The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-08-14
HIS AUTO ROMANCE.
By Fabain Carleton.

y,avenport left ais machine chug- chuxging at the curb and sprang up the steps. Two or three of the rock ing chair contingent smiled as they saw him coming. but Mrs. Neville sat quietly in the shady corner where sns had established- herself.
 .Kittie went over to the lake with MT. Thornton she said as Davenport approached. Y don't think she under stood that she had an engagement with you"
 "she didn't" he admitted ruefuiiy- II thought should have to run up to town today a ndsaid wouldn't pc over. How long since they startedYf
 Tt was only ten minutes ago. You must have passed them. if you havs come from rae avenue"
 "I can catch up with them was the comfortable assurance. T can beat that old machine of Thorntons S."
 "Ill run over any way said Daven- port. gritting his teeth. If Thornton had brought a new machine down 1t showed that he meant business. Kittie Neville was passionatsly fond of auto mohiling. Howard Davenport's had teen the fastest machine on the beach. It was the auto that first attracted Kit ties attention. Afterward Howard liked to think that he had gained her favor. bat Kittie did not wear her heart upon her sleeve to be lightly won. and he was as uncertain as on the first day tha the realized that he loved her.
 Now Thorntcn, with his more power full machine, might have an opportu- nfty to make all of the running He disliked Thornton any way. He was a l braggart and boor, but he was rich, l and he could have dozen big ma 1 chimes if he wanted them.
 i It was with a sore heart that How ard headed for the like. the usual ob- 3ective point for pleasure seekers. It was fifteen miles inland, and those who l did not possess autos took the trolley ride that was one of the features or the seaside resort.
 There was a new automobile in the shed as Davenport, ran his car along side, a huge green thing that suggest ed power in every line. Kittie's coat lay on the back seat of the tonneau 1T ssf the little touring car In which they had had such good times, and Daven- port gritted his teeth as he passed it on his way to the porch.
 Thornton was there. and greeted him with boisterous shout as he came up the steps.
 HOW long did t take you .o come out?" he bawled we made it in eigh- teen minutes
 T did not do as well as that" How ard admitted. The road is heavy after the rains.
 q didn't notice it." bragged his rival; 'but then, you zee. with my car we can take any road at top speed. Sit down
 He made way for Davenport at the 4able with ostentatious courtesy, and though Howard knew that his only ob- feet was to continue his boasting, ne dropped into the seat beside Kittie.
 The frank welcome in her glance re- assured him somewhat, and in spite or Thornton's ponderons dissertations on the superiority of the imported car ne was sorry when it was time to be start ing back if he wished to be in time to dress for dinner.
 He had gone perhaps i've miles when, with a tremendous footing. Thornton, in the green car, dashed past him. I'll tell them you're coming" he shouted over his shoulder as he passed. Howard winced It was hard to have victory rubbed in like that. The fact that Kit lie was sitting in the tonneau and not in front was some satisfaction. but It v,as with hite lips that he threw on higher speed and started forward
 Half a mile beyond the road turned sharply, and as he slowed down Tor the curve his heart gave leap as he saw ahead of him the big green car at one side of the road. partly overturned
 Kittfe looking very white, sat beside the fence, while Thornton busied him self about the machine.
 T can't understand this" he shouted, as Davenport drew up T 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 knife.
 You must have picked up a barrel hoon." suggested Davenport. Tt might have stuck to the mud guard"
 'That's so," admitted Thornton. T thought it might have been cut on purI rose only the cut is too new. We never could have come i've miles with that cut. I wish you'd have some one aert ant with a new tire. My chauf- feur can come out in the old machine.
 "I'u be glad to-" was the willing re- epense Anything else% .
 ssYou can take me in. If you will, .aid Kittie coming forward It will make me late for he hop tonight if Ssny Howard I jumped to the door of the .tnnnaau. but without waiting for as- sistanoe Kittie climbed into the front seat and settled herself comfortably Sr her accustomed place Davenport followed here and started sio"iv TOT ward. houtod Kittie back oyer her shoulder. ,,stsne fine words he had used a few minutes before to Davenport,
 T suppose its mean 10 ruo m. she said. as the machine began to move saster and she settled herself more cgmfortabiy, but he gloated over you when he left you behind
 ss.T -sn,t understand how his accident
 .enaaD said Howard In pnzzeled soneS, T was such a clean cut. If se had picked up piece of glass it would have made picture This sItcsS the tire right around"
 ..TS vou'll promise not to tell I'll tell vo,,- something.' offered Kittie. T had Knife that I bought for Billy in my pocket and I had it out looking at 1t; tss car and I am afraid that 1t &C., ciSentaily struck the tire"
 You had time reaching around the mud guard. didn't yGT y1U in 1aSshSo Sis Soles ao"
 Y didn't do it cn purpose. she de- nlarad stoutly. Tt was an accident kHhx ahQuld wsat E sSsAk'doWnT