The Marshall republican., 1912-06-21

AA0 ehO 1thto NV ..N0
been older than t~wenty-four or five,
with o finely cut, beautiful face
framed In waves Of fair hair.
Floyd was sitting OF a camp-stool
outside the tent, chatting with a
group Of men, when Stanton returned.
The rest had brought back the mech
~anician's color and animation; In fact,
be looked ridiculously young and ir
responsible. But he sprang up read
lly at the drivers nod.
"rfmef" he asked. his gray eyes
like Furnished steel
yes" Stanton confirmed. And 20
the nearest man: Bring In the car"
There was al obedient commotion.
Several men ran to flag the other
driver: Floyd caught up goggles and
cap, and knolt TO tighten a Logging
strap. As Stanton made his wi prep
arations, Mr.. Green hustled mp to him.
Were leading" he reminded su.
perfiuously. There isn't, really. any
need for extra fast work, Stanton"
Stanton snapped q buckle, saying
nothing.
81 telephoned to tho Office and told
Rupert he needn't come. l told him
that you had n new man."
"Welif"
"He said, Poor NUT"
Tho driver straightened 20 his full
height. his Arm dark face locking TO
bronze inHexibility.
"You had better report his sympa-
thy to Floyd. whom it's meant for he
advised hardly. I'm not Interested
II tho company doesn't like the way
drive. let them get some one 10 my
place; but while l do drive the car.
drive. and not Rupert OF Floyd, or
any one else. I'll neither tale risks
moi shirk them TO order"
The assistant manager chokcd.
speechicss. He had no way Of know.
ing Why Stanton flashed n suilen
glance toward the row Of automobiles
before the grand.stand. or who was
meant by that ANY n else" Mean
while. he was intractable. he was In.
subordinate. and he vas obstinate
but he was Stanton.
The Mercury rolled IN. the two men
climbed from their seats. and, there
was q momentary delay for tank MI
Ing. Stanton took his place. expert.
mentally speeding and r%etarding his
motor while he waited for the work
men to finish.
stop a minute while ! AZ tho car
buretor." requested Floyd, from be
side the machine. ITS colder late
at night like this. Walt. you've
dropped your glove"
Stanton shenced the engine. Some
thing In the fresh voice, the boyish
grace OF the slight figure. the ready
courtesy OF the act. stirred him with q
strange sensation and pricking shame
at his own brutality. Poor NUT" q
whisper repeated to his inner ear.
When Floyd offered the gauntlet. the
other dropped q hand upon his sboul.
der.
"Ars you riding with me because
you want the money badly enough u
chance anything" Stanton demanded
Aarshiy. "or because you are Willing
70 trust my driviugr"
Taksn By surprise, opsn astonish'
Dsnt crossed the younger mans face,
bot his eyes did not ifinch from the
onss behind the sogslsa.
II think you're The best driver on
the track" came the steady snswsr
And I'd rather trust mysslf TO your
rscklessness than 70 soms ons else's
mistakes, II you want 70 know.
guess you car steer straight enough
for both Of us."
Htanton's hand rslaxed its hold
20 Ak your csrburstor. Yes. ! car
stssr-straight"
Again the bius-black eyes flashed
snesring densnce toward the grand
stand; for the moment, Miss Car
lisle's hope Of witnessing desperate
Ssats b. the Mercury . seemed fal
from realisation.
But the Mercury had NOT circled th<
mile oval four times when the Duplex
It, chohsd fesd-pips cisared at last