New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-12-08
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR DECEMBER 8. 1912

the only thing that can get him there quicker
than us.
speed won't do it for him, asserted Dal-
ton grimly.
There was silence again as the car rushed
on. The darkness was intense, and objects
along the road could be distinguished only
AS standing out more darkly against the dark
skv. They were more than half across the
length Of Long Island before first FAINT
prayncss became distinguishahlc. At first
Tor a few moments IN It's strangcncSS like
something white seen through the blacltnesS
81 the night. they were not certain that 1t
was the approach Of day.
"Nlust be q little before six, isn't it'' Dial
ton asked.
Wimarth stood holding his watch until
there WAS light enough to see.
Ten minutes to SIX.
The sun had risen on the most glorious OF
early spring mornings; for late March as 1t
was. the beginning Of the day had the soft,
fresh radiance Of early May. The country
under the brilliant sunshine was manifestly
preparing 10 start into summer life. To the
four men the nature Of their crrand appeared
strangely ncongruous and most unreason-
able
what will the Landons think OF us tum-
bling in on them at this hour-lt-if we've
made a mistake
~l can easily explain it., said Wilmarth
mpaticnty,- ~only get on, get on
Al long. straight part Of the road they
n saw an automobile far ahead. That il
was going at pace as great as their own
machine was clear. For minutes the distance
between the two cars remained the same.
81 believe its he" said Southby.
"Not a doubt of It, Dalton shouted, and
the wind carried his words back to them.
The sight Of the other racing motor in
some way had brought at once greater con
firnation 20 their minds OF a reality IN the
purpose OF their mad journey. For miles
they continued, the distance unchangng.
At times an intervening hill would hide the
other automobile, a wood coming IN the way
would shut it off; but always again they
would see it or could detect the cloud OF dust
that marked its progress. Finally, after
crossing the top Of a slight ACTIVITY, they
came to 4 stretch OF country through which
the road ran for a mile or more clearly in
view before them.
Hes not there" cried Southby, gazing
eagerly ahead.
"Can't you sec him." demanded Wilmarth
eagerly. "Thcn he's taken the wrong turn.
Were nearly there now-hc can't get there
before us Don't slow down, though
The sun was 50 high that something of its
warmth could be felt; indeed. full daylight
had come. Before long they left the rougher
highroad. Turning between the stone col
umnS Of an entrance gate, the wheels ran
evenly and rapidly over the unbrokcnlevelsof
the perfect surface of the approach twisting
through the park landscape of thcgrcat place.
"No one will be up" said Dalton.
As they swiftly vccrcd about a thick
boskct at a bend in the avenue, the house
came in sight Enthusiastically the big
spreading structure conveyed an impression
Of rcpoSc; nothing moved and no one seemed
TO he in sight.
SEE there" exclaimed Wellesley, pointing
~ "lt's a groom leading two horses,
said Dalton.
"Onc Of them has womans saddle"
added Southby quickly.
Margaret often rides early in the morn
ing" spoke Wilmarth.
He was interrupted or paused as he heard
the onrush of a motor. a car was coming
furiousy up another approach to the house
and had just sprung into sight.
Hes been driving faster than before, or
he couldn't have got here cried Wlmarth.
Hes going to be there first" muttered
Dalton