Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1913-02-07
CHAPTER II-(contInued)


Miss Carlisle, who introduces herself.
CHAPTER ll-(Contlnued.)
my father is president Of a tire
company," she idly remarked. His
tires are being used on some of the
cars, the Mercury for one, believe,
and he wanted to watch their testing
under use. So, after dinner engage
ment We could not escape, we mo-
tored down here from the city. You
see | have not viewed much Of the
race. admit this does not look very
perilous and l am a bit disappointed.
J." again her short crystal laugh, II
shall hope better things of the famous
Stanton; | want to admire him very
much. But I am OBTAINING you, and
you were leaving! Every thanks for
your patience"
Hardly leaving. since the twenty
four hour race is not six hours DID,"
he corrected briefly. 81 am glad to
have been of any use to you"
She returned his salute; then, upon
the cool impulse Of one accustomed to
doing as she chose, put her question
directly:
All am Miss Carlisle; would
like to know who has been good
enough to aid me in my ignorance"
My name is Stanton" he complied,
and went on.
From the shelter of the obscurity he
looked back. She had taken a step
forward into the light and her veil
had slipped aside as she gazed after
him with an expression Of acute and
eager interest. She could not have
been older than twenty-four or five,
with a finely cut, beautiful face
framed in waves Of fair hair
Floyd was sitting on a camp-stool
outside the tent, chatting with a
group of men, when Stanton returned.
The rest had brought back the mech
anician's color and animation; in fact,
he looked ridiculously young and ir-
responsible. But he sprang up read
lily at the drivers nod.
"Time?" he asked, his gray eyes
like FURNISHED steel.
Yes" Stanton confirmed. And to
the nearest man: Bring in the car"
There was an obedient commotion.
Several men ran to flag the other
driver; Floyd caught up goggles and
cap, and knelt to tighten a Logging
strap. AS Stanton made his own prep
arations, Mr.. Green hustled up to him.
Were leading" he reminded ST.
per1uously. There isn't, really, any
need for extra fast work, Stanton"
Stanton snapped a buckle, saying
nothing.
Il telephoned to the Office and told
Rupert he needn't come. l told him
that you had a new man"
"Well?"
He said, Poor NUT"
The driver Strengthened to his full
height, his firm dark face locking to
bronze innexibility.
You had better report his sympa,
thy to Floyd, whom it's meant for" he
advised hardly. Pm not interested
If the company doesn't like the way
drive, let them get some one in my
place; but while | do drive the car,
drive, and not Rupert or Floyd, Or
any one else. I'll neither take risks
nor shirk them to order"
The assistant manager choked
speechless. He had no way of know.
ing why Stanton flashed a sullen
glance toward the row of automobiles
before the grand-stand, or who was
meant by that ANY one else" Mean
while, he was intractable, he was in
subordinate, and he was obstinate
but he was Stanton.
The Mercury rolled in, the two men
climbed from their seats, and there
was momentary delay for tank fill.
ing. Stanton took his place, expert
mentally speeding and retarding his
motor while he waited for the work
men to finish.
Stop a minute while fix the car
buretor," requested Floyd, from be
side the machine. ITS colder late
at night like this. Wait, you've
dropped your glove"
Stanton silenced the engine. Some
thing in the fresh voice, the boyist
grace of the slight figure, the ready
courtesy of the act, stirred him with g
strange sensation and pricking shame
at his own brutality. Poor NUT" 6
whisper repeated to his inner ear
When Floyd offered the gauntlet, the
other dropped hand upon his shoul
der
Are you riding with me because
you want the money badly enough tc
chance anything" Stanton demanded
harshly, 'or because you are willing
to trust my driving"
Taken by surprise, open astonish
ment crossed the younger mans face
but his eyes did not, finch from tho
ones behind the goggles.