Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-08-23
"A Z TONS
FIRST Fla RE

Cts Gsit drive Gfl 10 ttis tNrD. and
with a inuste1ed expression Of disgust
at the iengsb Of time II took Fref
Howell to select cigar Hugs ca,on
ran his automobile across the street
and fell ID line behind two other cars
drawn up beside tie square lie a
nor notice that the others belonged u
sight seeiilg company until q musical
veire inquired what bis tertss were.
Carton locked down into the face II
m exceedingly pretty girl ansi flashed
glance at the cars ahead. In m In
slant lie couiprehenIed the Situation.
Dollar an hour. lie said grufIly. touch
ing his leather cap with what be c1n-
graduated himself was good lmita-
ti3u Of clau1eur's salute.
II shall want about three hours"
she said simply and waited while be
sprnng sloNn and opened the door in
the back q the tonneau In another
mNaent 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 bis conscience
suiote him. He had promised Howell
a run. but stlll Il was not his fault
that Il took his friend 50 long TO pick
cut cigars while he remained outside
10 be tempted by the prrtfinst girl he
hsa ever seen.
He could take Howell out al any
time. This wsx his one chance with
the pretty girl Perhaps after awhile
he could tell her that he was not a
professional chauffeur. Before they
had gone half mile be bad built am
air castle In which his first fare was
established rs chateialne. and then sud
denly the fare wrecked his castle.
Turn down the next street to 2T4.~
drew up. Il want TO send my mother
out for drive" she said swecfly
give her a good view OF the city and
keep the rest for yourself"
She ran mp the steps. while Carton
stared biankly nj the FIVE dollar btu
she had tilrus; into his hand For a
moment be was tempted to follow her
up the STEPS. give the money to a seq
want and drive on Then came the
comforting reflection that perhaps IL
might lie easier 10 establish himself
with the mother than with the daugh-
ter. and he waited.
few moments later be was sorry
he had not done so. for down the steps
came one Of the most eccentric figures
hc had ever seen. Her clothes bore
the stamp OF seasons gone before. aud
a hleeous blne veil screened face
sharp and angular
She fixed herself comfortably In the
seat. and with a queruious. Don't go
too fast. young man." they started
II was torture 90 Hugh 70 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 to win the old Iady's favor van
islled when, after several attempts 20
engage her In conversation. she lcaned
forward and Ia her high pitched voice
said: TITS no use to talk 90 me. ypuag
man: I'm deaf. and / wish you would
not turn round: you make me nervous.
you can't see where you are going"
lie heaved a sigh Of relief when at
last he deposited her before her own
door and was free TO escape. He did
not even catch a glimpse OF the girl
who had iured him to his fate.
Ii was late when he entered the
Howells' drawing room that evening
ner. and there was barely time TO make
hurried greeting TO his hostess and
offer his arm TO his companion.
Before each plate on the long table
stood characteristic favor, and the
laughter was long and loud when he
picked up the tiny silver and gilt cigar
ette holder fashioned IN the form OF an
automobile that stood at his plate
The laughter became a shrek when,
on lifting the Id. be discovered a five
dollar bill in stage money
As bravery as he could be faced the
storm Of laughter and Jeerlng remarks
which followed. but not until he
caught sight Of Howell at the other
end of the table. fairly convulsesi with
mirth, did he discover the secret Of his
undolng. for beside the joker. red and
unsmIling, was his fare OF the morn
ing.
When they had all returned TO the
drawing room balm was poured upon
his wounded feelings. for the girl came
up 10 him
Il want TO apologize to you. Mr.. Car
ton" she said bravely. 'for my limo
cent completely in the joke my cousin
has played upon you.
Il am Mabel Norton. F'red's cousin,
and IT was he who pointed you out to
me and recommended You as the most
careful OF the public drivers / assure
you that I had no idea that he was
playing joke upon me-"
1T Is all right" said Carton. II was