The Washington herald., 1908-04-28
THE DINWTDDIE'S WEDDING JOURNEY
By FLORENCE E. BROOKS.

By FLORENCE
For some time Algernon Dinwiddie had
been an enthusiastic member Of the Gen
tlemea's Automobile Club, therefore his
friends were not al all surprised with the
announcement he Intended taking his we'd
ding trip In one Of these machines He
and his bride were TO spend three weeks
in this way, going where fancy dictated.
The quiet morning wedding was held
at the country home Of the bride. and
with the exception OF the two families
and officiating clergymen. no one was
present except Ronald Smith, the groom
chum and almost brother, who was
equally addicted 20 the auto, though not
so expert IN its management
The wedding service WAS over. and the
moment had arrived for the departure
OF the bridal couple. Every one was out
on tha driveway 10 bid them God
speed" The baggage having been sent
on ahead, the bride was helped 20 her
seat and her newly-made husband was
about TO take his place beside her when
upon putting his hand into his pocket a
blank look 0versproad his face.
81 EAA. iiE tAtititifFtAs tAAAsN tAAtNbA-t7
fortably near forgetting my pocketbOok."
With this he ran into the house. en-
tering the room where he remembered
having placed 1t while he dressed It
was not there. and while he continued the
search his bride became restive and be-
gan examining the various parts Of the
auto. when suddenly it started to move.
Ronald Smith sprang up beside her and
AZ Tha
chine Working with II a moment. he was
horriied TO see Il shoot of at fun speed
The little bride screamed and wildly
clutehed the back OF her seat.
Strange I can't step this thing, ejae-
ulated Smith. There seems % be some
thing about il new to me
His repeated efforts were OF no avail
and they were now out Of sight Of the
house and going as fast as ever.
ooh, Mr.. Smith, cant you stop tP'
walled the poor bride.
The most I cal do Is TO keep Il IN the
middle of the road. airs. Dinwiddie'
What viii AlgeFnon thinkg
THAT you've gone with another though
not a hsndsomer man, he said with a
laugh.
I don't think that was a bit nice OF
you" she pouted.
Il beg your pardon. Mrs. DinWiddle.
At the new title she blushed prettily,
then said:
But if you can't stop this horrible
machine we shall be killed
"Oh, no; but sit perfectly still and hold
on tightly. There is one comfort it can't
go on forever. like the brook, you know,
said Smith ccns0lingly.
they were tearing along like mad. The
fence rails at the roadside appeared al
most continuous, and the trees a cOnfus-
ed mass. Smiths hat had blown of He
did not dare 10 look TO the right or 70
the left, but concentrated all his energies
to the task Of keeping to the road.
The farmers in the fields which they
passed gazed after them with open
mouthed amazement
Just then Smith discovered a coming
wagon
Turn out. Turn out! for Gods sake. -
he roared.
Thus admonished. the driver Of the
wagon quickly did as requested. It was
close shave. and the trembling bride
drew q long breath OF relief when they
had safely passed. Then she remember
ed a long, steep hill ahead.
I'VE can never go down that hill at
this rate of speed, she exclaimed excit-
edly. Turn of, Mr. Smith; turn of
quickly: Down that road to the left.
pointing.
Where does It go?"
"Oh. I'm sure I don't know: but any
waere Is better than that hill"
Smith, who now felt as if his hair were
standing on end, carefully guided the
machine into the left-hand road. The
/ speed was so great and the turn so sharT
/ they came within an ace Of going over
The road they had entered was very
narrow, indeed little more than 2 lane
also Il was very rough. The auto went
/ bumpety- bump till 1t seemed every mo-
ment would be their last
/ Suddenly they both saw the lans ended
/ In a large field. Smith shut his lips to-
gether firmly when he thought whai
would have happened had the gate int
| the field been closed. but he only said;
Wen run in here and go round IN Z
| circle till this Internal thing runs down
/ Oh, I beg your pardon, Mrs Dinwiddie
Don't mention it, said she, quit,
calmly.
/ The field was rather rough and they
both were too intent-he upon trying tt
guide the auto, and she upon keepins
J her banance-to indulge in exterded con
versation. However, by the time the!
had made the circle of the field dozeI
times, the bride cried.
"Oh. / am getting dizzy"
"Shut your eyes, but hold on tightly,
Smith answered,
Hi, therel Whatre you idjits spilin
my clover fer? Stop, I say eommandee
an old farmer from the fence
The bride was so startled she nearly
fell from her seat.
Haven't time to stop to-day" roaret
Smith, without turning his head. An'
he again shot around the circle.
"Ye'n pay fer thet clover, all right
my man. shouted the farmer the mex
time they came up to him.
Then he sat on the fence and had som,
encouraging word for them each tim
they came around.
This IS becoming decidedly monoto
/ nous, remarked Smith.
Il find It highly exciting" disagree'
the bride.
THAT old duner is adding Insult L
injury" growled Smith. - wonder doe
he think we are cirelirss this field 70
pleasure, or for the good of our health?
I'm devoutly thankful none OF on
friends can see the edifying spectacle.
answered the bride. But do you thinl
il viii ever run DOWN. meaning the auto
IT'S slowing down a little already
Mrs. Dinwiddie. Be patient"
When at last Algernon DinwIedi
found his poeketbook and came dow
stairs, he was stricken dumb for an in
stant upon hearing Of the strange disap