The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-03-29

tSOpyFIght, 1870, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.)
HlcK RICE paused on the TIRES.
hold of Cations bookshop, from
which he had just emerged, long
enough TO light cigarette, and then
looked toward the curb, expecting to
see mis- low, gray roadster waiting In.
Wtlngly for him. But there was no
roadster, gray or otherwise, in sight,
ana Dick Immediately berated himself
soundly for having his engine running
even Tor the few moments necessary
70 purchase much.wanted book.
Some old woman, / ami" he unused:
make myself think of old Aunt Sally
who used to leave the gas burning to
save matches"
His first and foremost idea, OF
course, was TO run down the thief who
had dared to run away with his pet
car in broad daylight. He fastened to
the curb and looked up and down the
thoroughfare for signs OF fleeing vii
lian. but there was nothing to war
rant more than passing glance, save
perhaps q crowd gathered in the
street two blocks south.
Ordinarily, Dick would have rushed
the disturbance, but Just now he had
still keen on capture, he hurried to
the police station, block north.
.g,il give nice tidy reward to the
fellow that rounds up that daredevil!"
he exclaimed to the chief. Why, !
wasn't in that shop five minutes!"
"Speakes well for your starter
doesn't it? Your daredevil had pretty
good judgment I'll say. Don't worry
we'll run him to cover all right.
Were going TO make these buzz-buggy
snatchers sit up and take notice"
With this assurance Dick was oblig.
ed to be content, and after leaving
his license number, telephone and
street address, he started back toward
Cations thrill with the vague hope
that the thief, relenting, might have
decided to return his stolen property.
Instead, he saw luxurious limousine
where his own car had stood scarcely
half hour before. His married sister
Kit, was about to enter II and, hasten
ing HIS gait, he poured the story OF
his loss into her sympathetic ears.
I'll4tell you what, Dicky dear" she
offered, i've an errand around the
corner which will take me over an
hour. I'll walk over and you have
Brompton drive you through the park
you might run down clew."
Dick jumped in and Brompton
started south toward the park, but
they had only reached the corner;
when they were startled by a loud
report. They left the limousine to see
what was the, matter and saw sin
ister-loofing hospital ambulance draw
up to the curb.
Whats the matter?" asked Dick,
pushing his way through.
TOP rail of our chassis broke and
Our stearing gears on the blink" said
the driver. "Pretty tough, too, seein's
we've got patient aboard that's been
ordered to the hospital instanter,"
Put him in our car and we'll finish
the trip without delay" commanded
Dick, his own trouble fading into moth.
ingness with his concern for others.
Tain't him, but s'pose you amt
kiciSin' on tal1in' lady"
They placed the young girl tenderly,
carefully among the cushions in the
limousine, and Dick and the hospital
inferno took turns supporting her. II
Dick insisted he was the stronger,
Who shall blame him? There was an
ugly clot of blood matted into the
girls fair hair, and her long black
lashes lay upon her waxen cheeks as
though they had been glued there.
Once she moaned, muttering broken
ly, Ned, oh, oh, Ned" and Dick forth
with registered violent dislike for
all men named Ned.
At the hospital he learned that she
was Aline Whitley and that she stood
q very fair chance for speedy recov.
cry. After ordering Brompton back to
call for Kit, he went home and tried
TO compose himself enough to map
out some plan of action which might
help in tracing his stolen car. But his
thoughts travelled ever and anon back
No the girl he had so lately held in his
arms.
.By Joye, she's stunner!" he mus.
ed Wonder II l dare wander over
there tomorrow"
The ringing of the telephone cut
short his musing, and when he ans.
wered voice at the other end drawl.
ed:
asay, the chief says to tell you
they've got your car, and the dare.
devil that stole It got beat up in an &C.
cident. The thiers in the Alenan
Hospital and your cars in Morley's
garage. IL"
But Dick waited for no more. Alex.
ian Hospital. That was where they had
taken Aline Whitley and the thiefs
presence there would give him an ex-
ruse TO go over. 1t would be only cour-
locus to ask after her-perhaps he
might even get glimpse of her.
Not much sleep for Dick that night.
He tried to imagine how severe he
was going TO be with the thief, but his
whole attitude seemed softened by
thoughts Of, the girl in the limousine.
and when he did sleep his dreams
we're curious tumble OF tender words
and threats.
A call at the garage next morning
uncovered the fact that little damage
had been done, the roadster and, leav.
Ing orders to have it repaired, Dick
hurried to the hospital AS he was
4 hIfNhaIry ha otaaa IL .,d