Putnam patriot., 1912-07-05

Halted an Instant to Have His Lamps
 Relehted.
 ly toward his mechanician that some of the liquid splashed over the recipi- ent and trickled down upon them both.
 Here" he offered curtly.
 Thanks" Floyd accepted, and drank as they bounded forward, toss ing the tin pitcher back over his shoulder. where a reporter gathered it up and sat upon a keg of oil to write a pretty account of the volunteer me chanician who had made the Mer- cury's entry possible and of the conse- quent regard of Stanton for him.
 The next hour passed a trife more quietly. Perhaps even Stanton was sufficiently tired by the strain to drive with some conservatism; perhaps he acknowledged mentally that no car built would stand such viciously gru- cling work for twenty-four consecutive hours. But he kept the lead gained, for all that, and a pace like the long swoop of swallow.
 
 Hundred and eightieth lap. Car stopped around the bend" Floyd re- ported, at intervals. Otherwise there was mute attention to business on the part of both men.
 Signal" Stanton abruptly ordered, at last, as they rushed across the stretch of track between the grand ba irafr
 Floyd obediently rose in his place, raising his arms above his head in the accepted signal to their men to stand ready for the cars entrance. On the next circuit Stanton turned into the paddock and came to stop before the MercS.ry's tent.
 Get out" he directed, and himself left his seat.
 The two men who alternated were waiting to relieve the two who de- scended from the machine. The work men swarmed around to fill tanks and give swift inspection, and the fretting car sped back to the track.
 Left opposite each other in the flick ering glare of the swinging electric lamps. driver and mechanician stood for a moment, weary, car-stiff, and still tense. Stanton uncissped his mask with jerk, took step toward the tent, then turned toward his as- sistant.
 The three hours are up," he ob- served roughly. q suppose you leave me"
 Why do you suppose that? Are you through with me?" Floyd asked. with studied quietness.
 q made the offer to any man who would go for the first three hours. The time is up; you're free to get your money from Mir. Green. and Ieave.''
 Floyd took of his own mask and barred his white. steadfast face and tired eyes to the others gaze.
 q entered for the race, or for as much of it as you want me" he cor rected. Until you quit, or find sub stitute you like better. I'm with you"
 They looked at each other.
 "Go rest, then. There is coffee in- side" bade Stanton, and swung on his heel.
 At the entrance to his tent he was met by the exultant assistant mana ger.
 I've got you a mechanieian, Stan toni" he exclaimed jubilantly. "l tel ephoned our fix to headquarters, and Jack Rupert is coming down-the chief tester at the factory, you know, who used to race with the chief him self. He 'phoned that he wouldn't see the Mercury thrown out but to tell you he was going to cancel his life insurance policy first so he would not be accused of suicide for the Deneht of his heirs. Funny chap! He'll be here before you go on the track again"
 What for?" demanded Stanton TT kill my mechanician. l kill my car and myself-I don't need two men. and I've got one"
 But l thought you said began the amazed MT. Green.
 "I was wrong. Phone Rupert that I'll keep Floyd. Now, I'd like to get some rest"
 The assistant manager stepped aside from the entrance. confoundeo.