The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1909-11-09
. smile and the stalwart figure ~

meself that that run away" Maggie
Milligans spouse grudgingly admitted.
but If l pass 1t up this time" he
shook warning fist, then stepped
back as the car flew on.
We'll send you piece of wedding
cake-you and Maggie Milligan," King
called back above the chug of the ma
chine.
I'VE lost ten minutes there" Mar
1an's cheeks were pinker than their
wont, land there's an absurd little
hamlet just beyond, ruled by a lot
OF cast iron Methodist deacons-
selectmen, don't you call them? Well
never come over them with the guile
that did for Paddy-bless his heart
so run slow. Gordon, and steer clear
OF pigs, chickens and babies, all of
which will be strewn in the main
road"
They passed this village without
misadventure. then the second, third
and fourth. At the fifth, King, per.
haps grown reckless from success,
was held up by beardless city father
In overalls and parted with his tenn
per and ten dollars-not to mention
20 minutes of valuable time.
There's ten-mile stretch of open
road ahead" Marian said, as they
reached the outskirts of the sixth vii
lage. 1--WE can go like the wind, and
oh, Gordon, look!" The last rose
to wall of despair.
Toward them came a venerable
white horse harnessed to an equally
venerable surrey, in which were two
black rObed women. One sat with her
feet braced against the dashboard,
holding the lines with the determined
clutch of one who expects death and
is prepared to meet it halfway The
other stood, like an avenging angel
facing the car hand encased in a
black cotton glove raised threatening
Iy, while her voice rose shrilly above
the chug-chug of the machine: You
dasn't come on when l hold up my
handful have the law on you"
King groaned and slackened speed.
Marian laughed Historically. Only the
old gray mare seemed unconcerned,
as she turned her soft eyes, guiltless
of binders, from the occupants of one
vehicle to another. Perhaps monotony
had palled on her, and even in the
evening of her existence she well
coined new sights and sensations.
MY dear madam" King began, a
note of evaporation in his tone. The
eyes of the lady of the surrey flashed
fire.
Don't get fresh, young man. I'm
self-respecting single woman, and
not your dear, and that thing amt
going to pass my Nancy. If it
don't skeer her to death, she'll likely
kick up and break the wagon. You
just stay where you are till l think
what's best to do
Marian Devenish slipped down from
the now motionless automobile, and
crossing the few feet of intervening
road, laid a caressing hand upon
Nancy's peaceful brow" She doesn't
seem much frightened" she smiled up
at the irate owner. Perhaps If you
sit down l can lead her past-ah-
that is better. Thank you so much.
You are all right, now"
Them things is awful-not fifteen
for decent folks" the lady muttered
in extenuation of her belligerency.
You are a wonder" said King SOL
emily. He doubled, trebled speed and
they skinned along the sun-scorched
road.
AS thew approached the last little
town before Morley Kings ewes were
grave. "Weu never make il ahead of
the train. dear, thanks to Nancy"
Marian seemed not to hear. She was
leaning forward as though waiting for
something-then a whistle pierced the
air.
Its the train now-the one Archer
comes on-this is even better, Gordon,
| for Clara would be at the Morley sta
ton anyway, and might persuade him
over your head Drive me right in
here and leave memo, I'm not afraid
you get on the train-youve got
that contract in your pocket-hunt
Archer up and make him sign 1t be-
fore you get to Morley-youH just
have time-no, not here, Gordon