Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-06-27


turn, and his own best move. The
successive flashlights on either side
were binding, the atmosphere was
suffocating with the exhaust gasolene
and acetylene fumes. II was as IA
miliar to him as the odor of sawdust
10 the circus dweller, as the strong
salt wind to a habitant OF the coast;
the unusual element lay In the boy
beside him. Man, he refused to
acknowledge him.
The sharp crack Of a pistol, the fall
of flag, and the whole struggling,
flaming flock sprang forward toward
the first turn, wheel to wheel in
death-edged contest. And Stanton for
got his mechanician.
The Mercury led the first circuit, as
usual. 1t was very fast, and its pilot
took the chances more prudent drivers
avoided. Still, the lead was less than
the cars own length, two of it's closest
rivals hanging at its TANKS, when they
passed the tumultuous grand-stand.
Just ahead lay again the death
curve" There was swift movement
beside Stanton, the pendent linen
streamers floating from his cap were
deftly seized and the dust swept from
his goggles with a practiced rapidity.
Gar on each side an one trying to
pass" the clear voice pierced the
hearing "No room next the fence"
Stanton grunted The boy knew
how to rise in a speeding machine,
then, and how to take care of his
driver, he noted. Nevertheless, he
meant to take that fence side.
And he did. AS the other drivers
shut off power to take the dangerous
bend more slowly, Stanton shot for
ward at unchanged speed, cut in ahead
and swept first around the turn, TAX
ing the inside curve. The spectators
rose with universal cry of consterna-
ton; the Mercury swerved, almost
facing the infield fence, skidding ap-
pallingly and lurching drunkenly on
two wheels, then righted itself under
the steering-wheel in the masters
hands, and rushed on, leading by a
hundred feet.
The people cheered frantically, the
band crashed into raucous music.
Stanton's mechanician got up to lean
| over the back of the flying car and
feel the rear castings.
You're tryin' to tires" he impaired,
his accents close to the drivers ear.
That was the first time that Stanton
noticed that Floyd lisped and blurred
his final "g" in moments of excite
ment. 1t might have sounded effemi
nate, if the voice had not been with
out tremor. AS it was
At the end of the first hour, the
bulletin boards showed the Mercury
five laps ahead of it's nearest rival
And then Floyd spoke again to his
driver.
'What?" Stanton questioned, above
the noise of the motor.
We've got TO run in; I'm afraid of
the rear inside shoe. 1t won't stand
another skid like the last"
Stanton's mouth shut in hard
line.
81 will not" he stated. Get back
in your place. You can't tell"
81 can"
Stanton deigned no reply, sliding
past one Of the slower cars on the
back stretch. To go in meant to lose
the whole time gained. AS they took
the back turn, Floyd again leaned
over.
Coin to throw away the race an
wreck your machine, for foolishness?"
he inquired. That's just like you,
Ralph Stanton. You'll risk blowout
an a smash to save five minutes in a
twenty-four hour race. You can drive,
but you won't use common sense"
Something snapped under Stanton's
mask. Raging with silent fury, he
slowed down his car and swung into
the paddock gate as they came oppo-
site it, laundering through to his own
camp.
Elk that tire" he commanded, as
the swarm of mechanics surrounded
them, and descended from his seat to
confront the assistant manager. Have
you got me another mechanician,
yet? This one won't do"
why, no." Mr.. Green deprecated.
"The driver who alternates with you
wants to keep his mechanician; be-
sides, the man isn't exactly ready to
go with you, and he couldn't do both
shifts, anyhow. I've telephoned to
the company to find man and rush
him here. What" he looked toward
the group around the car, where
Floyd's bronze head shone in the cleo
trio light as he directed proceedings,
whats the matter with this one?
Scared?"
NO." conceded Stanton, grudgingly
Just. "Insolent and interfering"
well, If that is all"
Stanton turned his back upon the
speaker, recklessly and blindly angry,
past all reasoning.
When, the brief operation COM
pleted, Floyd sprang up beside his
driver for the start, Stanton surveyed
him through his goggles.
"If you are nervous about my driv-
ing and my sense, you had better get
off now" was the grim warning. For
l drive as | see fit, and I'm going to
make up these laps"