Middletown transcript., 1914-06-27
CHAPTER lHcoutInusd.

But It was not so much the thought
that we were attracting attention as
the knowledge that she admired this
man whom l, always an ardent nero
worshiper, had already in mind ap-
propriated for my own. don't mean
In any vulgar sense, OF course. hau
he had the audAcity to speak to me
without proper introduction. should
have cut him dead, but l admired MIN
As the exponent of a difficult and dan
gerous art. He drove like god!-
Harry and his little AFFAIR at home
were nothing to him.
And he did not receive the prize!
We were so disgusted with the
Judges decision that we mutually for
Eaye each other and resolved to share
our hero In common. As for the un-
known, he did not seem to care bit
He doffed his cap lightly to the clsmor-
ing multitudes and, descending, turned
to some Of his assistants.
what are they going to do now"
asked Estelle.
"The next act will be the dangerous,
desperate and death-defying ascension
to an incredible altitude with pas
senger," remarked pudgy gentleman
upon the seat beside US.
Of course l turned a cold shoulder
upon the impudent fellow, and Estelle
only acknowledged his information
with the coolest nod. But still we
could not help possessing this morsel
Of knowledge, and | confess | looked
forward with a thrill Of painful ex-
pectation to the hazardous undertak-
ing, and my heart beat faster for the
safety of the unknown
And then dreadful thing happened.
The passenger whom our hero had ar
ranged to take on his ascension had
either lost his nerve or his way; any
how, by the time the others were
ready to start he was still being
sought for among the audience.
Our hero stood not a dozen PAGES
away from me, his strong, grave face
turned upward expectantly, scanning
the crowd upon the grand stand, but
always in vain. The passenger who
was to accompany him was evidently
lot upon the grounds.
Meanwhile, one by one, the other
aeroplanes, with their double freight,
were rising slowly, like great birds.
A couple of stewards, in frock coats
and silk hats, came over to our un-
known. At the short distance at which
they stood could hear every word dis
tinctly.
Your passenger has not conner" de-
-manded one of the stewards coolly,
and l think there was touch of ma
Hcious pleasure in his voice.
at appears not" answered the un-
known, struggling his shoulders. And
then understood the meaning of that
malicious intonation. This man was
foreigner-like myself; and, good
sportsmen though they we're, the stew
ards could not but feel natural pleas
ure at the possible removal of one Of
their nations most dangerous rivals.
1T is possible" began the aviator
slowly, searching for his words with
painful precision, 'it is possible to
take up volunteer
mo-" snapped one of the stewards;
and "yes," answered the other with
equal volubility.
Il will look up the exact wording in
the book of rules" said the first again,
and from his immaculate frock coat
he produced a little leather bound
book, which he inspected through a
pair of gold-rimmed glasses.
Il gather from rule XIV that the
personality of the passenger is Of no
consequence" he announced at last
$50. If you can find one, sir. you may
take up volunteer"
The aviator bowed. IF anyone will
accompany me-" he murmured, and
the steward advanced directly toward
me and cried in a loud voice:
'Will any gentleman volunteer to
make the ascent with Competitor No.
81?
At least half dozen gentlemen be-
gan to rise in their seats.
The aeroplane will ascend to the
highest point possible" he continued
and all but two dropped down again.
These remained standing, gazing at
each other sheepishly.
"And then descend with the motor
cut off," he continued; and both Of
them fell back with solid thump that
shook the benches.
81 am afraid that no volunteer is
available, sir" said the steward, retir-
ing a few steps toward the contestant.
To this day do not know what pos
sessed me. Was it the sense Of fellow
ship in a strange land, or sporting in
stincts. or merely contempt Tor the