Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-08-31

Dick, when Emily finally wondered
aloud at the circumstance. "He isn't
going to risk losing Lestrange because
our high and mighty uncle falls out
with him. And 1t would be pretty
likely to happen II they met. Lee
strange has a temper. you know. even
If it doesn't stick out all over him
like a hedgehog; and dozen other
companies would give money to get
him.
Emily nodded gravely. 1t was
sunny morning In the first Of March,
and the cousins were at the end Of the
old park surrounding Ffrenchwood.
where they had strolled before break
fast.
"Mr. Bailey likes Mr. Lestrange,"
she commented.
Likes him! He loves him. You
know Lestrange lives with him; q
bashelor household coy as grigs."
Just past here ran the road, beyond
a high cedar hedge. While he was
speaking, the irregular explosive re-
ports of motor had sounded down
the valley, unmistakable to those
familiar with the testing OF the
stripped cars, and rapidly approach
ing Now, as Emily would have
answered, the roar suddenly changed
in character. an appalling series Of ex-
blossoms mingled with the grind OF
outraged machinery suddenly braked,
and some one shouted above the din.
The next instant huge mass shot
past the other side of the hedge and
there followed dull crash.
That's one of our men!" gasped
Dick, and plunged headlong through
the shrubbery.
Dazed momentarily, Emily stood.
then caught up her skirts and ran
after him She knew we'll enough what
the testers Of the cars risked.
"Dick!" she appealed. "Dick!"
But it was not the wreck she antici.
pated that met her eyes as she came
througe the hedge. On the opposite
side of the road long low skeleton
car was standing, one side lurched
drunkenly down with two wheels in
the gutter. Still in his seat, the driver
was leaning over the steering wheel.
out Of breath, but laughing greeting
to the astonished Dick.
"a break in the steering-gear," he
declared, by way of explanation.
told Bailey 1t was a weak point; now
perhaps he'll believe me and
strengthen it,
You're not hurt" Dick inferred
II think she's not-a tire gone. Find
anything wrong, Rupert?''
1.-TWO tires off," said the laconic
mechanician. 1.-TWO funerals post
poned. That was a pretty stop,
Darling
Very" coolly agreed Lestrange. ris-
ing and removing his goggles. Whats
the matter Ffrench?"
"You frightened us out Of our five
senses, that's all. Do you usually prac-
tice for races out here?"
"Us?" repeated Lestrange and turn
ing, saw the girl at the edge Of the
park. Miss French, beg your par
dom"
The swift change in his tone, the
ease of Difference with which he barred
his head and, motor caps not being
readily donned or DOTTED, so remained
bareheaded in the bright sunlight,
savored Of the continent.
ut is too commonplace to say good
morning" Emily replied, her color
rising with her smile. IL am very glad
you escaped. But that is commonplace,
too, I'm afraid"
Every one is commonplace before
breakfast" treasured her cousin.
Honestly, Lestrange, do you practice
racing here?"
Hardly I'm, trying out the car;
every car has to go through that be-
{n $1So<
we've recently secured from the local
authorities permit to run at any
speed over this road between four
o'clock and eight in the morning? I
thought all the countryside knew
that"
"But we have a regiment Of men to
test cars"
Lestrange passed a caressing glance
over the dingy gray machine in It's
state Of baroness that suggested in
decorum. 4
This Is my car, the one I'll race
this spring and summer. No one
drives 1t but me. Besides, have to
have some diversion
He stepped to the ground with the
last word, and went around to where
Rupert was on his knees beside the
machine.
"Can you fix It here?' he demanded.
mot precisely" was the drawled
reply. Back to camp with horse in
front"
"All right You'll have to walk down
and get car from Mr.. Bailey to tow
| It home"
Rupert got up. his dark, malign
| little face twisted.
If I'd broken leg, they'd have
sent cart for me- he mourned.
Nov I'll have to walk, and / amt
used to 1t. Hard luck."
IF you 60 around to the stables
they will give you my pony cart. .
Emily offered impulsiyeH. you" her