Smyrna times., 1905-06-21
To the Victor
The SpoilS
By Hubert Mclean Johnston
Copyright, 1905,
by Hubert Mclean Johnston

TO the ball at all if it hadn't been that 7
intended to try again to win her.
Jack" said Phyllis demurely. "I
wish you would bring me drink Of
water. Dancing always makes me so
thirsty"
Phyllis has changed the subject ev-
cry time just about the same way. 7
knew there was no use arguing. so I
went for the water. Only 1 brought
lemonade instead
But when fellow comes back with
the lemonade after such an incident as
that and finds another chap holding the
lady's hand and his other arm hover
ing suspiciously along the back Of the
chair l think he should feel jolly well
sore. l know did. AS for Joe Had
den, he looked bored when came in
and half swore.
Il beg pardon" said 1. "If I'm in
truding"-
Phyllis eyes twinkIed, and knew
she was laughing at me.
Just then Dawcy Graham came in.
This one is ours, Phyllis" said he.
holding up his card; "the third waltz.
you know"
THANK you, Jack" said Phyllis as
she drank the lemonade.
/ went down to the smoking room for
cigarette to steady my nerves.
don't know and for that matter don't
care what Joe did.
However, l had the better of him. for
took Phyllis into supper.
Accept him, Phyllis" 1 growled sur
lily.
Not yet" said Phyllis
Going to?" 1 questioned in the same
tone.
Phyllis brows met in a perplexed
frown. She appeared to be pondering
the problem very deeply.
I've thought of way to settle It be-
tween YOU" she condescended to reply
at length. Tomorrow morning I'm 90
Ing up to Grovehurst Hall, and YOU and
Joe are to run race up there in your
autos. The one who gets there first
will-will win the race" finished Phyl-
lis lamely.
l knew what that meant. II Had
don's touring car wouldn't be able to
beat my dinky little runabout It would
be because he had a breakdown. / SUD-
pose l must have looked what l
thought, for Phyllis looked at me in
qulringly.
WELL" she questioned primly, what
is 1t now? Don't you think it is worth
your while to enter that raceT
1.-The prize is worth it, Phyllis" said
l, looking straight into her eyes. PhyI-
lis blushed the sweetest rosy red. But
do you think the conditions are exactly
fairT
Phyllis eyes twinkled.
NO" she said, II don't; but, you
know, beggars can't be choosers."
That settled it. 1 would make the
run anyhow.
"Will there be BOBBY prize award
ed?' asked.
Phillis shook her head. was seized
with bright idea.
you said you were going over your
self" ventured. II ought at least to
have consolation prize. Will you
make the trip with me?"
Phyllis looked grave.
I'm afraid it will look like favorit- |
ISM" said Phyllis, "but guess can"
Thanks" said. with a good mas
cot I'll stand a better show"
Am l good mascot?' asked Phyl- |
lis.
May l never have a betterT 1 re- |
piled devoutly. 'T'm willing to take |
chances ON you for a good deal more
than motor race"
Phyllis liked that. Really, feel as If |
were quite clever at times. Then she
took the wind all out of me again.
THE race will decide that" said she |
briefly.
If the way 1 fixed that runabOut up |
for the run had anything to do with it |
felt sure ought to stand a chance at |
least. got a repair man to look it /
over, and then after he was done l
went over it myself and tapped every
nut and bolt. As l was coming home l
saw Joe Haddon driving down the riv-
er road.
"All ready" said Phyllis as the clock
struck 8 the next morning And In
moment we had started the twenty
miles. We hustled down the road like
a monkey that had dropped it's tail
through the slot and twisted it around
trolley cable.
The cool November wind sent great
color up into Phyllis cheeks, and a
luxuriant golden lock fell loose and
swept across her cheek. was making
up for any time we had or had not lost
and l wondered IL she wasn't bit
nervous at the harebrained pace.
Too fast, Phyllis?' questioned.
Just little," she replied.
pulled the lever open another notch,
and we could actually feel the machine
take a fresh jump forward.
Phyllis clutched at my arm.
"Oh| she cried, with terrified lit
Tie scream 81 meant TO 90 slower"