The dread of coming to a standstill and being obliged to get out in that eight or ten inches of uninviting mud was a very appreciable factor in our discomfort.

Fortunately, the clutch held well and the motor was not stalled.

When we passed the corner beyond the cemetery the road was much better, though still so soft the high speed could be used only occasionally.
The tank showed a leak, which for some reason increased so rapidly that a pail of water had to be added about every half-mile.

At last a pint of bran poured into the tank closed the leak in five minutes.
On reaching Latham it was apparent that Schenectady could not be made before dark, if at all, so we turned to the right into Troy.
We had made the two long sides of a triangle over the worst of roads; whereas, had we run from Albany direct to Troy, we could have followed a good road all the way.
The next morning was the 16th of September, the sun was shining brightly and the wind was fresh; the roads were drying every moment, so we did not hurry our departure.
The express office in Albany was telephoned for a new chain that had been ordered, and in about an hour it was delivered.

The machine was driven into a side street in front of a metal roofing factory, the tank taken out and so thoroughly repaired it gave no further trouble.