CHAPTER XVII.
I.
Dr. Coughlin of Leopolis had a red mustache, a large heartiness, and a Maxwell which, though it was three years old this May and deplorable as to varnish, he believed to be the superior in speed and beauty of any motor in Dakota.
He came home in high cheerfulness, rode the youngest of his three children pickaback, and remarked to his wife:
"Tessie, I got a swell idea."
"Yes, and you got a swell breath, too. I wish you'd quit testing that old Spirits Frumentus bottle at the d**g store!"
"'At a girl! But honest, listen!"
"I will not!" She bussed him heartily. "Nothing doing about driving to Los Angeles this summer. Too far, with all the brats squalling."
"Sure. All right. But I mean: Let's pack up and light out and spend a week touring 'round the state. Say tomorrow
