Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1925-12-25
1T WAS
A DEAD
HEAT
By ALFRED L. HUTCHINSON
90 by short story Pub. Coz

ISIS LILLIAN TOMPklNS was
MI in a most embarrassing posi-
Nv ton. Many fair lassie has
two strings to her bow, but 1t
Is rarely that a maiden has two beaux
of equal importance to her heart
strings. That was what troubled Miss
Tompklns.
Tom and Jerry, as her rival lovers
were known, were equally acceptable
to her, but reason as she would, she
found herself unable to make a choice.
Stranger still, the rivals remained
the best of friends.
was left to Miss Lillian herself to
suggest a way out of the three-cor-
nered dilemma. 1t proved most per-
picking problem for her to solve, but
she gave each an equal chance.
ION the first day Of June shall be
at my uncle's farm In Idyl Wyld,
which, as you both know, is about one
hundred end twenty miles distant. You
shall each start from my home here
at precisely ten o'clock on the morning
of that day. The one who reaches me
first prepared to have the marriage
ceremony performed shall be my
choice"
Such was the decree of Miss Lillian,
and the two lovers agreed to respect 1t.
A few minutes before ten o'clock
on the eventful day the rivals met In
front of the home of Miss Tompkins.
Like two gladiators entering the arena
they shook hands and then, at the
stroke of the town clock, each mounted
his bicycle and cut loose for the court
house, 1t had been stipulated in Lii
lian's decree that marriage license
should not be applied for until after
the race had begun, and as each ar
rived at the courthouse the same mo-
ment they drew cuts to see. which
should be served first. Luck was with
Jerry, who lost no time In making
known his mission.
II want a marriage license, Mr..
Clerk, please"
The blank which the official handed
him was hurriedly filled out, signed,
and returned with the proper fee.
"You need a witness to this appllca-
ton, some one who knows you" d.
rected the clerk.
Here, Tom, just witness this" de-
manded Jerry Of his friend, who stood
near waiting his turn.
Tom compiled with the request, the
license was issued and Jerry made way
instantly.
81 want license, too" demanded
Tom, who duly made out his applica-
ton and returned 1t to the clerk.
you also need Witness" said the
latter, without examining the docu.
ment.
Tom looked about for Jerry, but he
was already out Of sight. In the mean.
time the clerk had read the application
and, noting that the bride was the
same In each, continued, "Never mind
witness won't do you any good.
can't issue license"
"Why not2" questioned Tom in as
tonishment.
"You have applied for a license tC
wed Miss Lillian Tompkins, and have
Just issued license for the marriage
of the same lady to another man."
"What difference does that maker
queried Tom, lmpatlently.
ut makes this difference. The laws
of this country do not permit woman
to have two husbands at the same
time"
"True," exclaimed Tom, "but the
laws Of this country do not prohibit
you from issuing a license TO one hun
dred men to marry the same woman
at the same time"
"Here," eagerly selling the arm OF
a legal friend who had just entered
as my witness and want the license
as applied for, and | want 1t quick
You are wasting my very valuable
time"
"How is 1t, Mr.. lawyer" asked the
clerk.
'"Tom is right. It is your duty to
issue n license properly applied for"
Upon this advice the application was
witnessed, the license issued and de
llvered but the parley of the clerk had
given Jerry a full ten minutes start
Nevertheless, Tom laughed in his
sleeve as he placed the document In
his pocket.
There had come to the city short
time previously a professional aviator,
who gave public exhibitions in his up.
tC-date flying machine.
"Will the birdman agree to make
n flight to Idyl Wyld with me as a
passenger?'
This was the happy question that
had suggested itself to Jerry during
his anxious planning how he might
outwit his rival.
For five hundred dollars cash." said
the professor, without a moments hest
tation, ~ will land you at Idyl Wyld,
alive or dead, between sunrise and
sunset on the first day Of June"
Equally quick came Jerry's response.
1.-THE figure you name proves that you
are a high flyer, but the prize | am
after is worth IT,"
An agreement was accordingly drawn
up, duly signed by both parties, and
after Jerry had cautioned the aviator
that mum" was the word, he pro-
ceeded to purchase wedding ring,
and calmly await the day.
Minds of lovers, like those Of great
men, frequently run in the Same
groove.
On the afternoon Of the very day