Evening star., 1926-12-08

you don't climb into Your clothes al
see me through III beat it out of here
and then you'll have to go yourself. "
Trumbull rolled out of bed, growing.
Ring for the barber, Bill" he
yavned. "And some breakfast"
Trask whistled while he dressed.
He was always cheerful in the morn
ing but today the world seemed
.,arhed in a particular brightness. lie
was on the threshold of an adventure
an adventure that paid cash ana
expenses.
There was an object in the room to
which his eye frequently turned, ana
every time he looked at it he laughed.
The patent wheel chair stood in
corner. motionless, yet ready. He went
over TO il and sat back among the
cushions. Then he started IT going.
Steering the craft bothered him 1or
= minute: it had q way OF turning
sharp corners and doubling upon its
own trail. Yet he managed to guide
it through the doorway leading to
Trumbull's room.
Some roadster, Spence" he an
nounced as he bowled across the
center of the floor and rammed q
table. Cleared little low, perhaps
but safe"
,hat thing" said Trumbull. gazing at
it with an expression Of absolute
hostility. You're only making more
trouble for yourself.
Wrong, my boy. | couldn't 90
without it. Set me on my feet anu !
couldn't play sick man fer the space
of a minute. But this thing gives lne
he atmosphere. the BACKGROUND. ii
puts the brakes on my natural i'm
pulses. I'm getting the hang OF II
pretty well, ] think.
He started the chair going again,
and backed abruptly into Trumbull.
who was standing before Il mirror
frowning at his image. The image
and its maker collided, humping heads
against the smooth glass.
Good Lord. BILL" cried the afflicted
one. What the hlazes are You doing?
Threw hey into reverse by mis-
take" Cureled Trask. Beg pardon.
You ought TO wear bumpers. Save you
a whole lot in the traffic. YOU know
Now. watch me."
The chair raced forward. curved
perilously around a chair. and charged
once more in Jhe direction Of Trum
bull. who dod"el with Il yell.
practice that stuff aboard ship
he shouted. ''What do You think this
Is? A rink"
Trask shot through the doorway
again. sCrHping the Narnish as h
passed. and sprans out in his own
room.
you'll ,lo. he said. addressing
himself to the lnoti"ness vehicle
You may not have Il hundred and
forty-inch Wheeibase. and Your turn
ing radius may he somewhat aburpt
hat I'll get the hang uf YOU presently
~ St,An "a
Special before | get through.
They ate breakfast in Drumbull' s
room. Trasll's merriment was a puz
zle to his pallid friend, who had no;
recovered from the shock OF =
O'Clock awakening.
"You mustn't be too gay about this
hing, Biu. Trumbul! cautioned. You
eant burlcSque il. You've got 10 pla!
a real part: create q real Illusion
Watch me. l could play Hamlet
IN that wheel chair. Spence. In
working up a positive affection Tor it
How long does il take 10 set to Cal
veston?"
Enter Keeler.
oh. about a Wrek. | guess.
didn't look il up.
.Onlv a week" Why. III be let
ter.perfect with this jitney i'll day
Am / supposed t, run il myself. ol
does the nurse push me around
You don't need it at all. grumhleo
Trumbuu. IT'S only an atfectation
wish you'd cut it out and Walk
aboard
Trask shook his head in solcmnity
TITS my anchor" he explained. u
need it. | wouldn't undertake the Jot
without il. l might forget myself ano
do the high hurdles. No, sir: l neeo
that chair. It's Ia remind me that
I'm sick Isn't ii almost time for that
nurse?'
There was a knock Oh the door and
4 boy in uniform said that Mr.. keelei
had called 10 see Mr.. Trunbuil.
"Keeler?"
Yes, sir.
Maybe it's the strait jacket man,
suggested TraSk. IT'S nearly time
"Show Mr.. Keeler up" said Trum
bull.
AS the hoy disappeared Trask bol;ed
into his own room and returned. zig
tagging recklassiy in the perambuiat
ing chair. There was a rug across his
knees. His face was a visage of woe
save for the light in his eyes. AS he
brought the Juggernaut to halt ht
Jagged back Imply, uttering an osten
-atious sigh.
Don't forget, now, warned Tr0m