The Democratic advocate., 1909-08-20
THE. FORCE OF
EXAMP LIE.
"A Race After the RunaWays That
Was Not a Failure.
nx KENYON SANDS.

curve Dy tne mouse on TWO WneelS ana
brought up at the steps with an ad-
ruptness that all but sent him head
long through the wind shield
On the wide veranda Colonel Thorn
ton was pacing agltatedly to and fro,
his lips set tight and his keen old eyes
flashing fire.
tits come at last, just as | expect
ed" he raved as the car came to its
spectacular stop. "Mabei has gone
with that young upstart Nixon
gone-elopedl Do you under
stand? THAT'S why sent for you. I'd
go with you myself IL riding in the
wind didn't bring on my asthma so.
I'd go with you and make it hot for
him, swear | would AS 1t is you'll
have to take Nell. She'll know what
to do. Ho, Nell, Nellw he called sun
denly through the open front door.
"Here's Jimmy In the racer. Hurry
up! You haven't minute to loser
Light footsteps pattered on the
stairs. On to the veranda came Nell
Thornton.
'They'Te gone across the state line
to Worthwhile, Of course" the colonel
declared. "You can get 'em II you
hurry Let out that car, Jimmy Don't
let 'em make it ahead of you"
Jimmy opened up the car, and down
the drive they went at a reckless pace,
swung into the road and went whlrl.
ing toward Worthwhile, leaving in their
wake a cloud Of dust that rose even
above the treetops.
Once they reached n straight stretch
Of road Brice leaned toward the girl
beside him.
Wen overtake em IL they haven't
too much Of n start" he declared.
"How long have they been goneT
Half an hour" she answered.
"Then we've got EN-" said he en-
couragingly "Of course we've got to
head this thing or"
"Of course" she agreed, but some
how Jimmy was impressed with the
idea that she was not overenthusiastic
about it.
u almost wish we could let 'em CO."
said he. She's desperately in love
with him, and Nixon isn't half bad
chap"
"That's impossible" said she. she's
nothing but n child. | almost think II
she had been firm with papa he would
have consented, but to try TO take the
matter In her own hands this way has
sent him into frightful rage
They reached fork In the road One
branch led to Worthwhile, the other to
Standish.
Jimmy swung the car into the left
hand branch of the road and gave Il
full speed again
what are you going to do when
you catch themf" he asked.
~ shall be very firm. and you must
back me up"
"All right" be agreed cheerfully
"Of course will but, honestly Nell.
hate like fury 10 butt IN"
you're not going TO desert me at
the critical moment, are youT she
questioned anxiously.
Sure I'm not! Watch me-" he
laughed
The soft May dusk was coming on.
They shot past houses IN which the
lights were already beginning to twin
kle.
Seems to me we ought to be get.
ting a squlnt at them pretty SOON"
said he.
There's car ahead" she cried sud
denly. "Hurry-oh, hurryw
The road car seemed fairly to lift
itself from the ground. They sped up
to the car ahead. but It's occupants
were middle aged couple who looked
up in mild reproof as they tore past
Jimmy Brice laughed. Fooled again!"
he Knocked. 81 believe they're going
to make 1t after ALL"
'aThey mustn't-they mustn't" said
the girl. Cant we go any faster2"
Jimmy shook his head This is her
best speed,' he declared
Now they had reached the outskirts
of Worthwhile. With honking horn and
undiminished speed they tore along the
elm lined streets.
They've got here ahead OF us, all
right" said Jimmy. "Our only hope Is
to interrupt the ceremony before It's
too late. Where1l they go? Have you
any idea?'
THE parsonage of the brick church. >
the girl explained "That is where all
such couples head for. believe
They turned corner, Just ahead
xryac 1Affln oh N,
giant elms, and beside the church was
a snug little parsonage.
The car came to stop Jimmy and
the girl both leaped out and ran up the
path to belabor the polished brass
knocker on the front door. An elderly
woman in cap and apron answered
their strldent summons and smiled
upon them knowingly.
"Step right into the parlor, IL you
please," she invited
HAS a couple been here recently
little girl, blond, and man, tall and
dark?' Jimmy asked pantingly.
"Yes; they're in the study now," said
the woman.
Without a word Of explanation
Jimmy pushed past her, and, with the
girl following after he strobe into 3
room, where a pleasant faced clergy
man was reading the marriage service
sonorously. Jimmy took step for
ward. stopped. chuckled and turned Il
Nell, beside him. The couple was no
the one they sought.
Then even as they stood there Il
embarrassed silence they heard tn
couple pronounced husband and wife
"And now. my young friends" sal
the clergyman tentatively, advancin
IN fhafP diraoffou