Part 22 (1/2)
Paul called his assistant, a young lad, and gave him instructions about some cars, and what to do if certain customers came in It was not a busy part of the day, and he could leave without causing any co, linen coat and stepped into Cora's car
”I' the steering wheel, a sort of unconscious habit he had Then he bethought himself ”Oh, but I suppose you'll drive,” he added quickly, shi+fting over, rather abashed at having taken his place in the driver's seat without being asked ”You see, I' here”
”I believe I will drive,” answered Cora ”I have great faith in the obedience of reed the young, man ”I do believe that uidance of very gentle but sure hands”
Paul looked very handsoht He was the type she always adht, athletic figure, almost classic, Cora decided He cranked up for her, re-entered the car, and they rolled froe Once out on the country road Cora threw in the high gear and fed the gasolene with a judicious hand, controlling the spark ad how perfect was the rhythm of action as it thrilled out beneath them
”There are friends ofthen, caton raised their caps as they dashed by, but they did not go so quickly but that Cora noticed an expression of surprise on their faces
”Oh, yes, I know thee”
”I wonder where they are going?” went on Cora She also found herself wondering if Walter and Ed were surprised to see her out alone with a professional chauffeur It was the first ti Paul with her came forcibly to her mind Then, with an independence of spirit that characterized her, she decided she had no apology or explanation to oing,” replied Paul pleasantly, ”and soet there”
”That young ht is the one who recently lost twenty thousand dollars,” observed the girl as she changed to second speed to take a troublesome little hill
”So I understand And wasn't there some mystery connected with it?”
”Indeed, there was You know, they found the empty wallet in the tool-box of my car”
”Yes, so I heard Quite remarkable But can't the detectives find out who stole the rateful for the neat way he put that, to avoid referring to the suspicions that had been cast on her and on her friends
”The police don't appear able to do anything,” was her answer ”It does seee”
”Have they inquired of all the people ere on hand at the time of the robbery--or loss--when, I understand, it was very likely that the empty wallet was put in your tool-box?”
”Oh, yes, they have questioned all of us--and I can tell you that they were not any too polite about it, either I thought I would never get over their quizzing”
”Well, I suppose they have to be sharp,” remarked Paul ”But I've not yet explained to you the reason why I am in such a hurry and the nature of the position I am after You see, a firm in New City advertised for a chauffeur to drive theirrace I replied, and was as good as engaged I expected to go over this , but some one toldto beat et the job, you see”
”Sidney Wilcox!” exclaimed Cora in astonishment
”Yes You know him, of course It see to run the ives hiets there first, and offers to do it for nothing, it et there first!” exclaimed Cora very determinedly
Suddenly they both heard the distant whistle of the train ”There she is!” cried Paul; and a little later they caught sight of the cars, flying over the track
”We're too late,” said Paul
”Not yet,” answered Cora ”We can take a shorter route, even if they can go faster than we can”
She was already running on third speed, and the asolene it could use She adjusted the spark to give the best service, and now, as an additionalspeed, she cut out the muffler The explosions of theto turn here!” cried Cora as she swung around a corner
”Look out!”