Putnam patriot., 1912-01-26

hurled viciously across the silence. Gee you're a slow bunch of work ersi Where's Lestrange2" The tumult that broke loose swept all to confusion. And after all it was Lestrange who was put in the sur geon's care. while Rupert rode back to the camp on the drivers seat Of the ambulance.
 Tell Emily I'll come over to her as soon as I'm fit to look at" was the message Lestrange gave Dick. And when you go back to the factory. have your steering -knuckles strength ened."
 Dick exceeded his commission by transmitting the speech entire; re beating the first part to Emily with all affectionate solicitude, and fiinging the second cuttingly at his uncle and Bailey.
 'The doctors say he ought to be in bed. but he won't go" he concluded. No. you can't see him until they get through patching him up at the hos pital tent; they put every one out ex-
 
 CT having a ninety Mercury on top of him. You're to come over to our camp. Emily, and wait for Lestrange. I suppose everybody had better come"
 It was a curious and an elevating thing to see Dickie assume command of his family. but no one demurred. An official, recognizing in him Le- strange's manager, cleared a way for the party through the noisy press of departing people and automobiles.
 The sunset had long faded, night had settled over the motordrome and the electric lamps had been lit in the tents, before there came stir and murmur in the Mercury camp.
 Don't skid. the grounds wet" cau- toned voice outside the door. Steady"
 Emily started up. Dick sprang to open the canvas, and Lestrange cross ed the threshold Lestrange, color less, his right arm in a sling. his left wound with linen from wrist to elbow, and bearing a heavy purple bruise above his temple, but with the bright ness of victory flashing above all weariness like dancing flame. sweetheart" he laughed, as Emily ran to meet him. needless of all things except that he stood within touch once more. My dear, l told Emily"
 For as he put his one available arm about her, she hid her wet eyes on his shoulder.
 q am so happy" she explained breathlessly. "lt is only that"
 "You should not have been here at all, my dear. But it is good to see you. Who brought you? Bailey?" catching sight of the man beside Dick. Good, I wanted some one to help me {; Rupert and I have got to find hotel and we're not very active" Emily would have slipped away from the clasp. scarlet with returning recollection. but Lestrange detained her to meet his shining eyes.
 ''The race is over." he reminded for her ears alone. I'm going to keep you, if you'll stay" He turned to take a limping step offering his hand cordially to the speechless Bailey, and faced for the | first time the other man present.
 q think" said Ethan French. "that | there need be no question of hotels We have not understood each other but you have the right to French woods hospitality. If you can travel we will go there.'
 No" answered David Ffrench, as quietly. Never. You owe me noth ing, sir If I have worked in your factory, I took the workman's wages for it; if I have won honors for your car, I also won the prize-money given to the driver. I never meant so to establish any claim upon French wood or you I believe we stand even Dick has taken my place, happily Emily and I will go on our own road. They looked at each other, the like ness between them most apparent, in the similar determination of mood which wiped laughter and warmth from the younger mans face. How 1 ever coldly phrased and dictatorially spoken, it was an apology which MT French had offered and which had been declined. But-he had watched