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

=E le nor M. Irqr a N,
Copyright 1910 The Bobbs-Ms1YllI Co

been here, and he can tell what's do
ing. Four cars are out of the race.
There's Mr.. David, coming!"
A gray machine shot around the west
curve, hurtled roaring down the
straight stretch past the stand and
crossed before them, the mechanician
rising in his seat to catch the pendant
linen streamers and wipe the dust from
the drivers goggles in preparation for
the death turn ahead. There was
series of rapid explosions as the driver
shut off his motor, the machine
sewerved almost facing the infleld
fence and slid around the bend with
a skidding lurch that threw cloud Of
soil high in the air. Emily cried out,
Mr.. French halt rose In his place
Whats the matter?" dryly queried
Bailey. Hes been doing that all
night; and a mighty pretty turn he
makes, too. He's been doing 1t for
about five years, in fact, to earn his l1v'
ing. only we didn't see him. Here
goes another"
Mr.. French put on his pince-nez
preserving the dignity Of outward COM
posture. Emily saw and heard nothing;
she was following Lestrange around
the far sides of the course, around
until again he flashed past her, re-
peating his former feat with appalling
exactitude.
It was hardly more than five minutes
before Dick came hurrying toward
them; cross, tried, dust-streaked and
gasolene-scented.
81 don't see why you wanted to
come" he began before he reached
them. I'm busy enough now. We're
leading; if Lestrange holds out we'll
win But he's driving alone; Frank
went out an hour ago, on the second
relief, when he went through the pad
dock fence and broke his leg. 1t didn't
hurt the machine bit, except tires,
but it lost us twenty-six laps. And 1T
leaves Lestrange with thirteen steady
hours at the wheel He says he can
do it,
sHe's fit?" Bailey questioned.
Dick turned peevish regard upon
him
81 don't know what you call fit. He
says he is. His hands are blistered
already, his right arm has been
bandaged twice where he hurt 1t pull.
ing me away from the gear-cutter yes
terday, and he's had three hours rest
out of the last eleven. See that heap
of junk over there; that's where the
Alan car burned up last night and
sent it's driver and mechanician TO the
hospital. suppose II Lestrange Isn't
fit and makes miscue Y Wen see
something like that happen to him and
Rupert"
"No!" Emily cried piteously.
'Remorse clutched Dick.
II forgot you, cousin" he apologized.
Don't 20 of; iLestrange swears ne
feels fine and gibes at me for worry
ing. Don't look like that"
"Richard, you will 60 down and
order our car withdrawn from the
race" Mr.. French stated, with his
most absolute finality. This has con-
tinued long enough. II we had not
been arrested in New York for exceed
ing the speed limit, should have been
here to end this scene at midnight.
Stunned, his nephew stared at MIN.
Withdraw"
Precisely. And desire David to
come here
II won't" said Dick fatty. "If you
want to rub it into Lestrange that way,
send Bailey. And | say it's a con-
founded shame"
"Richard!'
His round face ablaze,. Dick thrust
his hands in his pockets, facing his
uncle stubbornly.
After his splendid fight, to stop him
now? Do you know how they take be-
ing put out, those fellows Why, when
the Italian car went off the track for
good. last night, with it's chain tangled
up with everything underneath, lts
drived sat down and cried And youd
come down on Lestrange when mes
winning won't do it, won't! Send
Bailey; can't tell him..
''If you want to discred1t the car
and it's driver, Mr.. French, you can
do 1t without me-" slowly added
Bailey. ''But it won't be any use to
send for Mr.. David, because ne won't
come"
The autocrat of his little world look
ed from one rebel to the other, con-
fronted with the unprecedented.
'.If wish to withdraw him, 1T is to
place him out Of danger" he retorted
with asperity. "Not because l wish
to mortify him, naturally. Is that
clear? Does he want to pass the next
thirteen hours under this ordeal"
'I1l tell you what he wants" an
swered Dick. "He wants to be let
alone. 1t seems to me he's earned
that"
Ethan French opened his lips, and
closed them again without speech. It
had not been his LIES habit to let PEG.
pie alone and the art was acquired
with difficulty.
81 admit do not comprehend the
feelings you describe" he conceded. at
last. "But there Is one person who
has the right to decide whether David
shall continue this risk OF his LIE.
Emily, do you wish the car With
drawn"
There was gasp from the other
two men.
"1?" the young girl exclaimed,
amazed."I can call him here-safe-"
Her voice died out as Lestrange's
car raced past. overtaking two rivals
on the turn and sliding between them