The daily Alaskan., 1905-11-09
CA ARTON'S
 FIRST FARE

TCopyright. ISO5, by K A. Whiteheadl
 For the third time a coaChman called to Carton to move along that oth- CTS might drive up to the curb, and with a muttered expression of disgust at the length of time 1t took Fred Howell to select a cigar Hugh Carton ran his automobile across the street and fell in line behind two other cars drawn up beside the square. He did not notice that the others belonged to | A sight seeing company until musical voice inquired what his terms were.
 Carton looked down into the face of an exceedingly pretty girl and flashed a glance at the cars ahead. In an in- stant he comprehendcd the situation. "Dollar an hour" he said grufily, touch ing his leather cap with what he con l gratulated himself was good imtta- ton of a chaurour's salute.
 ''I shall want you about three hours, she said simply and waited while he sprang down and opened the door in the back of the tonneau. In mother moment they were speeding up the 1 street.
 From the corner of his eye he caught A glimpse of Fred Howell standing on the hotel steps, and hIs conscience smote him. He had promised Howell a run, but still 1t was not his fault | that 1t took his friend So long to pick out cigars while he remained outside to be tempted by the prettiest girl he had ever seen.
 He could take Howell out Rt any time. This was his one chance with the pretty girl Perhaps after awhile be could tell her that he was not a professional chauffeur. Before they { had gone half 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 to 2T4,' she ordered, and obediCntly Carton drew up. q want to send my mother out for a drive" she said sweety. Give her a good view of the city and keep the rest for yOursclf.'
 She ran up psthe steps, while Carton stared blankly 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 ser want and drive of. Then came the comforting reflection that perhaps 1t might be easier to establish himself with the mother than with the daugh. ter, and he waited.
 A few moments later he was sorry be had not done so, for down the steps came one of the most eccentric tgITes be had ever seen. Her clothes bore the stamp of seasons gone before, and q hIdeous blue veil screened a face sharp and angular.
 She fixed herself comfortably in the seat, and with a qucruIous, Don't % too fast, young man." they started.
 It 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 to win the old lady's favor van lshed when, after several attempts to engage her in conversation, she leaned forward and in her high pitched voice said: Its no use to talk to me, young man; I'm deaf, and I wish you would not turn round; you make me nervous, you can't see where you are going
 He heaved a sigh of relief when at last he deposited her before her owD door and was free to escape. He did not even catch a glimpse of the gir' who had lured him to his fate.
 It was late when he entered tho Towels drawing room that evening The butler was just announcing dln ner, and there was barely time to make hurried greeting to his hostess anc offer his arm to his companion.
 Before each plate on the long tabl stood q characteristic favor, and the laughter was long and loud when he picked up the tiny silver and gilt cigar l cue uOlueT lNSLlluAtN III lAC LNAA VI 'A automobile that stood at his plate The laughter became a shriek when on lifting the lid, be discovered a five dollar bill in stage money.
 AS bravely as he could he faced the storm of laughter and jecring remarks which followed, but not until he caught sight of Howell at the other end of the table, fairly convuIsed witt I mirth, did he discover the secret of hi' undoing, for beside the joker, red and unsmlling, 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 to him.
 q want to apologize to you, MT. Car ton," she said brayely, flor my inno- cent complicity in the joke my cousin has played upon you.
 ''I am Mabel Norton, Fred's cousin, and 1t was he who pointed you out to me and recommended you as the most careful of the public drivers. I assure