Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1935-09-05
CHAPTER w
Thursday


friend next morning, and it was near
ly one when he brought Kerrigan down
from their room to see what he'd got.
"Realy ought to look at it first
through an old snapshot negative" said
Hal. "Your eyes do better if you take
these things gradually"
1t was a great locomotive of car
certain high greatness, the small
hubs and the spindly spokes proclaim
ing venerability; but deep green and
bright brass, the pale taupe of the up
holstery the miniature lamps beside
the doors, with a little red star in each
slde-glass, made it's venerability that
of an aristocrat who could ignore the
fckleness Of styles Kerrigan looked
ant his eyes softened affectionately.
"Shades of Dempsey and Willard" he
dgy-bomber without the wings?"
Nineteen twenty-three," said Hal.
Belonged to the mother of one of the
directors and never been driven over
forty. Cared for like an only child.
look at that upholstery"
Kerrigan looked and stroked. "Kings
Ride on fabric less rich,' he said. "They
left the engine in it, I spose. But
why Texas license plates?"
"Only ones they had handy. Thought
it'd be interesting to drive from Mich
igan to California with Texas plates
and New York driving license. But
the motors sweet-sweet's nut"
The solid, multiple chunk of the
closing door drew an exclamation of
awe from Kerrigan. He said, "You
don't think I'll be embarrassed, rid
ipg up so high?"
you'll find you see more Of the
country" said Hal.
fright over the heads of the
crowds that gather: true, true. It's
wonder we're alive. Tell me more:
Tow much does the museum want
for it?"
'"Three hundred. And the tires,
l1ok at the tires-made of rubber,
they are, and practically new. And
everything works: the speedometer,
even the cigar lighter"
whats the railing up on top?
Widows walk?"
mo. that's the laundry yard" said
HAL Colonel, If l didn't know yon
so well, I'd almost think you were
making fun of-of. ;"
"Chucho! there-y'see?" said Kerrl.
gan. you've gone and bought us a
car and don't know what to call it.
S,poco tho othorS bod como hoforo ~
was named. The ignominy! We bet
ter go up and throw out horn from
the quart an old old dog-fancier left
in my pocket this morning. Got to
christen it."
"Drink?" said Hal. Eat noon?
Kerrigan. what d'you think l am?"
Kerrigan's eyes were merry. Just
about what you seem,' he said, TAX
ing Hars elbow and turning him
round.
"Rasputfn" had become the cars
name by the time the travellers were
ready to start. They were shown
Rasputin in his timeless greenland
brass distinction. John smiled loftily,
rocking back on his heels as If he were
taking the air on the deck of his yacht;
and Mrs. Pulsipher made a little ex-
clamation of surprise, clasped her hands
in front of her as if to be sure she
wouldn't touch the paint and gave Hal
look of Interest and respect.
'Oh, it's elegant" she said. "Oh my.
it's beautiful"
Barry and Sister Anastasia came up
and Barry's look ran out to Hal in un-
guarded confidence. She came to his
side to admire and her low voice said
"Ah, it's sweet old thing"
Like it?" said Hal, showing her his
pleasure.
MN" she said It'll be fun, won't
It? And we can light the little carriage
lamps sometimes, can't WEI"
Hal chuckled at her more delightedly
than he meant to. "Bet we can" he
said And you shall have 'em-to
keep--when we get there"
She looked at his lips, then up at
his eyes-securely. expectantly, on the
point of letting him pass another of the
intangible defenses. But then she said
only. "Why don't we start?'