The Parma herald., 1913-01-09
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.
Six O'Clock was the hour set for the
start Of the Beach race. And II was
Just seventeen minutes past Eve
when Dick Ffrench. hanging In q
frenzy OF anxiety over the paddock
fence circling the inside OF the mile
oval. uttered something resembling 8
howl and rushed to the gate to sigma
his recreant driver. From the oppo
site side OF the track Lestrange waved
gay return, making his way through
the officials and friends who pressed
around him to shake hands or slaI
his shoulder caressingly. jesting and
questioning. calling directions and ad
vice. A brass band played noisily in
the grand-stand. where the crowd
heaved and surged the racing ma
chimes were roaring In their camps.
What's the matter? Where were
your" cried Dick. when at last Le
strange crossed the course to the cen
trail field. "The cars are going out
now for the preliminary run. Ruperts
nearly crazy. snarling at everybody
and the other man has been getting
ready to start instead OF you"
We'll. he can get unready." smiled
Lestrangs. Keep cool. French: I've
got half an hour and could start
now. I'm ready"
He was ready; clad In the close-fit-
ting khaki costume whose immaculate
daintiness gave no hint of the GER
tainty that before the first six hours
ended 1t would be wreck Of yellow
dust and oil. AS he paused In run
ming an appraising glance down the
street.-The row of tents. the white
clothed driver OF spotless white car
shot out on his way to the track. but
halted opposite the latest arrival to
stretch cordial hand.
Il hoped a trolley car had bitten
you." he shouted "The rest of us
would have more show II you got lost
on the way. Darling"
The boyish driver at the next tent
looked up as they passed. and came
grinning over to give his clasp.
Get move on; what you been do
In all day. dear child? They've been
giyin' your manager sal volatile to
hold him still" He nodded at the agi-
tated Dick In ironic commiseration.
Go get out you- car, Darling; |
want to beat you." chaffed the next In
line.
Strike up the band. here comes
driver" sang another, with an en-.
trancing French accent.
Laughing. retorting. shaking hands
with each comrade rival. Lestrange
went down the row to his own tent.
At his approach a swarm OF mechanics
from the factory stood back from the
long. low. gray car. the driver who
was to relieve him during the night
and day ordeal slipped down from the
seat and unmasked.
He's here" announced Dick super.
huously. Rupert-where's Rupert?
Don't tell me he's gone nowl Le-
strange"
But Rupert was already emerging
from the tent with Lestrange's gaunt
let's and cap. his expression a study
In the sardonic.
1T hurts me fierce to think how you
must have hurried" he observed.
Did you walk both ways. or only all
threel I'm no Eve. but I'd give a
snake an apple to know where you've
been all day"
Would your" queried Lestrange
clasping the goggles be
fore his eyes. "Well. I've spent the
last two hours on the Coney Island
beach. about three squares from here.
watching the kiddies play In the sand
didn't feel like driving just then. It
was mighty soothing. too"
Rupert stared at him. a dry un
willing smile slowly crinkling his dark
face.
Maybe. Darling" be drawled. and
turned to make his own preparations
Fascinated and useless. Dick looked
On at the methodical furry OF the next
'ew moments: until Lestrange was in
his seat end Rupert swung In beside
lim. Then a gesture summoned him
% the side OF the machine.
I'm run In again before we race.
n course" said Lestrange to him.
'bove the deafening noise of the mo
or BE around here: want to see
fou."
Rupert leaned out. all good. .humor
nee more as he pointed TO the ma.
'hine.
Got healthy talk. whatf" be ex.
llted.
The car darted forward.
A long round Of applause welcomed
-estranges swooping advent on the
rack Handkerchiefs and scarfs were
waved: his name passed from mouth
o mouth