Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-06-15
DAILY SHORT STORY
CARTONS FIRST FARE.

ers might drive up TO the curb. and
with ii muttered expression Of disgust
at the length or time it took Fred
Howell to select cigar Hugh Carton
ran his automobile across the street
and fell in line behind two other cars
drawn mp beside the square. He did
not notice that the others belonged to
a sight seeing company until musical
voice Inquired what his terms were.
Cartou looked down into the face Of
ali exceedingly pretty girl and flashed
a glance at the cars ahead. In an in
slant he compre4lended the Stuation.
Dollar al hour" he said grutt1y. touch
ing his leRther cap with what he con
gra tulated himself was good imita-
ton OF a cha&neur's salute.
Il shall want you about three hours"
she said simply and waited while he
spraug down aud opened the door In
the back OF the touneau. In another
moment they were speeding up the
street
From the corner OF his eye he caught
a glimpse of Fred Howell standing on
the hotel steps. and his conscience
SUlOlp MIN. ne uHu pTOuilScu IlOMtIl
a run, but still Ii was not Ibis fault
that IL took his friend So long To pick
ont cigars while he remained outside
70 be- tempted by the prettiest girl he
had ever seen.
He could fake Howell out at any
time This WAS his one chance with
the pretty girl. Perhaps after awhile
he could tell her that lie was not Il
professional chauffeur. Before they
had gone hnlf mile he had built an
air castle in which his first fare was
established as chatelalne. and then sud
denly the fare wrecked his castle.
Turn down the next street 10 pa"
she ordered. ana obedientiy Carton
drew mp. Il want to send my mother
out for drive she said sweetly.
Give her II good view Uf the city and
keep the rest for yourself
She ran up the steps, while Carton
stared haukly at the five dollar bill
she had thrust into his hand. For a
moment he was tempted to follow her
up the steps. give the money To Il ser
want and drive OFF Then came the
com forting reflection that perhaps 1t
might be easier to establish himself
W
ter. and he waited.
A few moments later he was sorry
he had not done SO, for Down the steps
came one of the most eccentric figures
be had ever seen. Her clothes bore
the stamp Of seasons gone before aud
a hldeouS blue veil screened face
sharp and angular.
She fixed herself comfortably in the
seat. and with "a queruIOus. Don't go
too fast 70 ing man." they started.
II was tOrture to Hugh to skim
through the residential district with
this old figure in the tonneau, and
more than one surprised glance follow
ed the automobile and the oddly AS
sorted pair. Even the hope Of being
able 10 win the old lady'S favor van
ished when. after several attempts TO
engage her In conversation. she leaned
forward aud in her high pitched voice
said: It's no use to talk TO me. young
man: I'm deaf. and | wish you would
not turn round; Won make me nervous,
you can't see where YOU are going"
He hpaved a sigh Of relief when ut
| last lie deposited her before her own
door aud was free To escape He did
| not even tdiCn II glimpse Oh the BIFl
who had lured him 10 his fate.
IL WIS late when he entered the
Howells' drawing room that evening
The butler was just announcing din
| ner aud there was barely time To make
hurried greeting to his hostess and
OFFER his arm to his cOnpanloN.
Before each plate Oh the long table
stood q characteristic favor. aud the
laughter was long aud loud when lie
picked up the tiny silver and gilt cigar
cite holder fashioned in the form Of an
| automobile that stood at his plate
The laughter became n shrek when,
on lifting the lid. he discovered five
dollar bill In stage money.
AS bra veIy as he could he faced the
storm OF laughter and jeering remarks
| which followed. but not until he
caught sight Of Howell at the other
end Of the table. fairly cOnvulsed with
mIrth. did he discover the secret Of his
undoiug for beside the joker. red and
unsmiling. WAS his fare Of the morn
ing
When they had all returned to the
dra wing room balm was poured upon
his wounded feelings. for the girl came
up 10 him.
Il want to apologize 10 you, Alr. Car
ton. she said bravely. for my limo
cent completely in the joke my cousin
has played upon you.
L am Mabel Norton. Fred's cousin.
and IL was lie who pointed you out to
me and recommended you as the most
| careful Of the public drivers assure
you that l had no idea that he was
| pla wing joke upon me
1t Is all right" said Carton. II was
pia 4! Ing joke upon You. you seei !
lad no business To- do IL, but well" he
went Ola lamely. Il thought that mas be
after awhile might be able to- tell
you that You were my guest aud not
my fare. Anyway perhaps well, i
hope your mother enjoyed the ride"
After that things progressed famous
X no 6ruF rFn