Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-10-05

A
blank stiffness.
1 They went on to the quiet French
restaurant that Floyd had chosen; sc
recovering tone on the way that they
contrived to disagree over the merits
Of rival speedometers and argued en-
ergetically all through the dinner
They spent long time over the
simple meal, enjoying themselves
completely. But at last they sank into
a thoughtful silence, which Stanton
was the first to break.
II saw that Miss Floyd's arm was
hurt. the other evening. l hope it is
better"
! Floyd raised his head, starting SO
4 violently as to overturn a goblet of
water beside him.
what do you mean?" he exclaimed
lsharply. what do you mean? Her
arm ?"
| The SCATTERING Of glass and the con.
sequent flood brought their waiter on
a run, but Floyd did not even glance
down at the wreck, his eyes upon
Stanton; who returned the gaxe In
utter amaZement.
! what do l mean? say that your
sisters bracelet slipped off and
scratched her arm, the night we went
to the play, and asked you if she
were well. What is the matter with
you?"
Floyd pushed back his chair to per-
NIT the walters administrations, his
lashes falling.
"You gave me turn" he exclaimed,
with hurried lightness. II wondered
if Jessica had hurt herself and not
told me. We've got only each other,
and we are twins-I suppose we are
silly about each other. in fact re.
member now, that she did have a
scratch on her arm; blamed 1t on
the kitten"
He was still pale. and paid the check
without looking at his companion.
"Your nerves are out" Stanton
frankly commented. contemplating
him with curiosity zone would think
it was you who were just over the
arrest. You'll have to get in form be,
fore we strike a race-track.'
Don't you worry" besought Floyd,
shis gaiety and color rushing back to
gether. 'sI'll take some smelling-salts
with me in case feel faint when you
commence to speed up
Outside the two paused Floyd look.
ing at his watch.
"I've got to go over to the office.
he said i"Shall / see you again before
we leave?''
When is that?''
Nine o'clock from the Grand Cen.
trail We always start few days
Y ahead Of you, Of course"
Better shake hands, then advised
Stanton.
They did so. and separated.
At five minutes past nine, that even
ing. the Chicago special pulled out oil
New York Ten minutes later hand
was laid on Floyd's shoulder, as he
eat gazing out the window at the
flying darkness and brightness that
was the outskirts of the city.
! "Do you want to talk. or shall go
hack to my own section in the next
carr" Stanton inquired.
His mechanician turned swiftly, in
credulously.
Stanton? Really your
] 9"Since you had to start tonight.
saw no reason why I should not do
likewise. l hate train travel: We'll get
it over You haven't answered my
question yet"
/ II didn't know that had to- smiled
Floyd.
| And indeed there had been no pos
sible mistaking of the welcome and
| face, Stanton took the eeat opposite
! and pulled a folded newspaper from
! his pocket. passing it across.
/ II suppose you have seen that he
inferred.
! Race gossip" questioned the other.
taking the paper.
"Court news was the correction.
| The silence was long After reading
Floyd turned his face to the window.
and SO remained. But at last he looked
back to Stanton and nodded.
"Yes, it means that get back my
fathers factory" he confirmed
! Quietly. 81 am very glad although it
doesn't do me much actual good I
have no CAPITAL to run an automobile
plant. and I will not sell unless am
! forced to it,"
! "You would like to operate it?'
| The blood ran up under Floyd's fine
skin he met Stanton's eyes with a
glance of fire-ardent passion and de-
SIRE
| "Td give all the rest of my life to
operate that factory for one year, as
my father planned for me-Id give it
for six months to justify his faith and
training. You do not know, you can
not know"
Can not?" Stanton retorted.
| Floyd, what do you thing am racing
| for, if can not understand risking
something for an object. told you
once that would not live poor-I was
not born to that. If win another prize
or two this season. will have capital
to match somewhat with your factory.
| We both understand the motor bust
ness pretty well; do you want, in case
all goes right, to join with me and re-
vive the famous Comet motor-cars?
Don't answer now, think the thing
over"
stanton"
wait; there is time enough. We
may easily lose everything we put
into the venture, factory and all; or
we may not"
''Td chance my part
why. SO would L. agreed Stanton.
Meanwhile, you had better try me as