New Britain herald., 1924-08-05

glanced behind the car. The road twisted away out of sight few rods in the rear.
 She stood up again and studied the dusty tracks as far as her eye could follow them. They showed no sign of recent travel, either wagon or au- tom obile. In spots the grass tufts half obliterated them. On second observation, 1t did not look 50 much Nike a boulevard, after all: it was not road to inspire any great degree of optimism. But she admitted that it was very much better than nothing at all. ,....
 "well, which way?" asked the Wreck. "Go ahead I suppose"
 Ut seems to go ahead in a general direction of north" said Sally. That's where the railroad Is don't know where 1t runs in the other direction. IT believe I'll leave it to you"
 The Wreck nodded and drove ahead.
 Both of them were rather cross and both knew 1t, and after that the silence was long. Then the flivver came to stop that had something inadvertent and ominous about it.. The Wreck did not even lift the seat to examine the gas tank. He knew. He had, in fact, been expecting it for the last two hours.
 For IS minutes there was tre- mendous boom in conversation. Didn't he know that he was running short of gas- He certainly did. Did she think he was asleep? Didn't he carry an extra five-gallon can? No, he didn't! How in blazes could he. when he had to pack two grips and a lot of other stuff? Why did he waste so much gas rambling over the ranges and getting lost? Why didn't she know where the road was, instead of trying to steer by a fool mountain? :? Where was he going to get any more gas? Oh, he was just going to stroll down to the corner and have them bring it up from the garage. We'll, what was he going to do? Sit there and enjoy Montana Did she think he was going to get out and push 1t?
 After it had run like that for a while Sally climbed down to the road and walked a bit, in sheer despera. ton. -'.'
 Eventually she climbed back into the car, tried to make herself com fottable and succeeded In falling into doze. When she awoke it was dark and somebody was touching her on the arm.
 Its me-" said the voice of the Wreck. .~ .'..
 "Wha-whats happened?"
 Nothing yet. We're still in the same place. But there's a car com ing down the road and we'll get some help"
 That reused her into full wakcful- ness. She whirled about and looked back over the darkened range. Far away, a mile at least, the twin white | lights of an approaching car showed clear. The Wreck switched on his own tail light, and strolled down the road to greet rescue Sally watched.
 When he had gone about hun dred feet he stood in the middle of the road and waited. Presently, as the oncoming car drew nearer, she could see his figure outlined against the growing glare. She saw him hold up his hand and wave 1t. She heard the throb of big motor stilled. Then he stepped out of the beam of light, and she could hear voices.
 Perhaps minute elapsed. Then the Wreck stepped briskly into sight again and advanced toward the fliv- yer. There was something in his walk that instantly riveted her atten- tion. It bodcd things.
 t"Where's that gun of yours?" he demanded, as he reached her side. There's something about that outfit don't like"
 Sally had already located it, but she was puzzled ..
 Who are they? What do they want?" ...
 T don't know who they are," said the Wreck. But I want that gun. Here, get back in the car"
 She had started to climb out, but he barred the way.
 If there's going to be any gum york;" declared Sally. you'd better leave it to me. know more about it than you do."
 He reached for the holster, took it from her hands and possessed himself of the six-shooter that it contained.