The Press., 1922-05-25
Charlie Gets His
 Thrill
By FRANK H. WILLIAMS

Charlie Fisher had always said that i nothing exciting would ever happen to him. He'd always declared that hig ! life would be just like his experience l in the war-one of the first to be 1 drafted, and all during the service kept at desk job in America until long 1 after the boys who saw actual fight ing were mustered out and back home 1 again.
 l That's the way my life is going to be-" Charlie told some of his pals one evening after poker game in which Charlie, as nearly always, had come out practically even. My life is going 1 to be humdrum and mOnOtonous. There won't be anything wonderful or ex- citing in 1t. No matter what thing | tackle that looks like action, 1t al- ways goes to sleep when come along. It's tough, tell you, fellows, it's tough"
 "Huh!" ejaculated one of the others, when your luck does change 1t sure ! will change for fair. You'll get all the excitement you want by and by. You watch"
 ''Nfx, not mel" exclaimed Charlie, | and he went from the room out into 1 the night to find his small car and go home to his quiet couch. But Charities car was missing.
 And, right there Charlie's luck changed.
 At first Charlie thought he must be dreaming. His car was one of the prehistoric models which should be placed in museums, and it didn't seem possible that any human being would care to steal it.
 At first Charlie thought he might have forgotten where he'd parked 1t. But after thinking it over carefully he knew exactly where he'd left the ma chine, and he knew conclusively, after walking around the block, that his ma chine was really gone.
 Now, while no one likes to have 6 machine stolen, the fact of the matter was that CharIie's loss was not so very great, owing to the ancient na- ture of his equipage. So, after mak- ing one or more futile efforts to find the car, Charlie shrugged his shoulders and started to walk home whistling.
 Two blocks on the way toward home Charlie stopped short and rubbed his eyes. There, parked along the curb ing half block in front of him, was his unmistakable old bus. Of course Charlie felt rejoiced and hurried up to the machine.
 The bus looked much as he'd left It. The side curtains were still on and there was just about as much mud on 1t as ever. But something was differ ent about it as Charlie felt a thrill upon coming close to 1t. Just what was the difference, anyhow?
 Charlie couldn't for the life of him tell where the difference was, but the difference was there, just the same. But what was the use of puZzling over 1t?
 So he opened the front door, pushed aside the curtain and started to enter.
 But he stopped short.
 Seated at the wheel of the car and smiling at him was a beautiful girl!
 Charlie gasped even as he took in the girls great beauty and winsome- ness. And as he looked she spoke, in voice that thrilled Charlie i'm mensely.
 ''Ive been hoping that you'd come," said the girl. 'Please get in-there's something want you to do for me-"
 Scarcely believing that he wasn't dreaming Charlie nevertheless got in as directed and closed the door behind him and placed the curtains in posi- tion."
 Shall I driveT' queried Charlie.
 No, I'll drive" replied the girl. Tt will he easier to drive you to the place want to take you to than 1t will be to explain to you how to get there"
 Perhaps it would be easier and quicker for me to drive, after all,' de murred Charlie '"This car is apt to cut up at times and then it takes a per son who knows her thoroughly to make her gO."
 "I'll take chance" said the girl Having said this she started the car with the starter which had been added by Charlie a year before to the cars ancient equipment. After warming up rhe car for a moment or so the girl sent the machine at a rapid pace through the dark, deserted streets and out on a boulevard which led into the city.
 "I'd like to explain everything to you right away said the girl, "but 1 don't dare to. I think you're the man, to help me, though. I've heard a lot about you, and know you're brave By the way" she broke off sharply. ''is any one following us?"
 - Charles glanced around quickly. Some distance back on the boulevard he saw a large closed car without
 lights coming after them. II don't know whether that bird is following us. or not, but there's a car behind us without lights"
 They're following us," exclaimed the girl with a note of terror in her voice as she put on more speed. "Oh, dear; thought I was going to be so brave, and Pm frightened-horribly frightened"
 Charlie felt a sudden wild desire to fold this beautiful girl in his arms and comfort her as best he could. Never before had he felt this way about girl. Wha, was coming over him. anyhowf
 You're not afraid of fight, are yOuT querfed the girl.
 "I should say not! y cried Charlie, feeling strong enough at this moment to whip a regiment If in doing so he would win this charming girls apprO- bation.
 ''There'l be a fight" said the girl positively.
 For a moment there was silence. Then Charlie spoke up.
 '"This is all very interesting and ex- citing" Charlie said. But you haven't q ..a.. ..1,.... ....