A CHANGE OF PARTS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 90, 1 October 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

A CHANGE OF PARTS.

(By Winfred Carter, in the Glasgow Weekly Herald.)

COMPLETE SHORT STORY

CHAPTER 1.--WOMEN MUST WEEP

an old man who had grown grey among machinery of > all conditions and kinds. When Madeline told him her plan he gesticulated wildly, in horror—his face pale—and he began to dissuade Madeline as eloquently as he could. But Madeline stood there cold to his entreaties. She had definitely made up her mind. Was it possible this old man could shake her? As he went on expostulating she moved to the aeroplane, unheeding what he said. It was a wellmade thing, with flowing lines. She examined the broken skid, and explored anew the familiar machine. The gnome engine was bright and shining, and the canvas planes vere glistening white. She fingered gently the propeller, turning it idly round. "I've made up my mind!" she said at last, and the old man gave up, with a sigh, trying to dissuade her. "I'll not talk, mum," he ingly, "but what'll master say?" Madeline laughed rather scornfully as she turned back home. CHAPTER lI.—THE RACE. To Jimmy Dancy it seemed that Madeline, usually so loving and attentive, had changed. Instead of waiting on him now that he was disabled, she as always absent, and as the wrist, and the consequent worrying, because of the race, had sent him into a high fever which made the doctor forbid him to get up, he could not go out, but had to fume and fret in bed. It was the morning of the race, and Jimmy, with hand and arm bandaged and throbbing horribly (it was not showing the best signs of getting well), was feeling sick and sore and bitter. The modern woman—he was thinking crossly—instead of looking after her men-folk when hurt, goes out to get fresh amusement.

As the aeroplane rose into the air with a whirr and crackle, Madeline Dancy held her breath. So exquisitely ib moved, so easily and calmly that for a brief moment Madeline wondered at her own fears, then as she felt the touch of the wind on her face, her fears •caino back with a rush, chilling her with their cruel suggestion. She turned away with a shudder tomuds the hangar, nodding to an elderly mechanic, who was peering after the quickly-vanishing aeroplane, with a pair of field-glasses. She went towards their bungalow perched on the plain and waved a hand to an anxious face peering from a window, but a thrill of anger passed through her. What right had Jimmy to make them both suffer like this? Jimmy who woe son and husband and who was agonised over daily during the time he took his flights. Jimmy Dancy was her husband, but though he loved her, had she shown the slightest inclination towards stopping His trips in the air. she knew instinctively that love for Her would go to the wall.

Certainly she had told him, on their wedding day, that she would never stand in his way over his aeroplaning, hut then she had grown to love him so terrill.v that each time he wont flying was a lifetime of agony for her. Why did she love him so, she wondered, as her <yes tried to follow the speck that was his aeroplane. It was floating now in an immensity of space depending upon a few wooden staves, a hit of taut canv,i.i, an engine, that during every one of the seconds he flew, might prove faulty and let him down to death. How selfish men were, she thought hitterly. Though he had forhidden her to fly," yet he would go up day after d xy, and leave her down on earth, ccr--1 a inly safe, hut mentally, suffering suffering sererely. And yet she knew that, had he given tier permission to fly too, she would ho able to endure it. She would have been far happier sharing the perils of the air than she Avas, below, on terra firma. And she knew that she could manage an aeroplane. Did she not know every part of the trim little aeroplane that took up her husband every day. So far no accident had ever happened while Jimmy went up in this machine, but dny after day when she opened the papers, there stared up at her that hateful headline, "Death of an Aviator, "and how long would Jimmy's luck last! Then there was Jimmy's mother. She too would wait with that awful load on her heart, which was gradually turning the once alert, well-preserved woman of fifty-five, into a chronic neurotic. At the end of the ride Jimmy would descend, triumphant, breezy, genial, and leap from his driving 6eat and kiss them both, never noting their pale faces and their repressed spirits. Was it possible that he didn't know how they suffered? Were all men so wrapped up in their own pursuits that the pain of their nearest and dearest was of no account. True they lived on what Jimmy earned at races and competitions, but then how much rather would she have existed on her own modest income, even if they had but bread and water and a cottage, so long as Jimmy was safe, and the agonising suspense over.

Just then, Mrs Dancy, his mother, came in. Something had upset her, for the hand that was holding the chicken broth was trembling, and her face was pale. There were tears in her eyes that fell one by one on the embroidered coverlet.

"What is it, mother?" inquired Jimmy solicitously. But Mrs Dancy turned away her head and would not answer.

"Is it Maddy?" he inquired, his face darkening. "Yes, I know it is," he added, as Mrs Dancy did not speak. "1 can't make her out. In fact, every day that 1 have been laid up, she has been off gadding about somewhere. I can't make her out. I used to think one loved me aVmost too much, but this is more than I like!" He gazed moodily out of the window. In the sky he could see an aeroplane curvetting about. "My stars!" he said eagerly. "That's a good man. Can you see, mother? Isn't he rounding those curves beautifully? I didn't know there was a man in the world who could beat me at my own game. Can you see, mother?" he said impatiently, as Mrs Dancy did not answer. But Mrs Dancy was straining her eyes, too, and her face blanched each time the aviator swerved and turned. "Yes, I see," she said in aj muffled voico. "By jove!" said Jimmy, boyishly, a 6 a difficult twist was accomplished with ease. "Find out if he is flying this afternoon. If he is, I'm going—doctor or no doctor'' "I have heard he is, my son, said the woman, who, with bated breath, was watch inn "Hurrah! Find out if he is an Englishman. Good old England, if he is!" There was nothing unsportsmanlike about Jimmy. He equally admired the fine flight of another man. with the watching public. And just now, when ho was laid up, he would be hugely delighted if England could win the coveted distinction. That afternoon, escorted by his mother—Madeline was very busy and was coming later —he went down to the ground. Huge temporary hangars were erected all round. His name secured a place, one where the aviators would pass, to get on to the field. The crowd was enormous, for Englishmen will always muster in full force to see a good contest. The first thing was the race, the ten thousand pounds race, which had brought clever men from all over the world. Aeropfanes of all sizes and shapes were being dragged out by perspiring mechanics in blue and brown overalls. Gesticulating Frenchmen were running about with their excited friends. Phlegmatic Germans were seeing to the final adjustment of nuts and screws. There were many English entries, but as Jimmy Dancy was unable to fly, there was lit. tie hope that any of these men would be able to beat the clever expert, Monsieur de Rouette. Then, too, America had sent over a daring flyer in the person of Abby Smiles Dnnless, a man with much Yankee swank, a nasal twang, but who, nevertheless, was more of a favourite than the Frenchman was. There was a young aviator at the side who had but just gained his permit to fly. No one knew who he was, or where he had come from. He had barely the right to compete, for no entries were taken after the four days befoiv the race, and he had joined at the last moment. He was to go up fifth; all times were to be taken and compared. The frenchman started. Monsieur de Rouette ran youthfully up to his aeroplane and gave a brisk order in French to his mechanics. It was a huge biplane, and the noise it made as it soared up above the heads of the si'ent crowd was incredible. Even •limiiiy winced. No one moved or spoke. It seemed that from the first people had feared for him. Some sort of presentiment, which was Unaccountable, had been present, and the groan which broke from the crowd as though they were one man made the young English aviator shiver befrnd his disfiguring gobies. For there was a rending tearing sound, and one of the great widesprcading wings split across. S'ill not losing his wits de Rouette volplaned slowly down. The crowd greeted him with a roai and a cheer, lb' was sate. What mattered it to them that he had lost? He whs :i hravc man. though, so they cheered again a- his lace. smiling and npparent'v unconcerned, pre red from the wreckage. Il was said later that It's mascot' a -mall green love bird, had died during the night. Tim next few who went up did not cau-e any great mile of excitement. The authorities had wedged the uninteresting novice- among the world-famed (Ivors, so that the I brills would ho spread out. Xiimhcr three was the American, and with a how he passed the grand-stand where Jimmy had obtained a seat for himself and Irs mother. It.iv illy was watching there ion and each aviator took off his goggles and bowed as he passed. The American was a good-humoured fflbiw, with twinkling eyes and a high forehead. He looked n'mo.-t too good-

What was bodily affluence when weighed against mental despair? She started back once more so that she shou'd be there when he landed. And her thoughts were still on the vital question. Often she had said to \ herself, how true it was, that men must work and women must weep, but surely there were few occupations in which there was so much danger and chance. Jimmy was famous, that was only to lie expected, for he knew no fear. Old England was desperately proud of her daring, clever young aeronaut, but then she thought wistfully; it was easy enough to be proud when one's heart did not ache. Full the papers were of his prowess and skill, and yet she knew how much rather she would have Jimmy a farm labourer than England's most famous aviator. The little speck was coining nearer. It looked like a beautiful seagull as it soared and swerved, and executed dives and curves that set Madeline's blood ■ dancing and made her eyes widen with tearless anxiety. She knew that he was anxious to per. foct himself in a new series of movements so that he could give an exhibition after the great International race was ended. The race was to he in three weeks, and Jimmy was terribly determined to win—great things he had planned to surprise the world. Just as Jimmy neareo. the landing .->tage the machine seemed to pause and rest motionless in mid air as though htfd on wires, then with a sudden sickening swoop it came to ground with a grinding sound. Jimmy Dancy climbed out, his face fcw is ted with pain. Madeline rushed towards him. thankful at least that he was alive. •' What is it 5 " she said anxiously. ' Oli, I was so afraid." nothing much. Muddy: don't doth. r. The wheel stuck, and in pulling it round my hand caught a stave, and 1 think it hns broken my wrist. It's no cud of a nuisance," he added gloomily, "with the race so near.'' Madeline did not speak for an instant. She was too full of thankfulness to grieve over his hurt, if only it kept him from that hateful race. "Oh, Jimmy," she said, pressing his uninjured hand feverishly, "how ran you think about the race when you have s> nearly escaped death?" Jimmy turned away From her impatiently, towards Merchants, the panting mechanic wfio hnd just rushed up. "Get thin put right," he enid curtly. 'Something wrong with the steeringwheel, and SP(> to the skids they will be damaged." Then he marched off with Madeline ill-side hiin, nursing his wounded arm and hi-, vexation at one and the name lime. R;'t lie w«» more am" \ still when the Joetoi told him he won'd not l.e able to h.m- his hand again for six weeks at the leant. The wrist was b-oken, wwi the arm. The race was off. aed it. was j.ln'imv. embittered tik.ii who faced hi; wr men-folk with the new. Not what did it matter In the uor.u-ii that he could not fly 0 Was it nol frei ■ ■ loin from suspense and sufferitm. tor a whole -ix weeks! What did it matter if Jimmy was impossible to live with iiccau.se of his disappointnie»it! A live roaring lion was better than a dead husband and son anv day. Rut in Madeline's mind a great idea vas forming. Th ; s was Monday, there were about fifteen rlny* before the ra'-e. She delivered up - T '-" '.v into hi ■■ mother's hands, nnd • ' i with uuiek Mens *be made her «iv •-• Mv> Hre-n-. The head mechan'e. v 1-a.nts wx.

natured to be clever, but once aboard hie aeroplane he was different. j Every muscle was tensed, every nerve j set on the issue. He was a good flier, | a little too earnest perhaps, not quite pleasant when beaten, but a very g063 fellow for all that. At any rate, he feared no rival to-day. He knew that now de Rouette was out of the running he stood a hundred to one chance of winning. Gallantly he manoeuvred his machine over the heads of the people. Then commenced some real fine flying. First lie did the racecourse, his time being noted, as he crossed the tapes, on terra firma, then he did some trick flying, and finally landed amid deafening cheers at the landing-stage. Everyone thought him the winner, though there were still about twenty more flights, including the German Gorsser. But then no one expected Gorsser to win, he was too wary at the turns. And Abby Smith Dunless was absolutely a crack at turning corners in the least possible space and with the utmost expedition. At last Number Five's number went up, and Mrs Dancy covered her face with her hands and moaned. But Jimmy did not hear her; he was busy smiling approval as the trim figure in leather overalls with a close-fitting racing helmet and thick goggles came along. As the aviator neared the end of the stand, for one brief moment the goggles were lifted, and, though St was but a moment, Jimmy felt that it was a lifetime. All was explained tojjim. The early rising, the queer disappearance to-dav. This was Maddy—darling, bewitching little Maddy—and she was going to her death. With wide, stricken eyes, quite powerless to move, he watched her cross the green to the aeroplane. Yes, there was Merchants, the mechanic. Were all his trusted ones deceiving him? He turned and paw the misery in his mother's eves. So she had known too!

He got to his feet and started franticallv to climb the barrier. His mother with almost superhuman strength held him back. "It's too late now," she said sternly. "Listen to me and I'll tell you why she did it. She wanted you to know what she and I suffer when you are flying. You are changing places to-day. You will wait and weep—she will work. And if it makes you give up flying she will be glad, even if to-day kills her. But never fear, she flys as well as you do. She is a marvel! Remember this morning! She was the aviator you were admiring." It was getting about the crowd that it was a girl who was flving, the wife of their favourite, Jimmy Dancy. Many curious looks were directed towards Jimmy and his mother, and so for the sake of convention, he set his face, and prayed. Oh how could she, he thought agonIsedly. How could she make him suffer so. Then conscience whispered that it was what he had done for the last three years. At last she was up. Like a feather, like a beautiful soft breasted dove she glided and swayed, and then the pistol shot told her that her race had started. Like a dart from an arrow she darted over the course. Like a flash of forked lightning. Vke a streak of sunlight the flew. Murmurs of delight and pride burst through parted lips. For one brief second Jimmy marvelled at her grasp of the machine. Merchants must have been drilling her all the time to get her s> quickly into such a state of perfection. Had anvone told him he would have scoffed aiid thought it an impoes'bilily, yet here was the marvel in the person of his own wife. She had crossed the last tape, and a burst of frantic hurrahs hurst from the peop'e. She had beaten Dunless \s tint* by two seconds.

llieu bile bun ira iici t»i""i«""" Swooping like a bird, then dropping like a stone until nearly touching the ground, picking up again and going higher and higher till lost to sight. Then darting down with incredible speed and twisting and turning until y Jimmy was as ghastlv as paper and his lips bitten through." Finally, as her time was up, she turned a sort of somersault, .and a cry of anguish came from Jimmy's lips. His mother looked at him pitifully. Just 60 she had seen Madeline more than once when Jimmy had been trying some new idea, and when he himself was none too sure whether he would be killed or no. . "She's suffered like that always, his mother whispered, "and so have I," 6he said to herself, as is the way with mothers. At last Madeline had landed, and was surrounded by admirers. The judge shook her by the hand and led her to the enclosure, while he went to te>l the waiting crowd that indeed their most famous flight had been accomplished by a woman. The crowd went mad. And Madeline had to be carried shoulder high round the grounds. At last she sought Jimmy, feeling a little ashamed, a little triumphant, and a good bit fearful. They looked at each other for a moment in silSnce. "Never again, Jimmy." she said under her breath as she saw h's face. "It's too awful. I wasn't afraid, and I wanted vou to suffer, but every moment I thought I had overdone it, and that I was done for." Jimmy het'd out his unwounded hand and took hers. Tears of anguish had dried on his cheek and his face was ashen. "It's a compact,' he said huskily. "Never again for either!" And the compact was ratified with a kiss.