New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-09-06
CHAPTER XIX

TIP through that wonderful pcarlborcrcd vista that
stretches northward to apparent inilnlty spec ling
with jar and barely sound other than the low,
contcntcd dronc Of its motor, the taxicab chose the
northwest Of 5jth street as the most announcement
spot attainabIc to blow a shoe with report
infinitely more alarming than pistol shot: then
skidlcd toward the sidewalk like thing possessed by
suicidal MANIA designing to leap the curb and dash out
its brains against an inoifcnSivc residence.
But Lydia had drawn luckily in New Works gigantic
lottery of chauicurs. This man knew his business
Before the girl had recovered from the shock Of the tire
explosion and the subsequent shaking up he had
brought his machine to a stanlstll jumped down, and
was communing with himself in terms of confidential
profanity concerning the ruined tire
Then, opening the door, he announced that tins was
the last stop Sorry. he said but got no spare tire,
and if had I'll need hall hour make the change.
Now I'll have to wait for the repair car.
y prey to vague misrust, Lydia got out. The rain,
decorating the high-swung opa,'ccnt globes Of the twin
electric with svcry halos. dimmcd the distances
with spectral wells OF gray. Southwark the avenue lay
black and lonely save for the lurching lights {" an UNI
calmly bus cropping gngcrly way the trcachcrouS
wet asphalt; the north The plaza was like well in
the air, shot through and through with glimmcrng
light
Il don't know what to DO" Lydia vcnturcd in her
distress I'm a stranger in New York -" With "A
pang she realized how fatal such an admission might
prove.
But her chauffeur was prosac soul, who had never
chartered his gang and rocked little OF the ter
rors Of New York for the overseas immigrant. The
clock says a dollar twenty, he responded, with dis
g,istcd Jerk restoring the flag" to perpendicular
"Oh," said Lydia brightly. after blank moment;
and found her purse and gave the dollar and a
hall
"Ciot no change, he explained truculcnty.
You may keep it.
Thanks.
But please tell me the way to the nearest cab
rank
Cab rank" VAS Z; term not in this chauffeur voctbu-
larry; but he grapplJd manully with its occult 'gnll-
canoe. you mean stand ne explained, not unkindly.
III YOU don't mind walking with me a couple q" blocks,
III take YOU to the NIarWavc That's about the near
est. and anyway got to telephone for the repair
car"
~Thank YOU. said Lydia timidly -graitudc eaping
in her heart that kind destiny which had ordered thS
accident in ,l, this spot. The Alargrayc
Silcncing his motor the man led the way northward
through the lrzzlc Before scndidly shining portals
tha, contributed their full measure To- the flood OF hight
in the well Of the plaza he drew mp, with nod midi
eating stone sentry box al side &" the entrance
you'll GnI the starter in there. he announcer.
He'll get YOU another taxi Goodnight.
Thank you. Goolnght.
YDIA marched r,.,olutcly into the hotel She would
be DELAYED not five minutes longer than II she was
to engage another cab Immediately. Let Craven OBJECT
if he cared TO- when informed She hal every reason
able excuse fer desiring ri herself Of her rcsponsI-
v as quickly as possible and wash her hands Of the