Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-02-10
No one ever got into---
and out of---such a mess
as the uoIucky Mr. Penny

saw that she was set on the innocent adventure.
Don't worry. Miss Winnie. I'll get you there
in time" he promised. and hustled her, pant
ing, toward the nearest taxi. Listen, driver"
he thrust bill at the fellow as they piled
in-"this lady's got to get to the Southeast Hos
pital In a hurry Do the best you can"
Their driver, a midde-aged chap with a
fatherly face, shot Winnie a shrewd glance nod
ded to Mr.. Penny as man to man, and threw
in the clutch with a jerk that sent them both
back against the rear cushions.
c UDDENLY, Mr. Penny pulled himself up
- in alarm. Their cab had taken the first
corner on two wheels and now bore down on a
crossing crowd which scattered in all directions.
AS they swayed through traffic at reckless speed
he tried to speak reassuringly to the girl.
but had all he could do to keep from bouncing
like rubber ball. Vinnies face grew white.
us he drunk?" she gasped.
Mr. Penny raped sharply on the glass.
I'm doing the best can" the driver called
back without turning his head
A stretch of rough pavement made further
communication impossible. Mr.. Penny's sole
hope lay in possible spotlight Suddenly one
appeared in the distance, dead ahead.
"'Sal right now, we got to stop" he chat
tered and reached for the door handle
But the fellow didn't even slow down. BY
the best of luck that crossing happened to be
clear at the moment 1t was only when shrill
brought their cab to a shrieking halt and spoke
rapidly to q purple-faced motor cop who had
drawn up alongside.
Mr. Penny jerked the door open and was
about to order the mans arrest as q lunatc,
when suddenly the officers rugged expression
softened amazingly and he waved them ahead
with q genial "Okay, buddy. I'll tell 'em me-
self you're on the way"
The car shot forward once more, while
sirens piercing vail split the air as the officer
ad tn cIa he pafb
However Mr.. Penny had little time to brood
over these developments, because, at that mo-
ment Winnie clutched his sleeve, emitted q
sharp moan and toppled over gently into his
arms, senseless as a sack Of meal.
Half smothered beneath her, he was power
less to attract the drivers attention to this fresh
calamity. All he could do was to sit tight and
clutch Vinnies bulky form lest 1t slip to the
floor. The fact that she had only tainted was
small consolation when he thought What will
Mrs. Tuttle say now!'
THOSE last few blocks were q nightmare
from which he was unable to shake himself
until the hospitals tall structure zoomed into
view They circled the building in high; then
pulled up at a rear entrance where two nurses,
one white-uniformed inferno and one rubber
tired cart awaited them
Evidently the officer who had raced ahead to
announce their approach had exaggerated the
Mr. Penny to wonder how the man had learned
of Vinnie's fainting at all. He was too busy
watching them bundle her in blankets and lift
her skilfully into the cart.
"well good luck, mister" said the driver with
. friendly smile.
Luck! You idiot. If you hadn't scared her to
death with your crazy driving"
This way, SIR" the inferno interrupted.
Mr.. Penny forgot the driver and hurried
through the door after the cavacade. once more
eager to be Of service.
"She sort of tainted in the cab" he explained.
"Sure. that's all right"
Reassured he ventured a mild IT presume
all this fuss Is necessary but-what mean,
thought maybe some smelling salts"
Mo ONE paid him the slightest attention
" beyond closing the elevator gate in his face
and directing him to the main office.
You brought the lady just now?" demanded
q businesslike woman behind the desk.
He nodded. She just tainted, you know.
We were lucky to be so near the hospital, though
If I'd had some smelling salts"
Everything will be all right" she replied.
"You we we're ready for you"
II should say So" he admitted.
"And now" she went on, dipping her pen in
ink, will you give me your name and address.
please?"
His eyebrows went up in mild surprise. II
don't mind II it's necessary"
"Our regular routine, you know"
Hector Penny" he said, adding Mrs. Tuttle's
Rock Glenn telephone number.