The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-08-16

-ae mas Deen described as varied and
comprehensive. And Billy is as good
as his father. 1 wish you had met Lin
don."
appreciate what you say" replied
LORD Scrope. II do not gather, how
ever, what Mr.. Spencer's occupation
is."
He has developed himself as a mo-
tor engineer"
Know so little of mechanics-" be-
gan Lord Scroope.
Mechanics" said Mr.. Rivington.
smiling, "are, of course, matter of
taste. They have an interest for me-"
A light dawned suddenly on Lord
Scroope.
rs it possible" he said, that you are
the-the author as 1t were-of the Riv-
ington motorcar2'
THAT among other things" said the
visitor pleasantly.
Lord Scroope looked bewildered 1t
was not possible, however ignorant one
might be Of mechanics, not to have
heard of the Rivington automobile
Nor, however casual a reader of the
secular press, could one avoid the
echoes of the fame of that solid manip-
ulator of millions, that human comet
OF progress, Hiram b. Rivington. The
name on the pasteboard had not till
now connected with Lord Scroope's
mind.
He contemplated Mr.. Rivington with
wondering interest.
"Mr. Spencer" he said, "is indeed
fortunate in his uncle"
Il would rather say that I'm fortu-
nate In my nephew" replied Rivington
BILLY doesn't need an uncle. In my
country we haven't much use for "A
young man whose only assets are his
relatives. Billy has made good by his
own efforts, sir. He is the inventor
and proprietor of the Flying Sphinx
motorcycle"
IAN experimental machine, 1 under
stand. hope, for Mr.. Spencer's sake"
said Lord Scroope, politely, that it
may prove-ah-successful."
Mr.. Rivington smiled.
1.-THE present model of the Sphinx,
though big advance on the others, is
past the experimental stage OF the
first and second models, quarter of a
million have been sold in the States
The plant for the latest, on mass pro-
duction, is now being laid down. In
the company that's being floated hold
third control-and I'm very thank
full that l have. Billy stands to clean
up three hundred and fifty thousand
dollars on the deal-hard earnings"
Il have not a very good head for fig
ures, Mr.. Rivington. Could you trans
late that into terms of English cur
rencyT
about seventy thousand pounds"
Lord Scroope sat perfectly silent,
gazing at Mr.. Rivington.
But the youngster himself is what
I'm concerned with-not what he's got.
However" continued Rivington. look
ing out of the window as a faint whir-
ring noise was heard below, Il see he's
arrived, so l needn't say any more.
But I'm very glad to have had this
chance to speak for him. Billy isn't
good at praising himself"
Billy's card came up, and Billy short
ly followed 1t. He looked at Lord
Scroope diffidently.
81 shall be glad to have few words
with you, Mr.. Spencer" said Lord
Scroope with his most amiable air,
there was staccato quality about our
first meeting, that rendered mutual
understanding difficult"
"The first duty of an uncle" said Mr.
Rivington, is to realize when he's in
the way. With your permission, Lord
Scroope, I'll go below"
He retired, leaving the two together
and drifted into the sunny morning
room over'>-t'Sg the lawn. In a few
moments Lady ScroOpe came in. Mr.
Rivington .de himself known to her
In very snort time Lady Scroope hat
skillfully elected from Mr.. Rivingtor
all the information he had given to heI
husband, and good deal more. Sht
bubbled with amusement and sympathy
as the enthusiastic Rivington expound
ed Billy's qualities.
II had few words with your neph
ew, Mr.. Rivington, before he went up
stairs" she said laughing, "a mos
magnetic and alluring young man.
tremble to think what his influence
may be on my simple-minded husband
Mr.. Rivington, colOring with pleas
ure, looked admiringly at the littl'
lady, wondering how she came to have
a daughter as old as Aimee-who a
that moment entered the room. Lad,
Scroope introduced her guest.
"Well!" murmured Mr.. Rivington
holding Aimee's hand after shaking 1
and regarding her vivid beauty with
the most intense appreciation, II cal
understand Billy's anxiety now"
do you mean to say" exclaimed
Aimee, that Billy is here?"
HE is at present with your father il
the library, DEAR" replied her mother.
Aimee departed hastily.
Aimee" her mother called after her
you are on no account to interrup
them"
I'm going to be there when the!
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