Putnam patriot., 1912-07-12
CHAPTER ".
The Road to Massachusetts.

again for fortnight Their ways of life did not run parallel except when a race was due or taking place. The Mercury car had gone back to the factory for a thorough overhauiing. after the twenty-four-hour grind. and it would have as soon occurred to Stanton to seek out his machine as his mechanician. Some drivers grow sentimentally attached to their cars, watching them fondly and jealously; he did not, consistently and tempera- mentally practical in outlook on the minor facts of life.
 It was in the railroad depot, the morning he started for Massachusetts. that Stanton saw his meehanician for the first time since the Beach victory. Floyd was seated on one of the wait ing-room benches, reading a magazine; in his gray suit and long overcoat, his head with its clustering bronze curls bent over his book. he looked like a particularly delicate and pretty boy of eighteen, perhaps even a trifie eff feminate. Remembering that cry from the midst of the perilous strug. gle with the Duplex: "Cut him closer; he's weakening! Cut him close!' Stanton's lip curved in amused appre- citation as he crossed to the absorbed reader.
 Good morning." he remarked.
 Floyd glanced up, then rose with an exclamation and held out his hand, F. ya Iu {ain ka OJrIf der his fine. clear skin.
 Good morning: I didn't sec you coming" he responded.
 "No. you were reading. You are go- ing"
 "To Lowell. The car is aboard, you know"
 'T did not know" corrected Stan- ton with indifference. He was study ing the other curiously. striving to analyze his singular attractiveness and to find the reason why he, Stan ton, should feel pleasure at the pros- pect of having this companion at his side he. who had never formed friend ships as most men did.
 Floyd laughed, his grey eyes mis- chievous.
 Well, I know. We've been working all the week at the machine. and we've got her ticking like a watch. You don't bother about that-I suppose you don't have to, it's up to us. But if you will take her out on the track to- morrow, I'll tune her up to the last notch"
 Suddenly Stanton put his finger on the thing he sought, one thing that made this mechanician different; and voiced his thought before considering wisdom.
 You're a different class, Floyd" he stated abruptly. You're no workman, nor descendant of workmen."
 Floyd stared. startled at the brusk irrelevance, then melted into straight, direct smile as he met the keen gaze.
 Neither are you" he countered. "Nor it wouldn't be of any importance if we were, but We are not. I'm not asking you why you are working with your hands instead of your head, and l suppose you are not asking me. Who cares?
 No one," dryly agreed Stanton. But I can tell you that l am doing this to make money, and make 1t quick, and l would much prefer break ing my neck to living in the ruck of poverty. They are calling our train; you had better come"
 I'm supposed to keep in touch with Mir Green" Floyd observed, gathering up his magazine with cheer ful nonchalance. He Is worrying about me most of the time, for fear I'll lose my nerve and desert"
 Which was not precisely what was Mercury company, and perhaps Stan ton of the rough temper knew it.
 T fancy your nerve will hold out. if your patience does" was his reply.
 Patience is supposed to be wom- ans art" doubted Floyd. But I'll try to acquire it."
 Stanton laughed briefly.
 'T wouldn't give much for your chance of success. In that case. If ever find a woman who will ride with me as you do. l will-marry her"
 "Oh. no, you will not" contradicted the other. searching his pockets for a missing glove. You will marry a Fluffy Ruffies who will faint if you exceed the eight-mile- speed limit. And then you will quit racing and be spoiled for the Mercury Com pany, and all its rival manufacturers will chant for joy: "A young man mar ried is a young man married.
 It was so long since any one had cared to talk nonsense to Stanton, not to mention airily teasing him, that he caught his breath in sheer aston ishment. And then a tingling, hu- man warmth and sense of comrade- ship succeeded. It was as If he had been living ia a lonely, silent room. when unexpectedly some one opened the door and entered.
 I'm too busy" he retorted only, but his tone conveyed no rebuke.
 They walked on down the room and out into the train shed They were almost at the train itself, when Floyd stopped.