The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1912-12-13
CHAPTER v.

There was a change in the French
affairs, Tightening of the atmos-
phere a vague quickening and stir Of
healthful cheer in the days that fol
lowed The somber master of the
house met it in Bailey's undisguised
eIation and pride when they discussed
The successful business now taxing the
factory's resources, met 1t yet again
In Emily's pretty gaiety and content.
But most strikingly was he confronted
with an alteration in Dick.
1t was only week after his first
morning ride with Lestrange, that
Dick electrified the company at din
ner, by turning down the glass at his
plate
'T've cut out claret, and that sort of
thing" he announced. Its bad for
the nerves."
His three companions looked up in
complete establishment. 1t was Satur-
day night and by ancient custom Bal
ley was dining at the house.
etWhat has happened to you? Have
you been attending revival meet
ang?" the young mans uncle inquired
with sarcasm.
Its bad for the nerves." repeated
Dick There isn't any reason why l
shouldn't like to do anything other
fellows do Les-that is, none OF the
men who drive cars ever touch that
stun, and look at their nerve"
Mr.. French contemplated him with
the irritation usually produced by the
display of ostentatious virtue, but
found ne comment Emily gazed at
the table, her red mouth curving in
spite Of all effort at seriousness.
you're right, Mr.. Dick said Bal
ley dryly. "Stick to it,"
And Dick stuck, without as much
rs a single lapse. Ffrenchwood saw
comparatively little of him, as time
went on, the village and factory
much. He lost some weight, and &C
Quired a coat of reddish tan.
Emily watched and admired in ST.
Ience She had not seen Lestrange
again. but it seemed to her that his
influence overlap all the life Of both
house and factory. Sometimes this
showed so plainly that she believed
Mr. French must see, must feel the
silent force at work. But either he
did not see or chose to ignore. And
Dick was incautious.
I'm going to buy one of our road.
STEERS myself" he stated one day. "Can
have it at COST"
Mr.. French felt for his pince-nez.
"You? Why do you not use the
umousine?"
Because 1 don't want to go around
In a box driven by chauffeur. Iwant
classy car to run myself. I've beer
driving some Of the stripped cars
lately and l like it,
II will give you car, If you want
one answered his uncle, quite kind
}y. go select any you pr sfer."
Thank you." Dick sat up, besming
but I'll have to wait my turn, we've
orders ahead now. Lestrange say!
I've no right to come in and make
some other fellow wait"
Mr.. French slowly stiffened.
I'VE do not require lessons in ethic.
from this Lestrange," was the cold re
Duke. shall telephone Bailey tt
send up your car at once"
Rupert brought the sixty horse-pow
er roadster to the door, three hour
later. And Emily appreciated that LIE
strange was discreet as well as com
peliing. when she found the black
eyed young mechanician was detaile,
30 accompany Dicks maiden trips
which duty was fulfilled, incidentally
with the fine tact of Richelieu.
In May there was still greater ae
cessioH of work at the factory. In ad
dltion. the first of June was to one,
with twentyfour hour race at Beac
track. and Lestrange was entered 70
IT. Excitement was in the air; Die
Game IN the house only to eat an
sleep.
Tie day before the race. M,