The Clovis news. [volume] (Clovis, N.M.) 1907-1929, 1913-05-29

$50 ." 2- W"H. N@Z
blood yelling from a Jagged rent In
only fixed on Stanton.
"You're-Rll right" he a~rticuiated
1T Yes. A fool always is. You"
But he could see for himself that
the m~echanician was not seriously in
iured, without Foyd's ~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 s%puttering roa the Duplex ma
chine rounded the turn and sped down
the straight stretch, it's mechanician
staring back over his shoulder at the
wreck. But Floyd brushed the girlish
curls of his forehead and staggered
erect. helpless laughter shaking him.
Call your I think you've got the
best disposition an the worst temper
l ever sawl Tie this up an wen
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. Tho
big car was rlghted by fifty hands;
! Stanton and Floyd-unaided, accord
ing to racing rules-pnt 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 It 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 comet-llke than ever.
But Stanton took the turns conssr-
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 slgnaled Floyd to lean
closer, and when he was obeyed;
Where's the Duplex" he Quea-
toned eagerly.
"At its repair pit for the last hour, /"
Floyd made hopeful answer. San
there's only the ATLANTA ahead Of
us"
Stanton shook his head, but let out
his car a little faster.
The Mercury came across the line,
at the finish. Just five minutes behind
the ATLANTA; 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 tumult,
Floyd descended. stiff and weary
enough after the continuous run OF
five hours and ~hfty-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 n Of the judges
came over to shake hands, was the ex'
PLANTATION made evident.
III / 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.
A little later Floyd, some Of the
CRIME removed, somewhat rested
and issuing from the ambulance sur
geon's care with hls arm bandaged n
civilized fashion. felt q touch on bis
shoulder.
"I'm going to get out Of this up
roar. Stanton briefly impaired. Come
with mo; send for your things and
stay at my hotel tonight"
Floyd drew back, hesitating oddly
"Pm sorry" he began.
stanton's straight dark brows con
tfacted.
you mean that you don't want any.
thing personal to do Nth your brute
Of a driver7 Oh, say So"
mo, mol Only-I-"
The steellkeen eyes sent n direct
glance into the troubled gray ones.
"Good-by, pronounced Stanton den
nitely. and turned Oh his heel.
"Stantoni" cried Floyd. IA distreaa
The other kept on. u~nheeding.
"Stantoni" Floyd appealed. oyertak
ing him. 'Please--I give you ms
word ] M meant that. I've got
to be back at my own hotel. t0nlgha
that was all IN do anything yor
say"
Stanton slowly halted.
"Wm you come with me now, ID
dinnPrl Suit yourself"