Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-11-24
THE DRIVEzAWAY r,unfR''11pn
Frank K. Adams.
e ADVENTURE IN 1lOTORING an

The man in uniform removed his big driving
glasses.
who you working for?" he demanded,
''Nobody-or at least not regular. I'm just
driving this car through for my brother, Ross
Starbird, If you have to know, -
I'VE certainly do" He hailed the man In
front. Ever hear of Ross Starbird?"
mo"
''Me neither. Sorry, miss, but wen have to
see what you've got in the rear deck"
Nothing but repair parts from the factory"
Gretchen told him.
yeah. We've heard that one before So
Wen just have look
They did. One Of them punched q hole In
one of the cardboard cartons. you'll have to
come with w."
Gretchen was beginning to be alarmed Come
with you? Where?"
The man grinned 1.-THE first stop will be
State police headquarters"
Gretchen knew now--knew also that she was
In serious predicament, although she did not
yet quite comprehend how she had gotten
into It.
She needed advice and help the worst way.
HelpI She looked around. Why was she left
alone? Then she remembered. The signal.
Short, long, short.
Swiftly she pounded it out-twice- the
horn, before one of the men stopped her. He
yanked her out of the car and made her stand
in the road
"You fool!'' he muttered. Nov somebody'n
get killed"
He and his companion drew revolyers from
the black holsters at their belts and retired to
the other side of Gretchen's car, which they
apparently intended to use as q sort of barri-
cade.
The shabby old car drew up on swift, silent
wings.
want any help, Lady," asked the man with
the scars. Then he pretended to see the uni
forms for the first time.
"Ohl You got somebody already to help you
out. What's the trouble, boys, ignition or gas?"
THE other man, the pleasanter-looking one
who had handed Gretchen the sandwiches.
got out and opened the rear door Of the big
car. Casually he walked to Gretchen.
Edge near to the other car" he said in, q
low voice and without moving his lips. "H
anything happens, jump in the rear door an
lie fiat on the floor"
Gretchen said yes with her eyes, but nothing
with her lips.
The man with the scars was talking pleas
antly to the others. Ever hear Of Jack KelIy3"
why, yes-nice fellow, amt hep"
''Uh-huh, especially he don't get riIed
Carries . couple Of grand around loose in his
pockets for his friends that need it. Can shoot
the feelers on'm a gnat, too. I understand.
Good kind Of guy to be friends with. Did you
say you knew him?"
"You bet. We're q couple Of his best
friends"
That's nice. Hop In your car, lady and
drive right along. Wen catch up with you In
q minute or SOL
Gretchen drove on as commanded. After she
was out Of sight, Kelly regarded the uniforms
speculatively. II suppose you boys got the OUT
ftS from o masquerade costumer." He took
some bills from his pocket and handed each
a roll you're going that way and we're go
ing this way. I don't think the roads ought
to cross any whatever. If they should, kinda
look out" '.-~
When the shabby old car was under way
again, Everett asked: Were those two high
way police?"
Kelly laughed mo. They we're just out to
hold us up. Those uniforms were part of the
bluff. But it wouldn't do to plug EN-. That
would stir up too much trouble along this route.
and we've got to keep it open. We've got q
hundred dangerous miles yet to go. Want to
shift over to train or buS?"
mo. III tell you when,
"Would you rather ride with that girl?"
mo. guess that in case Of trouble can
make myself more useful here, can't 1-even to
her?"
Not over an hour later they passed the cara
van Of cars halted by the roadside. Kelly went
right on by-at slow pace, however. quite
compatible with the apparent age Of the ark
he was driving, and he did not give any sign
OF recognition to any of his crew. At the head
OF the column a burly-looking gentleman In
citizens clothes was haranguing the driver OF
the lead car.
HaIf mile or so farther on they stopped and
waited, listening for signal.
None came, but shortly thereafter the con-
voy hove in sight. Kelly detained them a min
ute and questioned the No. driver.
"The guy said he was q scout for the Superior
company and that we was doing IS miles. Said