Putnam patriot., 1912-08-30

physician. Good luck to you-sn kinds"
 How did he know of unprotected Jes- sica F7oyds Stanton wearily pondered the question as he descended to the carriage. Or rather. how did he know of Stanton's feeling of responsibility toward her? The meehanician was supposed to take his chance with the driver. Perhaps delirium had revealed the close bond of friendship between Floyd and himself.
 At the railroad station, a tall young man approached him, as the train whistled in the distance.
 My name is Richards, he an- nounced ditfidently. You're hardly on your feet yet, Mir. Stanton; fl there is anything can do for you on the trip into the city. Id be glad
 Stanton surveyed him with blank non-recognition.
 You dor remember me?@ the young man tried again. Have you forgotten the cub reporter who fol- lowed you on the afternoon you were arrested for speeding your machine in Pelham Parkway? You let your com panion give me the story"
 Stanton put out his hand, the poign- ant memory uncomfortable
 "Yes. yes. What of it?"
 "It gave me my start, 1t meant a big life for me; and 1 didn't forget it. I made the accounts of the accident at the Cup race as easy for Miss Floyd as could. when they came out. There was bound to be some sensational ism"
 Thank you" Stanton made brief ac- Acknowledgement. There is nothing that you can do for me
 The train was hissing at the plat form, but the reporter pursued him a step farther
 "You. you'll look after Miss Floyd, Mir stanton? That's square?"
 The driver turned an amazed resent ful glance upon his questioner, his hand on the rail. But. hardly aware why, he answered. however glacially.
 .Yes. sir"
 The reporter beamed at him. radiant.
 q knew it." he called above the roar and clang of the starting train. ''I knew it was all right
 A dull gray sky arehed above a snow-patched landscape. furries of snow were in the harsh air stanton sat with unseeing eyes directed out the window. chin in hand. much as he had found Floyd sitting in the west bound train the night they started for Indianapolis. September sunlight. Oc- tober crimson and gold, all gone.
 A delicate fragrance drifted around him, there was the froa-frou of soft garments as some one took the seat facing him. Stanton looked up, and saw Valerie Carlisle opposite. her blond fairness framed in dark vel vets and furs. her amber eyes regard ing him from beneath the shadow of her wide plumed hat.
 There is nothing at all singular In my being here, Mir. Stanton she stat ed, In her cool. indolent voice. Be cause aseertained by telephone when you intended to leave the hospital, and so arranged to meet you on the train. Tomorrow l start for Europe. to re- main for a long time, and 1t was nee essary for me to speak with you first. am sorry to see that you have been frightfully ill"
 You are too good" he answered. the old antagonism stirring him strong ly. AS you observe, l was not for tunate enough to finish myself com pletely in the late wreck" One sometimes feels like that. she coincided. passing one small gloved hand across the soft fur of her muff. 'I have wished for the finish, here lately, for my part. You probably did not know that l was engaged to marry Archer Ross, of the Atalanta Automo- bile Gompany?'
 Stanton sat erect. All Floyds sus- picIons of this g.r. rushed back to his mind.
 Yes" she confirmed the thought in his expression. What you are imagin- ing Is quite correct I tried very hard to induce you to drive for the Atalanta Company instead of for the Mercury. The Atalanta absolutely required a good racing record. But l failed. You were more than firm in your decision. So that had been what she wanted of him. That had lain behind her polished surface of gracious admira' tion and had been the core of her in- sincerity
 And when would not drive for your company. you tried to prevent me from driving for my ownY" He wondered incredulously.
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