The Marshall republican., 1912-09-13
FREDERIC IflO{SVbUE



ut gave me my start, II meant q
big life for me; and ! didn't forget II.
I made the accounts Of the accident at
the Cup race as easy for Miss Floyd
I could. when they came out. There
was bound to be some sensational
Ism" ar
Thank you" Stanton made brief ac-
acknowledgement. There is nothing that
you can do for me-"
The train was kissing at the plat
form. but the reporter pursued him a
step farther.
you. you'll look after Miss Floyd.
Mr.. stanton7 That's sauare7"
The driver turned an amazed resent
full glance upon his auestioner. his
hand on the rail. But. hardly aware
why, he answered. however glaciaily.
Yes, sir"
The reporter beamed at him, radiant.
II knew IT," he called, above the
roar and clang Of the starting train.
Il knew II was all right"
A dull gray sky archej above a
snow.patched landscape. fiurries Of
snow were In the harsh air. Stanton
sat with unseeing eyes directed out
the window. chin IN hand, mvsh 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 zone.
A delicate fragrance drifted around
him, there was the frou-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 IL nothing ut all singular In
my being here, Mr.. Stanton" she stat.
cd. in her cool. indoient voice. BE
cause ] ascertained by telephone when
you intended to leave the hospital. and
90 arranged to meet you on the train.
Tomorrow I start for Europe. TO re-
main for a long time. and II was nee
essary for me TO speak with you irst.
I am sorry to see that you have been
frishtfully H."
"You are too good" he answered.
the old antagonism stirring him strong.
iy. AS you observe. ! was lot for
tunate enough to fnish myself COM
pietely IN the late wreck"
"One sometimes feels like that"
she conceded, passing n small gloved
hand across the soft fur OF her mum.
ct have wished for the finish. here
lately. for my part. You probably did
not know that ! was engaged to marry
Archer Ross. Of the Atalanta Automo-
bile Company"
Stanton sat erect. All Floyd's sus-
p~icions Of this girl rushed back TO his
mind.
"yes," she confirmed the thought IN
his expression. What you are imaSin-
Ing II quite correct. I tried very hard
TO induce you TO drive for the ATLANTA
Company instead Of for the Mercury.
The ATLANTA absolutely required .
good racing record, But I failed. You
were more than nrm In your decision"
30 that had been what she wanted
Of him. That had lain behind her
polished surface Of gracious admira'
ton and had been the core Of her In
sincerity.
"And when I would not drive for
your company. you tried to prevent
me from driving for my ownf" He
wondered incrednlously.
She looked at him. and looked away
again.
~ fancy you would scarcely credit
mo, MT. Stanton. II ! denied the fact
now. I have been very clumsy; . 30
ciety woman 10 not trained to practica
m~elodrama. You are unbelievably DIFF
ncuit to lead"
Her fiawiess self.possession gave a.
effect Of u~nreality to the whole affair
Stanton felt . vertigo Of the mind.
"You had that purpose IN view
when you nrst spoke to me at tn
Beach twenty!four hour racer" b.
questioned. "You hoped to induo
me to wreck my car by fast driving. 4
order 10 leave the ATLANTA q bette
chance of winningr"
"Oh, mol" she deprecated. II neve
tried to cause your wreck-what CO
you think met No. that was merel
an impulsive experiment: I wanted
see n you would 60 ~ I wished. Som
men have done So"
"Are you going to tell me that 20
druggsd me 1t Lowell. on the ' {
The road racer
.Druggsd youi That u . harshs
description than I evsr gave the inc
dent In my own mind. But ! pours
Into your coffee what Archer Ross hs
Given mo for that puyposS. He ssaid
would not harm you, bnIy prevent 70
. from driving nsxt morning; be b
I hssn betting heavily o. his car. b
you Ssoed, after al. III ~ you mu'
havs beSn..I mover IMAGINED yon woul
tako such : risk. or ! should have =
fused TIE responsibility. disliksd a
task anyhow. TO BE- fFauk. 7 was ho
rtbly heightened whom I saw you .