The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-11-04
Copyright, 1905,
Ly Hubert McBCdn Johnston


Not yet said Phyllis.
Going tor 1 questioned in the same
tore.
Phyllis brows met in a perplexed
frown. She appeared to be bordering
the problem very deeply.
I've thought of way to settle it be-
tween you," she condescended to reply
at leuxth. Tomorrow morning I'm 60
Ing up to Grovehurst Hall, and you and
Joe are to run a 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 If Had
don's touring car wouldn't be able to
beat my dinky little runabout 1t would
be because he had breakdown. sup
pose 1 must have looked what l
thought, for Phyllis looked at me in
Qujringly.
WELL" she questioned primly, what
Is it now? Don't you think it is worth
your while to enter that racer
1.-THE prize is worth it, Phyllis" said
J, BOOAluS StI lulO uCl Eyes. AN
lis blushed the sweetest rosy red. But
do you think the conditions are exactly
fairY'
Phyllis eyes twinkled.
NO. she said, Il don't; but, you
snow, beggars can't be choosers."
That settled it. l would make the
run anyhow.
Twill there be BOBBY prize award
ed?' asked
Phillis shook her head. 1 was seized
with a bright idea.
"You said you were going over your
self" l ventured. Il ought at least to
have a 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 l can"
Thanks" said. with a good mas
cot I'll stand a better show
Am a good mascot? asked Phyl-
lis.
MAY l never have a better!" l re-
piled devoutly I'm willing to take
than a motor race"
Phyllis liked that. Really, feel as If
! were quite clever at times. Then she
took the wind all out Of me again.
1.-THE race will decide that" said she
briefly.
If the way l fixed that runabout up
for the run had anything to do with 1t
/ felt sure l ought to stand chance at
least. / got a repair man to look 1t
over, and then after he was done /
went over it myself and tapped every
nut and bolt. AS was coming home l
saw Joe Haddon driving down the riv-
er road.
"AIl 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 its tail
through the slot and twisted 1t around
A trolley cable.
The cool November wind sent great
color up into Phyllis cheeks, and
luxuriant golden lock fell loose and
swept across her cheek. l was making
ND for any time we had or had not lost,
and / wondered If she wasn't a bit
nervous at the harebrained pace.
"Too fast, Phyllis?' l questioned.
"Just little" she replied.
pulled the lever open another notch,
and we could actually feel the machine
take fresh jump forward.
Phyllis clutched at my arm.
"Ohw she cried, with a terrified lit
tie scream. Il meant to 60 slower"
Cant do it," l replied grimly.
There's too much at stake on this
race"
Phyllis looked at me from the tall OF
her eye.
1T we have spill We'll be half
killed." she pouted.
I'D have demonstrated my good
faith anyhow" retorted. you'd know
I'd done my pest"
The runabout hit a stone that lay at
The side of the road, and I'm certain