The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-08-13
TIE EVENING STORY
His Auto Romance.


coming. but Mrs Neville sat quietly in
the shady corner where she had estab-
nshed herself
"Kittie went over to the lake with Mr..
Thornton she said as Davenport APP
preached. 7 don't think she understood
that she had an engagement with you.
She didn't" he admitted, ruefully.
Il thought I should have to run up to
town today, and said 1 wouldn't be over.
How long since they started?'
1t was only ten minutes ago. You
must have passed them, If you have
come from the avenue
i can catch up with Them" was the
comfortable assurance. I can beat
that old machine of ThOrntons.
This is new one" smiled Mrs.
Neville. I think he said it was a 40
horse power machine"
I'll run over anyway" said Daven-
port, gritting his teeth. If Thornton
had brought a new machine down Il
showed that he meant business Kittie
Neville was passionately fond of auto
MODELLING. Howard Davenport's had been
the fastest machine on the beach 1t
was the auto that first attracted Kittie's
attention. AfterWard Howard liked to
think that he had gained her favor, but
Kittie did not wear her heart upon her
sleeve to be lightly won, and he was
as uncertain as on the first day that he
realized that he loved her
Now Thornton, with his more power
full machine, might have an opportunity
to make all of the running. He disIiked
Thornton any way. He was a braggart
and a boor, but he was rich, and he
could have a dozen big machines if he
wanted them.
1t was with a sore heart that Howard
headed for the lake, the usual objective
point for pleasure seekers. It was if
f4,11 nd xTrl7n
possess autos took the trolley ride that
was one of the features of the seaside
resort.
There was a new automobile in the
shed as Davenport ran his car along
side, a huge green thing that suggested
power in every line. Kittie's coat lay
on the back seat of the tonneau if that
were needed to identify the rival of the
little touring car in which they had
had such good times, and Davenport
gritted his teeth as he passed 1t on his
way to the porch.
Thornton was there, and greeted him
with a boisterous shout as he came up
the steps.
How long did it take you to come
out?" he bawled. I'VE made it in eigh-
teen minutes"
''I did not do as well as that" How
ard admitted. THE road is heavy after
the rains"
II didn't notice it." Dragged his
rival; but then, you see, with my car
we can take any road at top speed.
Sit down"
He made way for Davenport at the
table with ostentatious courtesy. and
though Howard knew that his only OBJ
ject was to continue his boasting, he
dropped into the seat beside Kittie.
The frank welcome in her glance re-
assured him somewhat, and in spite OF
Thornton's ponderous dissertations or
the superiority of the imported car he
was sorry when it was time to be
starting back If he wished to be in
time to dress for dinner
He mad gone perhaps five miles
when. with a tremendous footing,
Thornton, in the green car, dashed
past him. I'll tell them you're COM
ing, he shouted over his shoulder as
he passed. Howard WINGED. It was
lard to have victory rubbed in like
that The fact that Kittie was sitting
in the tonneau and not in front was
some satisfaction. but it was with
white lips that he threw on a higher
speed and started forward.
Half mile beyond the road turned
sharply, and as he slowed down for the
curve his heart gave leap as he saw
ahead of him the big green car at one
side Of the road, partly overturned.
Kittie. looking very white, sat be-
side the fence, while Thornton busted
himself about the machine.
Il can't understand this" he shouted
as Davenport drew up. L never have
seen anything like this happen before.
He pointed to one of the rear wheels.
The tire had been completely opened
as if with a knife.
You must have picked up a barrel
hoop" suggested Davenport. 1T might
have stuck to the mud guard"
That's So admitted Thornton. Il
thought it might have been cut on pur-
pose only the cut is too new. We new
er could have come five miles with
that cut. 1 wish you'd have some one
sent out with a new tire. My chauf-
feur can come out in the old machine. .
I'll be glad to-" was the willing 1e-
Spouse. Anything else?"
You can take me in, If you Will, -
said Kittie coming forward 1T will
make me late for the hop tonight if
stay here"
Howard jumped to the door of the
tonneau, but without waiting for as
sistance Kittie climbed into the front
in her accustomed place. Davenport
followed her and started slowly for
ward
wen tell them you're coming. =
shouted Kittie back over her shoulder
quoting the words he had used a few
minutes before to Davenport.
Il suppose it's mean to rubit In she
said, as the machine began to move
faster and she settled herself more
comfortably, but he gIoated over you
when he left you behind"
Il can't understand how his accident
happened" said Howard in puzzled
tones. 1t was such a clean cut. II he
had picked up a piece of glass it woul6
have made a puncture. This sliced The
tire right around"
IF you promise not to tell I'll tel
you something offered Kittie. IT had
a knife that I bought for Billy III ny
pocket and I had It out locking at it
My arm was resting over the side q
the car ard I am afraid that It &C
cidentally struck the tire
'You had a time reaching arounl
the mud guard. didn't you?' laughed
Howard, with a happy ring in his
voice.
Il csdn't do it on purpose" she de-
clared stoutly. 1T was an accident
Why should I want a breakdown %
Il was hoping that perhaps It wal
| because You wanted to go back to ths