The Owosso times., 1912-08-09

W ~ Y
People From All Directions FIocking
Around.
given his competitors. Late in the
fourth hour he signaled Floyd to lean
closer, and when he was obeyed:
Where's the Duplex?" he ques-
toned eagerly.
"At its repair pit for the last hour"
Floyd made hopeful answer. "An'
there's only the Atalanta ahead Of
u.s."
Stanton shook his head, but let out
his car little faster.
The Mercury came across the line,
at the finish, just five minutes behind
the Atalanta; to receive fully as great
an ovation as the winning car. The
Spectacular driving, the record Of the
fastest lap and highest speed ever
made on that course, the second place
won in spite of the accident, almost
eclipsed the Atalanta's victory. X.
In the midst of the joyous tumult,
Floyd descended, stiff and weary
enough after the continuous run of
five hours and fifty-eight minutes. But
Stanton did not follow; leaning upon
his steering-wheel, the focus of snap
ping cameras, curious crowds, and
blended congratulations and sympa-
thy. Only when one of the judges
came over to shake hands, was the ex-
planation made evident.
IF | am to get out, some one will
have to help me-" announced Stanton
impassively, and unclasped his mask,
barring face gray with exhaustion
under its coating of caked dust,
And, In fact, 1t was necessary to aid
the cramped, over-taxed driver to dis
mount from his car; to the wonder of
all those familiar with his usual su-
perb endurance.
A little later Floyd, some of the
CRIME removed, somewhat rested,
and issuing from the ambulance sur
geon's care with his arm bandaged In
civilized fashion, felt touch on his
shoulder.
I'm going to get out Of this up
roar" Stanton briefly impaired. Come
with me; send for your things and
stay at my hotel tonight"
Floyd drew back, hesitating oddly.
'Tm SORRY" he began.
Stanton's straight dark brows con-
tracted
You mean that you don't want any
thing personal to do with your brute
of a driver? Oh, say So"
mo, no! Only-I-"
The steel-keen eyes sent one direct
glance into the troubled gray ones.
"Good-by," pronounced Stanton def
nite1y, and turned on his heel.
"Stanton!" cried Floyd, in distress.
The other kept on, unheeding.
"Stanton!" Floyd appealed, overtak-
ing him. Please give you my
word l never meant that. I've got
to be back at my own hotel, tonight,
that was all. I'll do anything you
say"
Stanton slowly halted.
"Will you come with me now, to
dinner? Suit yourself"
"I'd like to-" was the humble sur
render. Like woman, Floyd yielded
to superior will; like a man, there
were no small reservations In his
yielding.
There was a taxicab waiting; to it
Stanton led the way.
The destination was one Of the
large hotels of the city, and neither
of the companions were dressed for
the public dining-room. In the
guest-crowded lobby Stanton paused
to order dinner sent to his own apart
ment, perfectly Indifferent to the SEN
sation caused by their entrance.
"You. are unwell, sir?" the clerk
ventured, regarding him wide-eyed.
NO" he denied laconically.
But he looked far more fatigued
than his comparatively frail mechan-
ician, nevertheless. Fatigued, and i'll.
you didn't hurt yourself in our up
set, I hope" Floyd said with anxiety,
when they were alone in the stiff, i'm
personal hotel room.
mo. / had bad night Of It," STAN
ton explained. He sat down In an
armchair, resting his head against the
cushioned back. Make yourself COM |
Portable as you can, Floyd. There is
the matter with me-there |
can't be, never was sick day since |
l can remember. Probably / need |
feeding; I've eaten nothing since that |
confounded dinner last evening, and |
It Is nearly six o'clock now"
But, after all, when the food was
brought, Stanton could eat none of |
It; although maintaining a pretense
Of doing 80, which forbade his COM
panion to comment upon the fact.
Were you feeling iii yesterday"
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