Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-02-01
The l51gYlIN@z@<s&A;A
MdE[RGUIQYY V.T.9
by ELEANOR MI 061@RAM1
% AUTHOR OF THE GAME AND THE CANDLE
NZIJNTAZ32DE5 ~ RY N/4LT,~.
"a


idity of unwasted movement suggest
ing a conjuring feat.
by George!" exclaimed her escort.
"A splendid man you've got there!
Really, splendid chauffeur, you
know"
The driver smiled with CLEAN OF
irony, but disregarded the comment.
Would you like to get into your
carr" he asked the girl. You will be
able to start very soon"
81 see that" she acknowledged
gratefully. Thank you; l would
rather wait here"
us your chauffeur trustworthy"
"Oh, yes; he has been in my uncle's
employ for three years. But he was
never before out here, in this place"
There was pause, filled by the
soft monotone Of insults drifting from
the side OF the limousine, for Rupert
talked while he worked and his fell
low-worker did not please him.
Wrench, baby hippo! Oh, look be-
hind you where you put it-you need
a memory course. You ought to be
passing spools to lady with sew
ing machine. Did you ever see a mo-
tor car before? There, pump her up,
do" He rose, drew out his watch and
glanced at II. Five minutes; I'll
have to beat that day after tomorrow.
The driver looked over at him and
their eyes laughed together. Now, for
the first time the girl noticed that
across the shoulders of both mems
Jerseys ran in silver letters the name
of famous foreign automobile
II am very grateful, indeed" she
said bravely and graciously. II wish
l could say more, or say 1t better. The
Journey will be short, now"
But all her dignity could not check
the frightened shrinking of her glance,
first toward the interior of the limou-
sine and then toward the man who
was to enter there with her. And the
driver of the gray machine saw 1t.
I'VE have done very little" he re-
turned. May ! put you in your carr"
The chauffeur was gathering his
tools, speechlessly outraged, and max
ing ready to start. Seated among the
rugs and cushions, under the light OF
the luxurious car, the girl deliberately
drew off her glove and held out her
small uncovered hand to the driver OF
the gray machine.
Thank you," she said again, meet
ing his eyes with her. own, whose
darkness contrasted oddly with the
blonde curls clustered under her hood
You are not afraid to drive into
the city alone?" he asked.
Alone! Why, my cousin"
Your cousin is going to stay with
me-"
She flung back her head; amaze
ment, question, relief struggled over
her sensitive face, and finally melted
into irrepressible mirth under the fine
amusement of his regard.
You are clever-and kind, to do
that! No, / am not afraid"
He closed the door.
Take your mistress home" he babe
the chauffeur. Crank for him, Ru
pert"
why, why" stammered the limou-
sine's other passenger, turning as the
motor started.
No one needed him.
"By-by, don't break any records"
Rupert called after the chauffeur.
Hold yourself in, do. If you shed
any more tires. telegraph for me, and
II Pm within a days run I'll come put
them on for you and save you time"
Silence closed in again, as the red
tail light vanished around a bend.
The gray cars driver nodded CURLY
to the stupefed youth in the middle Of
the road.
Unless you want to stay here all
night, you'd better get in the ma
chine" he suggested. MY names
Lestrange-I suppose yours is
Ffrench?"
Dick Ffrsnch. But, see here, you
mean well, but I'm going with my
cousin. I'd like drive with you, but
I'm busy"
You're not fit to go with your
cousin"
Not"
Fit" completed Lestrange def
hltCiys Sdh yOu nduS Oh
Rupert?"
II can" Rupert assured, with an in
Election of his own. Get your friend
aboard"
Lestrange was already in his seat,
waiting.
What's that for?" asked the dazed
guest, as, on taking his place, strap
was slipped around his waist, secur-
ing him TO the seat.
$50 you won't fall out" soothed the
grinning Rupert. You amt well, you
know. Not that I'd care IL you did,
but somebody might blame Darling"
The car leaped forward, gathering
speed to an extent that was revela-
ton in motoring to Ffrench. The
keen air, the giddy rush through the
dark, were a SOLDERING tonic. After a
while he spoke to the man beside him,
nervously embarrassed by a situation
he was beginning to appreciate.
This Is a racing cart"
at was"
isn't IL noW?"