Evening journal., 1905-06-21
CA ARTON'S
FIRST FARE


For the glird time a coachman called
to Carton TO move along that 9th
ers might drive up 10 the curb, and
with a muttered expression Of disgust
at the length Of time it 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 a musical
voice inquired what his terms were.
Carton looked down into the face Of
an exceedingly pretty girl and flashed
a glance al the cars ahead. In an in
stant be comprehended the situation
dollar an hour" heSaid gruftiy, touch
Ing his leather cap With what he con-
graduated himself was a good lmita-
ton Of a chauheurs salute.
Il shall want you about three hours"
she said simply and waited while be
sprang down and opened the door in
the back Of the tonneau. 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
smOte him. He had promised Howell
a run. but still II was not his fault
that it took his friend so long 10 pick
out cigars while he remained outside
to be tempted by the prettiest girl he
had ever seen.
He could take Howell out at any
time. This was his one chance with
the pretty girl Perhaps after awhile
he could tell her that he was not
professional chauffeur. Before they
had gone half a mile he had built an
air castle in which his first fare was
established as chatelaine, and then sud
denly the fare wrecked his castle.
Turn down the next street 20 274."
she ordered, and obediently Carton
drew up. Il want TO send my mother
out for a drive" she said sweetly.
Give her good view Of the city and
keep the rest for yourself"
She ran up the steps, while Carton
she had thrust into his hand. For n
moment he was tempted TO follow her
up the steps, give the money to a 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 be was sorry
he had not done so, for down the steps
came one Of the most eccentric figures
he had ever seen. Her clothes bore
the stamp Of seasons gone before, and
a hideous blue veil screened a face
sharp and angular.
She fixed herself comfortably in the
seat, and with a querulous. Don't go
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
ished when, after several attempts to
engage her in conversation. she leaned
forward and 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; 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 own
door and was free to escape. He did
not even catch a glimpse OF the girl
who had lured him to his fate.
1t was late when he entered the
Howells' drawing room that evening.
The butler was just announcing din
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 a 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 lid, he discovered a five
dollar bill in stage money.
AS bravely 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
undoing, 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 to him.
Il want to apologize to you, Mr.. Car
ton," she said bravely, "for my inno-
cent completely in the joke my cousin
has played upon you.
Il am Mabel Norton, Fred's cousin,
and it was he who pointed - out to
me and recommended you Rfle 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. Il was
playing a joke upon you. you see?
had no business to do il, but-well." he
went on hmely, II thought that maybe
after awhile-I might be able to tell
you that you were my guest and not
my fare. Anyway-perhaps-well I
hope your mother enjoyed the ride"
After that things progressed famous
ly. Following the first trip, Cartons
automobile was at the door Of 274 ev-
cry pleasant afternoon. 1t was In the
automobile, indeed. that she promised