Evening star., 1934-07-08


ing. "How are va, Andy?" he
cried
That's Andy--Andy Cooper ne explained
to the sweet-faced girl in the roadster beside
him. Gee. it's great to be pack aeaiii'
Marion" as she slowed to a stop. But IN spite
of his WORDS Jerry's deep gentle voice lacked
its old-time fervor and his thin legs not yet
steady after two long years spent in an Oakland
hospital shock as he climbed stiffly cut OF the
sar
Ever since the day long since past when
Jerry Murphy had been ragged little lelloW
selling programs in the speedway granostand
for the price of admission he had worshiped
at the shrine of that thrilling devl-god, Speed.
And Jerry had come very near to giving up MS
own life on the speed gods altar only two years
before More than this, he had seen many
of his pals-good pals-sacrificed under plies
of red-hot junk that moments before had been
sleek and beautiful racing cars. During those
long months of agony in that hospital bed, he
had determined never to look upon another
speedway again. He'd had crazy notion that
it would be fun to buy small garage out In
the country somewhere and come home at
night to a honey little bungalow. and Marion.
Marion was sold on the idea, too.
oh let's do it, jerry" she had begged, and
not race any more, You promised not to!"
Jerry had sighed. Garages cost money,
honey" He hadn't expected his hospital ex-
penses and doctor bills to take quite all of his
savings. He'd looked for some other kind OF
work, too but there was none to be had. He'd
have to stage a comeback. There was no
other way.
"WeIl find some other way" Marion had
cried "In open beauty parlor. III do any
thing. Jerry
A ROUSING cheer, from the pits across the
n smooth oiled track reached jerry Hi,
Murphy! C'mon over kidd"
Jerrys heart leapt to that greeting in spite
of his dread. go up and sit with Bill Llnds
wife will you, hcney?" he whispered eXcitedly
to Marion.
ct won't race That is not today
Old Dad Howitzer wrung Jerrys hands, his
faded old eyes blurred with tears and the fell
lows descended riotously upon him. Jerry
Murphy, deeply touched, warmed to their well
come and told himself that it was good to be
back. All he needed was to get hardened to
the racket again and to show the hackers that
he still had nerve.
Over in the grandstand some one yelled as
q red car shot past.
That's Ernie Tiernan," informed
him. Hes got your old pit, Jerry, and he's
q conner"
1.-The sun-of-a-gunl" Wild Bill Lind ejscu-
lated. Hes goin' t. beat my time. did it
in 81 minutes As seconds"
"You-what?" gasped Jerry.
Bill laughed indulgently. "That's right
Cars have speeded up since your day, my boy.
Watch Babe Miller take that curve Babes
doing hundred right now He's racing Tier
man,"
"Jeez! And he was just beginning when"
Jerry gulped-"when cracked"
There was sudden dusty blur, ripping,
tearing sound, an agonized cry flung into the
air. The white racing car had shot high into
the blue and like a juggler's tiny toy had
turned complete cartwheel and flashed out
of sight.
They off the run, the 80 or more
of them, across the now deserted track. No
move. He leaned, shivering, against the pit
railing, fighting against terrible overwhelm-
ing nausea.
THE fellows were struggling back, muttering
! sympathy and shaking their heads mourn
fully over Babe.
HE had good chance for tomorrow's big
money. too" Wilbur Steele was saying. his
voice hoarse with feeling.
Jerry Murphy wet his dry parched lips.
rSay, was he badly"
\ yep. Babes done for, I'm afraid" Bill
Lind lit cigarette with big hands that shook.
rHis skull is crushed, they say"
Jerry's spine. Poor Babe! He'd probably put
his savings Of years into that beautiful new
white car, too
, SAY Babes got family" Fred Ramor
came plodding up. "He'S the entire support Of
seven kid sisters and brothers. Old Howitzer
told me-" .sf.... ..,t. .ss4.> ,,..