The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-12
Two Bicycles and a Color Box.

This might be called wheel within a
wheel" said he, medtatively.
"It might better be called most unfortu-
nate and unnecessary catastrophe" said she,
severely.
They sat facing each other on the ground,
and between them lay battered and en-
tangled mass OF spokes and tires and padals
which a minute earlier had been two bright
and shining bicycles, each pursuing its ap-
pointed way. She was an expert rider. ne
a mere beginner; she had been coasting
he webbing along with frequent eccentric
deviations, when the crash came.
why didn't you turn 10 the right?" she
demanded, still severely. You must have
seen me coming from the very top of the
hill. and you must have seen that L was
coasting'
II couldn't" said he. with commendab.e
spirit "Of course 1 saw you coming, and
ifkyou had given me glance Of the small
est discrimination you would cave seen that
I had all could do to keep my balance. My
whole soul was concentrated rpon holding
or till you had passed. 1t is my first ex-
perience on the road"
she smiled a sudden, charming smile.
Then it is really l who am the transgres-
sor," she said sweetly. Il ought 10 go down
on my knees and beg your pardon. BIT the
truth is can't. The way of the transgres-
sor seems likely to be hard. am AFRAID
my ankle is rather badly twisted. / hope
you are not much hurt?''
I'm not hurt at ALL he declared, jump
ing up and ignoring a cut on his cheek.
which she saw then for the first time. The
question is, what can do for your"
..Oh, your cheek is cut"' she cried ptiful-
Iy. 'I am so sorry! ought to have been
more careful. 1 would bandage 1t for youe-I
have taken the First Aid to .he injured
course-but 1 can't get up TO save my life. -
II might come over there by you,' said
he, doubtfully, but its the merest IL ;fe. !
ought not to trouble you,' Thereupon. of
course, he went over. and having carefully
helped fer up to convenient stone by the
roadside, he knelt before her while she tore
his handkerchief into strips and bandaged
his cheek.
There. I only wish my professor could
see THAR she remarked. with the frankess
satisfaction in her handiwork.
"You dent happen to have pocket-mirror.
I SUPPOSE"
"I have; but It's smashed to smithereens.' -
I'm that case-since you are not above car
rying one, meant don't mind lending you
mine, which has escaped as by a miracle
She handed him the article. and he surveyed
his bandaged face with approval.
"a surgeon couldn't have done better" he
declared. IT wish / could do something for
your sprain."
"Well, you can't" said she, shortly: "and
now am to get home-Hark! Isn't that a
wagonT
I'm afraid it Is" said he, with engaging
:andor.
She made a slight grimace. do you con.
slider 1t kind" she inquired loftily, ito desire
to keep me chained to a rock like Prone
theus?''
Extremely kind-to myself" said he
calmly. The wagon came Gathering down the
hill, and ne hurried On: You see it is quite
out OF the question for you to ride in that
1t has no more spring to it than the north
pole Your sprained ankle would rise up and
rend you
I'm afraid 1t would" she sighed. with a
little gasp OF pain as she made an attempt te
rise.
Hold on there minute!' shouted he e
the driver. Then he went out and held {
short consultation. which resulted In his lift.
ing the disabled bicycles into the wagon
which 5olted or with them.
The man Is going to the city, he q.
planned. and Win kaKe thene = me vere