Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1917-09-20
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A Race For !
4 Stake
But There Was More In 1t
Than the Money. ;
By ALAN iiINSDA.f


A number of persons stood on the
front porch of a summer hotel near
Washington, now looking at their
watches and now up the road as if ex-
pecting something or somebody. Among
them was q young lady dressed evil
IDENTIFY for an automobile ride.
eff he gets here at 3 o'clock he'll be
an hour ahead of time," said one.
What time is he due in Washing
tong" asked another.
"At G."
whats up on It'll"
"Oh, nothing valuable. It's a gentle
mans race against time. A dozen
pairs Of gloves are all there is in it."
Here he comes now"
The last one of these remarks was
scarcely spoken before a minute cloud
of dust was easily discernible up the
road. An automobile appeared a mere
speck and began to grow in apparent
size. In another minute it pulled up
at the steps Of the hotel. A young
man jumped out, calling for gasoline
and such other automobile equipments
as he needed. The lady mentioned
stepped up to him and said:
"Mr. Champlin, I believe"
II am" replied the auto. man, bow
ing and trying to get hold of his cap
to pull it off.
"My cousin, Humphrey Cook, know
mo fhof 7 woc horo fhot T Qioro 0nfo.
MODELLING and that I wish to go to the
city, has written me that you would
stop here and possibly would take
me in."
Mr.. Ch&nplin hesitated.
"Ill be no trouble" the lady added.
"Really I should be delighted for
your company, but in case Of any de-
lay 1 may have to proceed at break
neck speed"
"The faster you so the better I shall
like it,"
Every well. I'm an hour ahead and
if nothing breaks shall have no trou.
BILE in reaching the goal on time. Are
you ready?"
IL am"
step in, Miss l beg your pardon
l didn't get your name"
"Hood-Jagueline Hood" replied the
girl.
Mr.. Champlin started. Jack Hood!
he exclaimed.
THE same. Is there anything about
Jack Hood that you don't like?'
I've heard she's the worst feminine
daredevil the world has ever SEEM
you've also beard probably that she
knows all about an auto. Perhaps she
may aid you in case of trouble
BY this time Miss Hood was settling
herself comfortably in the auto, tying
her veil under her chin. There was q
singular look on Champlin's face. He
had bet Humphrey Cook that he would
drive his auto to New York and return
by a given time. Might notebook have
sent this girl to delay him?
"I'm sorry, Miss Hood" he said
"but I've changed my mind about tax
ing you"
II haven't changed mine about go
ing"
A bewitching smile lowered on hel
lips, and her Eyes danced with mis-
chief.
every WELL" he said, "I'll take you
But remember that in case there's an!
rascality perpetrated I shall treat yo1
just as if you were a man."
Good! That's the way I wish to b.
treated"
During this scene the onlookers hat
gathered around the machine, and a
the last words some of the men ant
all the women clapped their hands
Champlin got in, and the couple rollet
away, followed by cheers and the wav
ing of handkerchiefs. In another min
) ute nothing could be seen of them Blu
a tiny dust cloud.
, For an hour Miss Hood entertained
the driver of the auto in such a wa.
as to make him forget everything .bu
her. Nevertheless his eye was on th
speed gauge and the clock, and moth
ing pertaining to winning his race wa
neglected. There are women who cal
do more with a man in an hour" thai
other women car do in a lifetime
Miss Hood simply absorbed him.
!. Have you time to stop for q glas
of milk 2" she asked.
Certainly"
! "Well, there's a farmhouse off tn
road up there. Would you mind get
ting one for me?
Mr.. Champlip stopped before tn
gate and went up to the house. A VIC
man answered his knock at the door
and he went inside. He was no ,soone
: out of sight than Miss Hood jumped
out, took a small nickel plated monke''
wrench from her belt, unscreWed
nut and put it in her pocket. She ha'
not finished her work before Champlil
reappeared with a glass Of milk in hi
hand. Miss Hood was awakened t
: his presence by hearing the brenkin
Of glass on stone. Looking up, sh
saw Champlin the picture Of astonish
ment and chagrin. He knew that h
. had been "done."
Striding with n quick step to tn