Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-08-20
THE FORCE OF
EXAMPLE.
A Race After the RunaWays That
Was Not a Failure.
BY KENYON SANDS.


Jimmy Bricc swung the big road car
into the winding drive, took the sharp
curve by the house ON two wheels and
brought W 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 agitatedly to and fro,
his lips set tight and his keen old eyes
flashing fire.
''It's come ut last, just as expect
ed" he raved as the car came to its
spectacular stop. "Mabei has gone
with that young upstart Nixon
gone-gone-eloped! Do you under
stand? That's why sent for you. I'd
go with you myself II riding In the
wind didn't bring ON my asthma SO.
I'd go with you and make 1t hot for
him. swear l 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 battered on the
stairs. On to the veranda came Nell
Thornton.
They've 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 whirl.
ing toward Worthwhile, leaving in their
wake cloud OF dust that rose even
above the treetops.
Once they reached straight stretch
OF road Brice leaned toward the girl
beside him.
We'll overtake 'em II they haven't
too much Of start" he declared.
"How long have they been gone"
Half an hour" she answered.
"Then We've got EN-" said he en-
couragingly. "Of course we've got to
head this thing off,"
"Of course" she agreed. but some
how Jimmy was impressed with the
idea that she was not overenthusiastic
about II.
II 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 child. almost think II
she had been firm with papa ne 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 It
full speed again.
"what are you going to do when
you catch them" lie asked.
II shall be very firm, and you must
back me up"
"All right" he agreed cheerfully.
"Of course l will: but. honestly, Nell,
hate like fury to butt in"
you're not going to desert me at
the critical moment. are your 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 squirt at them pretty soon."
said he.
"There's car ahead" she cried sud
denly. "Hurry--oh. hurry"
The road car seemed fairly to lift
itself from the ground. They sped up
to the car ahead. but Its occupants
were middle aged couple who looked
up In mild reproof as they tore past.
Jimmy Brice laughed. "Foiled again."
he Knocked. 81 believe they're going
to make II after all"
"They mustn't-they mustn't" said
the girl. Cant we go any fasterY"
Jimmy shook his head. This is her
best speed" he declared.
Now they had reached the outskirts
Of Worthwhile. with honking horn and
undiminlshed speed they tore along the
elm lined streets.
They've got here ahead of us. all
right" said Jimmy. sour only hope is
to interrupt the ceremony before It's
too late. where'll they go? Have you
any idea?"
1.-THE parsonage Of the brick church."
the girl explained. THAT Is where all
such couples head for. l believe"
They turned corner. Just ahead
was a little church. Nesting beneath
giant elms, and beside the church was
a snug little parsonage.
The car came to a 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 strident summons and smiled
upon them knowingly.
"Step right into the parlor, IL you