Evening star., 1926-06-18

and 1 intend to see that he's
put out of the club for 1t. Frances
you'll forgive me, won't you"
A soft laugh came-then Frances
voice, ''Forgive you--why not?
didn't know Jimmy was such a GAIA
had"
Among other things" came the
voice that Natalie now recognized az :
Austin Rogers, hes a pauper. !
thought you'd be Interested"
"Why?" Another laugh, meaning
ful. Austin, you'll VIM
There was a pause; then, Frances,
I'll win--one way or another. I've got
to have you when | come back.
NataIie's eyes narrowed. Over her
shoulder, she caught sight OF her de
voted youth hurrying toward her. she
turned away. As she was nearing the
path again. she caught the echo OF
Frances soft voice
Come bacl--that's all
on the stone steps of the lludSon
Club a group of people waited. out
side, on Fifth avenue, two powerful
motors purred, d chauffeur In the seat
of each. In Jim Brandon's hand was
a, small bag; he wore a neat cap, n
light silk shirt of tan, whipcord suit
and breeches, the latter tucked into
puttees.
Beside him, Rogers was more fas-
tidious. He was not in breeches. but
wore a neat travelling suit. He was
smiling, talking with little group
which had congregated about MIN
Jimmy's group was smaller. Billy
Crane, he knew, was awaiting MIN at
the field to sec his take-off.
The club historian, wizened but
scholarlylooking man, stepped for
ward and glanced at the clock across
the street.. The hands were almost
together It was a matter OF seconds.
Ready, gentlemen"
Jimmy nodded. Rogers smiled, said
"Yes, indeed" and then took a step
across to his rival. He held out his
hand.
May the best man win," he laughed.
Jimmy hesitated. He was reluctant
to accept the proffered hand. But the
others were watching him. Rogers
had made a public bid for popularity.
To refuse would be to brand himself
poor sport in the eyes of their small
audience.
He put out his own hand at last.
May the best man win," he repeated
coolly.
There was q subdued murmur of
approval from the group which stood
about them. In the next instant it
died, as from the clock across the ave-
nue., a single, melodious note chimed
out
Twelve nooni"
The clasped hands fell apart.
Jimmy's face grew serious. He darted
from the steps coincident with Rogers,
and the two sped across the avenue
while traffic stopped. Eight seconds
later he was beside his driver and his
Il-Az 10 rka
afterward Rogers and his chauffeur
tore off in their wake toward the
| Long Island landing field.
| Meanwhile, at the landing field, 4
crowd had gathered. Billy Crane and
Natalie had arrived early, IN the for
mer's roadster, and stood back of the
accomplishing mob, watching the two
planes which were drawn up there.
| BY the farthest ship a pilot an6
mechanic stood. That, Natalie knew
was to be Austin Rogers carrier
Jim Brandon would fly alone to Chi
cago. AS the two racing cars had still
some time in which to arrive, Billy al
last returned to his roadster to await
them. For Natalie, however, the
preparations held thrill of excite
ment which would not be denied
After the conversation she had over
heard the night before on the country
club grounds she was anxious.
Before he left her, even Billy had
| shaken his head worriedly.
| II wouldn't trust that guy Rogers
out of sight," he had declared. wish
| there were some way I could trail
along and see that Jimmy doesn't
make any more of a damn fool OF
| himself than nature intended"
Natalie looked quickly up at him
| isn't there some way?" she de
manded.
| Her brother shrugged. Name il
and you can have it! I'm rich, but
not idle rich, darling. If I don't
work, little Nat can't take flying les
sons But I don't trust Rogers" he
! grumbled, as he moved off.
| The task of fueling, out on the
| roped-in field, was practically com