction of the park.  After all, it might be better to humor Sid.

“So you brought Paul Hastings over?” drawled the youth.

Then he had seen her, after all.  Cora’s precautions were useless.

She nodded coldly.  She was offended by her companion’s impertinent tone.  She started to turn off the power and apply the brake.  She would not ride with him.

“Oh, you needn’t get mad,” continued Sid quickly.  “I did not mean to offend you, though if it had not been for you Paul would not have gotten here ahead of me.  You’re a plucky girl, as well as a pretty one.”

Cora flashed an indignant look at him.