The daily Alaskan., 1905-08-09
CARTONS
 FIRST FARE

AN AdA ANM Ah AAaN'N NNAA-E ITS might drive up to 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 hts automobile across the street and fell in line behind two other cars drawn up beside the square. He did nor notice that the others belonged to sight seeing company until a musical voice inquired what his terms were.
 Carton looked down Into the face of au exceedingly pretty girl and flashed glance at the cars ahead. In an in- stant he comprehended the situation. "Dollar an hour" he said grufily, touch ing his leather cap with what he con- gratulated himself was a good imita- ton of a chauffeurs 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 another moment they were speeding up the street.
 From the corner of his eye he caught q 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 be 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 n 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 to PA she ordered, and obediently Carton drew up. q want to send my mother out for drive" she said sweetly. Give her good view of the city and keep the rest for yourself"
 She ran up the 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 a ser want and drive oi. Then came the comforting reflection that perhaps it 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 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. cd 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: Its 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 q 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 bis fate.
 It was late when he entered the Towels drawing room that evening. The butler was just announcing dln- 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. cite holder fashioned in the form of an automobile that stood at his plate, The laughter became a shriek when, on lifting the lid, he discovered e 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 undoine. 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.
 "I want to apologize to you, MT. Car ton" she said bravely, "for my inno- cent compllclty in the joke my cousin has played upon you.
 q am Mabel Norton, Fred's cousin, and 1t was be 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"
 Tt is all right" said Carton. q was playing a joke upon you, you seeI I had no business to do 1t, but-well," be went on lamely, T thought that maybe after awhlle-I might be able to tell