The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1912-08-30
CHAPTER VII.
The Girl Like Floyd.

The Girl Like Floyd.
Stanton awoke slowly, with con-
seriousness of physical well-being and
singular restfulness. The shades OF
his room were lowered, but the daz-
cling sunshine streamed in around
edges and through cracks, glittering
over nearby table covered with vel
low kilograms, cards, newspapers, ho-
tel memoranda of telephone calls re-
ceived-all the familiar evidences OF
the morning after a race. And in the
midst of the litter stood an ice-water
pitcher containing a mass OF pale
yellow roses. Stanton frowned and
looked about him for bell.
Some one rose from corner and
approached the bed.
Better, sir?" queried businesslike
voice; distinctly medical young man
In glasses gazed down at him.
The full situation came clearly to
Stanton.
"All right" he gave brief assurance.
what time Is it,"
The young man consulted a watch.
Thirty eight minutes past twelve.
You have slept about eighteen hours,
as I figure it. / told Mr.. Floyd that
was all you needed; you were knocked
out by that attack of illness, followed
by a days work that was enough to
exhaust horse. / saw you race, yes
terday"
where is Floyd?"
~.He stayed here until midnight, un-
I'll you had been sleeping like baby
for five hours. He was nearly all in,
himself, but he wouldn't leave until
he was sure you were all right. One
of the incest fellows l ever met. He
made me promise to stay with you.
L." with an expansive smile, Il have
got more time than patients, as yet.
Here, all this junk came for you. on
the table. have answered seventeen
telephone calls and sent off twelve
posies in the watering. All right?''
Call right, and much obliged" Stan
ton affirmed, beguiled into smiling,
while he glanced casually at the table.
There isn't any one am in hurry
to see or hear from. think / will
get up; it's breakfast time"
'I think So. Considering it is your
first meal for thirty-six hours. I'll or.
der for you. Although l fancy you
could digest rubber tire; you look
1t. Oh, Mr.. Floyd left note"
Stanton rose to his elbow.
Where is it," demanded the man
who cared to hear from no one.
1t was a short note on the hotel sta
tionery. written in wide-open, leg
ible hand that somehow recalled
Floyd's direct gray eyes.
Dear Stanton: The doctor says you
are only tired; and l have got to be
in New York by morning. would
not leave you If could do as want
ed. hope you will believe that.
Cordially,
JESSE FLOYD"
The letter might have been written
BY girl, for its reticence and lack Of
the personal element, but Stanton was
well content. 1t rang right. He felt
vigorously alive and amazingly hun
CRY.
While he was breakfasting, or lunch
ing, and reading the heap Of CORE
spondence-which commenced with q
congratulatory telegram from the Mer
curry Company and concluded with 3
request for his photograph to be used
as speedometer advertisement
Stanton decided upon his course. HI
would obtain Floyd's address from
Mr.. Green, and pay visit of acknowl
edgment to his impromptu nurse
upon reaching New York. That much
was required by ordinary courtesy, a
least.
Got any enemics?" inquired th,
doctor when taking leave.
Are you asking for list Of m,
acquaintances? Stanton ironically re
sponded.
well, | don't want to play detec
tive, but that was funny kind Of in
digestion you had, according to Mi
Floyd's account. Some Of the othe
racers might have wanted to kee
you out Of the way"
mo! Do you think you are talkin
of horse-traders? Once for all, Their
r. nothing like that done.
Which was very trus. But after II