The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-07-29
A SCORCHER CURED.

The Standwell Wheelers were annoy
ed. Half Of them, the fastest men II
the club, had been to supper at DickJ
Carmichael's rooms and were sittine
round discussing the situation, with
the assistance Of Dioky's cigarettes.
yes" Carmichael was saying, ~
admit be can ride and ride we'll. II
isn't his pace I object to; it's his con.
founded oonoeit about 1t. Soon after be
came here spoke to him about joining
the club. and what do you think the
fool saidP You all know his beastly
drawl. 'Well-er-don't think shall,
thanks. Fact il, doncherknow. like to
shift when I'm out. Can't stand crawl
ing at any price There's an inflated
idiot for your
"He passed us when we were out last
night, said Royton, land we couldn t,
one Of us, hang on to him. He knew it
too. He's done that once or twice, and
it's only just to show off, l know"
II was out alone on Wednesday,"
Clipped in Teddy Blame, the club sprint
er, land he caught me up and looked
round with that COMPOUNDED smile Of
his as he passed. You bet l wasn't 60
ing to let him walk away without an
effort; but, as you fellows know, I'm
better at short distances, and after max.
ing it pretty warm for about couple
Of miles had to throw it up"
Far away down in the depths of an
easy chair several sizes too big for him
sat little Pat Armstrong. Up to the pres
ent he had been silent, but now looking
up at his companions he said, in his
lazy sort Of way, my dear fellows.
I've All idea."
There was u general laugh.
"By Jovel Hank at itl'' Il
look at what's got an idea!''
"Stick to it, Pat; it's the only one
you'll ever get'
They listened, while he laid his plan
before them, and for an hour they talked
earnestly together. Then as midnight
struck they broke up and departed
chuckling over the scheme which Pat
had devised.
1t was September evening a week
later, and the fast gathering twilight
cast dim obscurity over the landscape,
when up hill, at the foot of which lay
the little town Of Standwell, came
rider.
On reaching the top Of the hill the
rider paused a moment to regain his
breath. As he sat up in his saddle he
heard the sound Of cycle wheels and
turning his head saw another rider,
who had evidently assembled the hill
close behind him.
This one presented a striking appear
ance, for with tho exception Of shoes
and stockings he was clothed completely
in white-a white calico jacket with
loose knickers of the same material,
and on his head large, soft wide awake
Of white felt. This latter was pulled so
far forward that the riders face was
completely hidden, but it was evident
that he was q member of the Standwell
Wheeiers, for the club badge was dis
played conspicuously on the side of his
headgear.
The scorcher, however, had but little
time to take note Of his companion sap
pearance, for before he was aware of it
the white rider, going at great pace,
shot past him and gained lead of some
dozen yards The scorcher's spirit was
reused within him, for it was his boast
that he allowed no one to pass him Oh
the road. So, bending low over his han
dies, he pedaled furiously to regain the
lead and soon overlook and passed the
Standwell man. The latter, however, at
once replied by sprint which again
gave him first position. This was di- |
rect challenge. There could be no mis-
take about that. The scorcher was
Did Standwell Wheeler dare
to challenge him? Very we'll, then That
man must learn that no member of the
despised club could hope to keep pace
with him. So, getting well over his
work, he settled down to business and
going for all be was worth again passed
his opponent.
The pace grew warmer, and on they
went, on, Oh, until trees and hedges
seemed to the riders but blur of green,
so terrific was the speed at which they
went. Faster and faster over the dusty
road, going as though the fiends were
behind them, no sound breaking the
stiffness but the whir of the flying
wheels and the click of the chain over
the cogs And the white rider still hung
on Fear took hold Of the scorcher and
sickening dread came upon him. Was
ne, the unboaten, now to find his match
rom among the members of that club
which he bad 30 openly derided? Perish
Tho thoughts JIG glanced over his shout.
Ter and touna that his pursuer had fall
IN Jack dozen yards or so. But this
gave him no iiops, for during their ride
AM they had row come five niles the
White figure Und repeatedly dropped
'""y nnly to reappear shortly close be-
lind him. And 70 it was this time. In
! minute or two he again took up his
Nd position, and from his easy breath
ng was apparently as fresh as ever
Not so the scorcher, for used as he was
o speedy shifting, the terrific pace at
which they had ridden was telling upon
lin. Suddenly thought struck him,
nd as he realized it he almost fell
rom his saddle. He remembered now
What had hitherto escaped his memory,
hat this road led with no turning
whatever straight into Standwell and
light past tho club headquarters. He to
e beaten before their eyes and by one