Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-09-07

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"Of course, I'm not going back to
Ffrenchwood. After this race shall
go to the Duplex Company; I used to
be with them and they've wanted me
back. Your company can get along
without me, now all is running we'll
Indeed, Mr.. French has dismissed me.
His firm lip bent little more firmly.
l"The work was doing is in your hands
and Bailey's; see it through. Unless
you too want to break of with me.
we'll have more time to talk over
this"
Break OIL" Dick Strengthened his
chubby figure. Break OF with you,
Les"
go on. MY name is Lestrange now
and always"
A shrek from the official klaxon
summoned the racers, Rupert swung
back to his seat.Dick reached UP MS
hand to the other in the first really
dignified moment of his life.
I'm glad you're my kin, Lestrange,"
he said "I've liked you anyhow, but
I'm glad, just the same. And don't
care what rot they say Of you. Take
care OF yourself"
Lestrange barred his hand to return
| the clasp, his warm smile flashing to
his cousin; then the swirl of prepara-
ton swept between them and Dick
next saw him as part of one Of the
throbbing, flaming row Of machines
before the judges stand.
1t was not q tranquilizing experience
for an amateur to witness the start,
when the fourteen powerful cars
sprang simultaneously for the first
curve, struggling for possession of the
narrow track in wheel to wheel con-
test where one mistouch meant the
wreck Of many. After that first view,
Dick sat weakly down on an oil barrel
and watched the race in a state Of
fascinated endurance.
The golden and violet sunset melted
pearl-ike into the black cup Of night.
The glare of many searchughts made
the track a glistening band of white
around which circled the cars, them
selves gemmed with white and crimson
lamps. The cheers of the people as
the lead was taken by one favorite or
another, the hum of voices, the music
and uproar of the machines blended
into web of sound indescribable The
spectacle was at once ultramodern and
classic in antiquity Of conception.
] At eight o'clock Lestrange came
flying in, sent off the track to have a
lamp relighted.
Water he demanded terseH, in
the sixty seconds OF the stop, and
laughed openly at Dicks expression
while he took the cup.
why didn't you light it out there =.
asked the novice, infected by the speed
fever around him.
| Forgot our matches" Rupert flung
over his shoulder, as they dashed out
again.
/ An oiLsmeared mechanic patroniz-
|ingly explained:
"You can't have cars manicuring all
over the track and people tripping over
em. You get sent of to light up, and
| If you don't go they fine you laps
made"
! Machines darted in and out from
their camps at intervals, each waking
frenzy Of excitement among its men.
At ten o'clock the Murcury car came In
again, this time limping with fiat tire,
to be fallen on by its mechanics.
"We're leading, but we'll lose by
this" said Lestrange. slipping out to
relax and meditatively contemplating
the alternate driver, who was standing
across the camp. "Ffrench. at twelve
I'll have to come in to rest some, and
turn my machine over to the other
man. And won't have him wrecking
it for me- want you, as owner, to give
him absolute orders to do no speeding;
let him hold fifty-two mile an hour
average until take the wheel again"
"Me?"
II can't do it, You, of course"
l"You could" Dick answered. Eve been
thinking how you and will run that
factory together. It's all stuff about
your going away; why should you?
You and your father take me as
Junior partner; you know I'm not big
enough for anything else"
! you're mans size," Lestrange as.
sured, a hand on his shoulder. But
it won't do. I'll not forget the offer,
though, never"
call on!" a dozen voices signaled;
men scattered in every direction as
Lestrange sprang to his place.
The hours passed on the wheels OF
excitement and suspense. When Lee
strange came in again, only q watch
convinced Dick that it was midnight
"You gave the order?" Lestrange
asked.
yes"
He descended, taking of his mask
and showing face white with fatigue
under the streaks of dust and grim.
"I'll be all right in half an hour" he
nodded, In answer to Dicks exclama-
ton. "Send one OF the boys for coffee,
will you, please. Rupert needs some.
ltoo. Here, one of~you others, ask one
OF those idle doctors apprentices to
come over with q fresh bandage; my
arms triffle untidy.''
/ In fact, his right sleeve was wet and
|red, where the strain OF driving had
reopened the injury of the day before.
But he wou1d not allow Dick to speak
OF It.
"I'm going to spend an hour or two
resting. Come in, Ffrench. and we'll
chat in the intervals, If you like"
| "And Rupert Where's he?" Dick
wondered. peering into the dark with
| a vague impression OF lurking dangers
l a