The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-04-14
CHAPTER III.
The Finish, and After.

The Finish, and After.
Morning arched It's golden hours
across the still speeding cars, and
melted slowly into noon. The weary
drivers had settled to steady endur.
ance gaits, saving their energy and
| their machines for the more specta-
cular work of the afternoon and
the race would end.
The Mercury car mad registered
ninety miles more than the Duplex.
both of them being many tens
miles in advance of the other compe-'
titors. At six In the morning Stanton
had gone in for IL brief rest. At
eight he was back. and kept the wheel
until one In the afternoon. Victory
/ was in his hands X nothing happened
10 his ear. an hour and a half lost
In repairs would transfer all his al.
vantage to the Duplex He was jeal-
ouxly afraid to intrust his machine to
his assistant driver. and consequent
IL merciiess 10 his mechanician and
himself. But Floyd made no COM
plant.
AT half past one. all the cars were
sent to their camps while an hour
was spent in having the track hur-
riedly mended by gangs Of workmen.
The road bed in places was furrowed
a
wheels. Meanwhile the afternoon
crowds flowed in. filing the stands
Il suitocation. massing on the prone
made, banking In a solid row OF pri-
waite automobiles behind the screen.
When at half-past two the racers
were recalled to start anew. Stanton
sharply scrutinized. his mechanician
before leaving the camp.
I'm going to keep the car untii
ltys I'D ~ ha
not unkindly IF you don't think
you can stand seven hours of 1t. say
so: and I'll have them find some one
to relieve you. They can rush Ru-
pert here from UP the Hudson by four
or five O'Clock. II you get in for 1t,
you'll finish. If have to tie you in
your seat. I'm driving to win
The scarlet OF resentment flushed
through FIoyd's e-streaked pail
Tor.
you won't have to tie me-" he
promised, white teeth catching his lip.
I'm not finch. Go on"
Stanton actually laughed. bending
10 his levers.
Il didn't mean tie you to keep you
from running away, but 10 keep you
from fainting and falling out" he ex-
planned. But"
The car bounded forward.
ne tTACH brtt AiitG III WIN
wet mud from the infieid--en the
first circuit the heavy Lozelle car
sk.dded and went through the fence
al the north turn. After that. moth
Ing could have induced Stanton to
allow his machine in other hands.
Hour after hour passed The noisy
music OF the band crashed out monot-
onously: the crowd swayed. murning.
appla uding. exclaim!ng. argus-eyed
ax.aT d. tf.v a rot
At sunset. when the Mercury made
a trip into camp for supplies neither
Of It's men left their seats. The
heaming Mr.. Green came to shower
congratulations upon Stanton. and
with him the head Of the Mercury
Company, himself former driver
whose quiet appreciation had an ex-
perts value. Stanton was leaning
across the wheel. chatting with them.
when his employer broke the thread
or speech.
What is the matter with your
mechanician. Stanton" he aueried.
Stanton turned, suddenly conscious
Of a light weight against his shoulder.
With his movement. Floyd also started
erect. their chances crossing.
Nothing" the driver briefly an
swered to the others question
Tired, perhaps: he has been working
-
But the glimpse picture stayed with
Stanton; the fatigued young face
against his arm, the drowsy. heavy
l!dded eyes flashing keenly awake, the
Involuntary expression of angry
shame at the moments weakness
And he would sooner have tied Floyd
in his seat. after that, than have adj
ded the fine insult, of Offering to re-
licve him.
Ready some one called: tho
workmen scattered in every direction.
and the Mercury was OH once more.
Gar comm" warned the mechani-
cian as they shot from the paddock
entrance on to the track. Duplex
ahead"
Floyd was quite himself again.
watchfuily businesslike, noncha lantly
fearless
Color and glow faded from the sky;
once more the search-lights fiared out
around the track and transformed 1t
to silver ribbon. running between
walls of ebony darkness except
where the lamp-gemmed islands arose.
Already newspapers were being cried
announcing Stanton's coming victory.
Driving evenly, steadily. refusing
All challenges TO speed duels and at
tempting none OF his deadly tactics OF
the night before, Stanton piloted his
o'clock the flag dropped. and amid a
hubbub OF enthusiasm the Mercury
crossed the line. winner.
Later. when the triumphant tumuit
In the Mercury camp had somewhat
subsidized. Stanton walked over TO
where Floyd was leanfng' against a
column of unused tires.
you've had twenty-four hours Of
me-" he said abruptly. How did II
strike you7"
Floyd raised his candid gray eyes
to the others face. and in spite of
exhaustion smiled with a glinting
frankness and humor.
III you want me to tell you he
began.
II have asked you.'
TT struck me rather hard. But
I'd like you to like me as well as l
do YOU
Il need a mechanician to race with
me for the rest Of the SEASON" Stan
ton gave brief information. do you
want the position?"
Floyd etraightened; even in the un-
certain light the color could be seen
to rise over his face.
You'd take me; your
Yes"
You know--oh. can tune up a
motor. understand my work. but for
road racing-you know / can't crank
rN,o