Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-05-25

cessfully as we must before we get this
toy to 90 again." he said. Its lucky
that 1 came along just now-for you as
well as myself"
He bowed again, with flourish ana
then went to work TO set things straight
but with a Ieisurely air very trying TO
her I'm her hurry.
i've been dining down at Rockaway'
you see." he informed her conversation
ally. But after the lamps are lit, nttIe
old New York's not such bad place. I'm
on my way in TO supper there now.
Every now and then he would glance
up at her with some friendly or facetious
remark. and when she drew back from
the circle OF light he babe her come
closer and help him. She woul ram nave
dispensed with his services altogether.
ONLY once did another motor whiz past,
taking no notice of them, and. otherwise
the road was deserted.
IF you're bound for the Beach" the
man said suddenly, "Tll run you down
there in quick time, and Wen SEND
man back TO bring your car on
"Oh. no." she declared, I must take
the car on myself, and-Im not going TO
the Beach,"
jamaican he asked.
She hesitated for a moment, not wish
ing to offend him by replying that that
was no concern Of his. and he, impelled
thereto by her sweet, troubled eyes, be-
came more reckless in his generosity.
ut doesn't matter where" he said
Jump in beside me and I'll run you home
before they lock the door. Then I'll come
back and bring the car on. No one will
be bit the wiser
She vetoed that suggestion.
'T'H tell you what. them he concluded.
'sVe'fi go straight to New York and got
someone from Long Island City to attend
to this Wen be just in time for nice,
quiet supper. and you can catch late
train out How does that strike you, eh?"
He scowled as she turned her back on
him and herself went to work with the
recalcitrant engine.
You're only wasting your time" he as
sured her. THAT think won't move again
tonight. Say. know place where we'd
never be noticed, and you need something
to eat now. Come on. What are you
afraid OF. hey?'
He laid a persuasive hand on her arm.
made as though he would have slipped IL
around her waist, but she stepped swiftly
backward. Before he could speak he was
staring into the muzzle of a quite work.
manlike revolver.
He stopped. not blanching. although h
knew that women are not to be trusted
with firearms. So that she. who had no
lack of courage herself, liked him none
the worse for that he was not coward as
well as cad.
''Wm you please get into your car and
go on?" she said steadily. I'm a good
shot, and 1 don't hesitate to-
IT don't doubt IT," ne interrupted with
an irrepressible note of admiration.
II saf off mis-
and to prove that. I'll put matters right
for you in a twinkling. if you'll allow me.
know exactly what's wrong, although
IL wasn't my purpose to say so until IT
suited me. But you're one Of the right
sort, and I'll be hanged If I'll leave lady
I'm any such difficulty-even II she does
drill hole In me while I'm helping her."
Without more ado. he lifted the cover
again and. after a brief interval, rose
triumphant.
That's it," he announced, while she
kept him covered.
Now I'll try the crank II I may"
He did so withouS awaiting permission,
and under his strong hand, the engine
was soon purring. Then he looked quizzi-
cally over to where she stood regarding
him with her bent brows, thankful for his
belated aid and yet annoyed because of
the half hour he had wasted for her, not
y.
He solved that question for her.
You owe me something" he assert
ed. whether it's much or little 1 must
leave you TO figure out. A kiss would
cancel the debt-and cost you nothing"
His further effrontery did not discon-
cert her, now that she had taken his
measure. He was a rogue, but his very
recklessuess appealed to her.
I'm indebted to you for what you
have DONE" she said with a sufficient
tinge Of gratitude in her tone, land I'm
only sorry you've given me cause to dis
trust you-to the extent that 1 must ask
you to get into your own car now and
go on, so that also may get away. /
thank you, sir, for such courtesy as you
have shown me. and, in return. I'll count
ten before I shoot"
"Oh, see herer' he began, but she
had already started to count in a cold,
clear tone. Observation-Disclosures
And he saw that she meant no more
and no less than just what she said. She
would most assuredly fire If he did not
obey her.
He was half inclined to take the risk
and chance her shot going wide, so de-
sireable did she look standing there alone
under the dim stars, her delicate feat
ures warmly aglow in the CLEAN. of his
upheld lamp. her clear eyes meeting his
clouded ones reSOlutely. But some rem
nant OF a better nature induced him to
give in. He bowed TO her with a real
respect as she counted eight, and at ten
was already guiding his car past hers.
lie went on a few yards. and stopped,
watching her as she climbed to her seat,
but made no further attempt to annoy
her.
"If everything isn't quite all right,
I'm here at your service" he called
through the gloom. but she nodded
briskly as she looked back. Everything s
all right. thanks" she replied.
And I'm to have supper all by myself?'
he inquired.
Good night" she responded briefly,
and went her way, leaving him staring
regretfully after her.
She's no snob." he assured himself
fervently." A Blue Grass filly. IL ever there
was one. II il weren't for this internal