Part 18 (2/2)

And Ethan Ffrench understood, and first offered his hand.

Rupert was discovered asleep in a camp-chair outside the tent, a few minutes later, when d.i.c.k went in search of him.

”The limousine's waiting,” his awakener informed him. ”You don't feel bad, do you?”

The mechanician rose cautiously, wincing.

”Well, if every joint in my cha.s.sis wasn't sore, I'd feel better,” he admitted grimly. ”But I'm still running. What did you kiss me awake for, when I need my sleeps?”

”Did you suppose we could get Lestrange home without you, Jack Rupert?”

”I ain't supposing you could. I'm ready.”

The rest of the party were already in the big car, with one exception.

”Take a last look, Rupert,” bade David, as he stood in the dark paddock. ”We're retired; come help me get used to it.”

Rupert pa.s.sed a glance over the deserted track.

”I guess my sentiment-tank has given out,” he sweetly acknowledged.

”The Mercury factory sounds pretty good to me, Darling. And I guess we can make a joy ride out of living, on any track, if we enter for it.”

”I guess we can,” laughed David Ffrench. ”Get in opposite Emily. We're going home to try.”

THE END

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