The Washington times., 1916-11-11

between the two tire business was
bungled. "Mr. John Smith" Christie
pher yelled through the glass. his hand
and the walters both on the old-fash-
toned latch.
He hoped to make the stranger turn.
and IL he did so. at the sound OF that
name. II would be practically certain
that his sudden departure was no coin
cidence. But. instead OF turning. the
man sprang into the drivers seat of
the fine. large car. which he had already
hotel.
Dinner was but half over and Christie
pher was still hungry. yet there was
only one thought In his mind-to follow
hand money to a staring waiter and
say, Don't mind the change" as Mr..
John Smith had done before on previ-
GUS emergency. when a leather-clad
Chauffeur came running up. a dazed
well. | never % this. youth exclaimed
inelegantly.' as the automobile disap-
peared round the corner. us he out
rs that your carr asked Christopher
Yes" answered the chauffeur its
gone OF without me. But suppose It
will be coming back. ! was told to get
my, supper, and. as I'm paying my own
bill this trip. went down the street to
a cheap place"
ch rP,srhsPs I'm going his way" said! said
me. II you like. In my car. I'm starting
at once. What's your employers name?"
"Fortescue." replied the chauffeur.
II don't know much about him 1
only got the job yesterday. He's ship
ping his cara 40-horsepower Ress-
ler--from Dover to Canals by cargo
boat tonight. Cars new-only deliv-
cred day or two ago. l believe,
after delay. Much obliged for your
oner. sir. Are you go Ing that wayr'
Il am" said Oh christopher.
was of. and flying faster than the
law allows: but accidents can happen
with the best regulated motorcars.
Things so seldom happened to Scar
let Runner that Race had got out of
the habit of expecting them; but II
usually when. least convenient. OF
all nights. Christopher Race would
have prayed for a good run tonight;
yet 1t was now that Scarlet Runner,
with the perverseness OF the best
automobiles. chose to puncture tire.
Even with the strange chauffeur's
help there was nearly half an hour $
delay; and hardly was the car on the
road again when the tire on the other
driving wheel went down. Another
half-hour was wasted; nevertheless,
when Scarlet Runner rushed through
Dover toward the quay she passed a
yellowAcar standing in the open door
That's she, I'd swear IT," cried the
chauffeur; and Christopher stopped in
triumph. "We'yes done the trick" he
said to himself.
But. though they had tracked the
car. they had lost the man. The Ress-
Ter, II appeared had also had an acci-
dent. She had broken her change
speed leyer not far from the garage
where Christopher found her stand
Ing, and her owner had paid some
men to help him push her into her
present position. He wished to catch
the night boat. he explained. for Ca
lais, and would leave money for the
cars keep and repairs. Later he would
wire an address and instructions.
On hearing this news from the en-
ployes OF the garage the chauffeur's
face fell. His master had, indeed, in
tended to take the night boat. and he was
20 have followed with the car on the
! cargo boat; but Mr.. Fortescue had
seemed to value the new automobile
highly, and II was extraordinary that
he should rush OF like this, leaving
his property in the hands OF strAn-
eers: -.
asked christopher.
She's started. sir" replied the care
taker of the garage.
Then 1 must send wire before
she reaches Calais" exclaimed Race.
She'll be at Calais before a wire
could reach there" returned the man
OF Dover, She'll be landing her pas:
BenRera ten minutes from now"