The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1913-08-02
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only fixed on Stanton
"You're-all right" he articulated
81? Yes. A fool always is. YOU
But he could see for himself that
the mechanician was not seriously in.
jEred, without Floyds reassuring nod
Call me what you like" Stanton
permitted, between clenched teeth. as
| he dragged out his handkerchief to
bandage the slender arm.
The appalled, crowd was upon them.
With a suffering roar the Duplex ma
chine rounded the turn and sped down
the straight stretch, its mechanician
staring back over his shoulder at the
wreck. But Floyd brushed the girlish
curls off his forehead and staggered
erect, helpless laughter shaking him
Call you? | think you've got the
best disposition an the worst temper
ever saw! Tie this up an We'll
right the car. We've got to be movin'
on"
There were plenty Of sympathetic
helpers Incredible to the witnesses.
but as Floyd had foreseen. the Mer-
curry had not materially suffered. The
big car was righted by fifty hands:
Stanton and Floyd-unaided. accord
ing to racing rules-put on the new
tires. and took their seats amid hearty
admiration and good wishes.
Twenty minutes after she left the
course. the Mercury shot down 1t once
more. By the time the grand-stand
was fully aware that stanton had
got his again." and the ambulance
had been hurried changing to the
scene Of the possible tragedy, the Mer-
curry whirled past the judges. running
more cometlike than ever.
But Stanton took the turns conser-
vatively; for him.
The race was lost. Even Stanton
could not regain the half-hour lead
given his competitors. Late in the
fourth hour he signaled Floyd to lean
closer. and when he was obeyed:
where's the Duplex" he ques-
toned eagerly
"At it's repair pit for the last hour"
Floyd made hopeful answer. AN
there's only the Atalanta ahead Of
u.s."
Stanton shook his head. but let out
his car little faster.
The Mercury came across the line,
at the finish, just five minutes behind
the Atalanta; to receive fully as great
an ovation as the winning car. The
spectacular driving, the record Of the
fastest lap and highest speed ever
made on that course, the second place
won in spite of the accident, almost
eclipsed the Atalanta's victory.
In the midst of the joyous tumllt.
Floyd descended, stiff and weary
enough after the continuous run Of
five hours and fifty-eight minutes. But
Stanton did not follow; leaning upon
his steering-wheel, the focus OF snap
ping cameras, curious crowds, and
blended congratulations and sympa-
thy. Only when one Of the judges
came over to shake hands. was the ex-
PLANTATION made evident.
If l am to get out. some one will
have to help me-" announced Stanton
impassively. and unclasped his mask.
barring a face gray with exhaustion
under its coating of caked dust.
And, in fact, 1t was necessary to aid
the cramped, over-taxed driver to dis
mount from his car; to the wonder Of
all those familiar with his usual su-
perb endurance.
little later Floyd. some Of the
CRIME removed. somewhat rested.
and issuing from the ambulance sur
geons care with his arm bandaged in
civilized fashion, felt a touch on his
shoulder
I'm going to get out of this up
roar" Stanton briefly impaired Come
with me; send for your things and
stay at my hotel tonight"
Floyd drew back. hesitating oddly.
I'm sorry" he began.
Stanton's straight dark brows con-
tracted.
"You mean that you don't want any.
thing personal to do with your brute
of a driver? Oh. say So
mo, no! Only-I-"
The steel-keen eyes sent one direct
glance into the troubled gray ones
"Good-by." pronounced Stanton def
nitely. and turned on his heel.
"Stanton!" cried Floyd. In distress.
The other kept ca. unheeding.
"Stanton!" Floyd appealed. overtak-
ing him. please give you my
word ] never meant that. I've got
to be back at my own hotel, tonight.
that was all. III do anything you
say"
Stanton slowly halted.
'Will YOU come with me now, to