Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1912-08-30
CHAPTER v.
Tuning Up.

II
front OF the repair pits, when Stanton
came out to the course next morning,
engaged in chatting airily with cou-
pie Of 5ovial drivers from rival cars.
He was laughing, and furthermore he
was clad In correct racing costume,
this time, instead of the impromptu
blend Of the former occasion.
The group, already breaking up,
drew apart at Stanton's approach.
nodding greeting to him. But, beyond
returning the salutes, he disregarded
all except Floyd. opposite whom he
stopped. ..
You seem to have nothing to do:
is the machine ready?" he flung. with
his ugliest intonation.
Floyd slipped off the railing and
stood up. his expression Pickering in
momentary surprise.
"All ready" he answered, quietly
businesslike under the undeseryed re-
buke.
Get 1t out, then"
The other men glanced significantly
at one another.
| Good luck, Floyd" wished a slim
Italian driver, whose reputation
equaled Stanton's own. as he turned
away.
The Mercury car was out already
One Of the factory men cranked. 1t.
after Stanton took his seat. Floyd was
moving to take the place beside. when
his eyes fell on the drivers bandaged
wrist.
What's up?" Stanton demanded, at
the exclamation.
you have hurt your arm?"
Slightly. I cranked an Atalanta
Six yesterday with my spark ad.
vanced."
The mechanician stopped with one
foot on the car. looking at him.
Il set my spark forward and went
around in front and cranked up and
wrenched my arm." Stanton explicitly
repeated.
Floyd regarded him blankly, then
| slowly dissolved into smile of hu-
morous comprehension and stepped
into the car.
IT had no right to ask. Of course"
he agreed. 81 beg your pardon.
Curious people should expect to hear
nonsense"
Floyd believed himself put of with
an obvious tale, as one reproves
too-importunate child, SO impossible
he considered such carelessness And
Stanton wholly coincided with his
judgment Only, the fact remained.
The little episode had relieved the
atmosphere. however. and restored
naturalness Of speech. They shot down
the course, in the sweet country air,
and the days work had commenced.
Then Stanton had his first exhibition
of what Floyd called tuning up his
motor.
Got her all the way up?" shouted
the mechanician, when they let out on
the first straight stretch.
Stanton needed, fully occupied; the
speedometer was indicating eighty
four miles an hour.
Stop her-she needs fixing"
1t was Floyd's hour of empire. Stan.
ton brought his car to halt in an ap-
propriate situation. and the mechani.
clan sprang out to investigate the un.
hooded power-plant.
Now we'll try. She Is good for
ninety an hour" he painted returning.
Stanton accordingly restarted.
They spent the morning SO; speed.
Ing furiously, stopping for Floyd to
fuss with ono thing or another, watch.
ing the speedometer Floyd listened
to the engine as to a speaking voice.
translating its plant unerringly and
going to remedy the cause. AS the as.
sistant manager had said, he was a
gasolene freak, clairvoyant magician
OF delicate touches and manipulation.
At twelve o'clock the Mercury came |
to its camp and stopped.
How is she doing?" inquired Mr..
Green. you made that last circuit a
record breaker, can tell you."
up to ninety-two miles an hour"
Stanton reported with brevity. ut
never did so we'll before. Get out.
Floyd"
Floyd got out. flushed, tired, his
heavy hair clinging in damp rings TO
his temples, but sunnily content NJ