The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1914-06-15
A NOVEL
A w EEK

just been watching you do on the
track" apolokized Gerard. q
shall appreciate the honor of rid
ing into town with Mr.. Rose and
his rose"
The driver eoiored and laughed
together, as his guest took the
seat beside him.
They're always Raging me
| mean the professional racers and
motor men," he avowed. "They
called me rosebud until Just had
my car painted pink and bought
these pink suits and told them to
go ahead getting all the fun they
could. I'll get my turn tomorrow
night"
You are planning to VIM"
Il mean to try" he answered.
But Allan Gerard is going to
race; I'm afraid of him. Why.
he hasn't even been out to prae-
tiee! He says he knows the
track, they tell me. and he'll not
come down until couple of hours
before the start"
81 don't believe Gerard intends
to pose as confident" deprecated
his companion. you see, he has
his automobile factory to manage
as well as his racing work; I
rather fancy that he didn't come
out to practice because he was
busy"
"Oh, suppose so. II Just
gets on my nerves; I shouldn't
wonder If they were a bit raw
from SO much chatting by the
professional pilots. We're the
quickest tempered family that
ever happened, anyhow. I'll go off
the handle, l know l will. If those
grinnfng drivers get to gliding at
me tomorrow night"
I've seen considerable motor
racing, and I've been watching
you this afternoon. With training
and practice you could become
one of our few drivers. You have
the gift
Rose caught his breath, his
blue eyes flashed to meet the 9TH
er mans with dazzling ardor.
But-you must not go off the
handle. Never. You must keep
your nerve or quit the track"
1t isn't nerve, it's temper.
amended Rose honestly.
Gerard's firm lip bent amused
ly.
That's quite different" he
conceded. Some of the best
drivers and most amfable men |
know are very demonds when they
are racing" AHa
Gerard isn't. They say he is
the quietest ever"
The gentleman in question care
fully unfastened his glove.
Gerard seems to worry you, ;"
he commented.
He does. -
We'll, don't let him. This is
where you leave your machine p"
Yes. I'm awfuily Obliged to
you for coming in with me-"
Thanks for the ride" Gerard
stepped out and offered his hand.
"Good-by; good luck for tomor-
row and next day."
Watt" Rose protested. I'D
like to see you again. You haven't
told me your name"
We Will see each other again.
That's safe prediction, l assure
you. / will tell you my name next
time, IL you ask me-"
It was some forty-five hours
later that Gerard's prediction was
verified, in the glare-streaked
darkness of the Beach racetraek.
Before the hospital tent, the two
drivers came face to face.
Nothing wrong, 1 hope!"
Gerard greeted.
A sparkle of animation lit
Roses drawn face to boyishness.
I'm not hurt. l want to tell
you that ff I'd known who you
were, yesterday, I'd never have
asked you to ride with me-" he
answered. warmly impulsive. I'D
have got into the mechanieian's
seat and let you drive. But what
you said about my driving made
ii SO no one could rattle me. Mr..
Gerard; | am not going out of the
race because of that, anyhow"
Going out of the racer Why,
you re running in third place."
Rose shook his head. holding
out two blistered hands and linen
wound arms.
My machine went out of the
race, two hours ago, with a broken
erankshaft. IL you like, I'll be
your alternate" Gerard offered.
You-you mean"
II will drive your car until you
are ready to take it again for the
finish.''
The eomrade aid had been