The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-02-13
The Winning of Dixie
BY PAUL RALSTON
By PAUL RALSTON

ton, tore open the letter the servant
had just handed him. 1t contained
by one word, "Nixey," followed by the
signature Dixie" and below was this
postscript: Il have decided to go to
China" signed ID. T."
The little heather" Jack ripped
out as he threw himself into chair
and deliberately tore the note to bits.
He thrust the torn bits OF paper
into his pocket, walked to the win
dow. and stood lost in thought for a
few minutes
john he said to the servant at
work on the lawn, Il wish you'd have
the car brought around as soon as
possible. I'll take a little ride
A few minutes later the car was at
the door.
Under Hastings guidance, it raced
swiftly down the drive and on to
the broad highway. There, in re-
Spouse to his lightest touch, it flew
over the oiled and dustless road. Here
at last, was something he could con-
troll; something he could WOO and
win, and his heart throbbed in unison
with the motor beneath his hand.
He let out the speed, and, with
eye fixed on the road in front of him,
and heart and mind on Dixie Taylor,
he was unconscious of all else.
Ahead was d sharp bend in the
road. where it circles Il steep hill; be-
yond, the rails of the main line grid
led a valley. A whistle sang out a
warning, but it was scarcely audible
above the roar of the bounding mo-
tor
The car took the curve like thor
oughbred. and Hastings was running
on to certain destruction when some
thing hit him on the head and dropped
to the bottom of the car. He awoko
with start, and in an instant took in
the situation. There was no time to
retreat, his only safety lay in cross
ing the track ahead of the on-coming
train. He threw on all the power of
the machine, and had barely got clear
by a yard when the on-rushing traip
swept by him.
When partially recovered from the
shock, he had faint recollection OF
receiving blow on the head. He
glanced down, and there at his feet
lay little white canvas shoe.
He glanced over the road he had
just travelled, but there was no one in
sight. Well, he must return that shoe
to its owner, and he must find her at
once-that was obvious.
He whirled the car about and, mall
ing sure that no express train was
coming this time. recrossed the track
and swept around the curve. The
road was deserted, but on the side of
the hill. some distance above his
head, a girl stood watching him. She
was gowned in white, and light blue
veil encircled her head and held in
place soft felt hat. Her arms were
filled with great clusters of bright
red roses.
IF you please, she said. I'D like Ia
have my shoe
Hastings set the brakes, and bound
ed from the car.
"DiXie!" he cried, Dixie Taylor!'
Then with the next breath he exclaim.
ed, why, Dixie, what are you doing
here?" He went towards her With
outstretched arms and happy light
in his eyes.
"Oh, it's Mr.. Hastings. I'm surpris.
ed" DiXies tone was frigid, it simply
exuded cold, and chilled the very at
mosphere.
Hastings paused In the unexpect.
ed meeting he had forgotten the let.
ter. In an instant, the welcoming
light left his eyes, and in its place
came cold glitter. He glanced at
the white stockinged foot pressed in.
to the dust of the trail.
Permit me- he said, as he sank to
the ground in front of her.
Dixie hesitated. She preferred TO
do that service herself but if she did,
she would be compelled to drop her
roses; then he would pick them up
and insist on carrying them, so she
thrust her foot out gingerly and lean.
ed against the bank for support.
I'm very much obliged to you for
the timely warning. You're certainly
a good shot" he said, as he arose.
DiXie's face was as red as the flow
ers in her arms as she assured him
that he owed her no thanks. The
warning was merely accidental, en-
tirely SO. Her foot had caught on a
snag. and she had jerked it loose just
at the moment his car was passing.
and somehow the shoe had bounded
away and struck him on the head
They were a trifle large and came off
easily. She had frequently had SINH.
lar accidents.
Hastings eyes twinkled.
well, l hope in return for the very
fortunate accidental warning you'll al
low me to carry your bouquet and al
SO drive you home in the car
Dixie's eyes blazed. Thank you,
Mr.. Hastings, but l couldn't think of
parting with my roses. I'm quite
proud of my find: and it's not far to
the tramway line; it takes me home
direct. and l prefer going that way"
She made stiff little bow, and. be-
fore he realized what was happening,
swept past him down the hill, giving
him no time for further remonstrance.
Hastings, with q face grown white,
stood watching her as she sped down
l.