THE BIG RED CAR

Northland Age, Volume 4, Issue 5, 2 November 1934, Page 6

THE BIG RED CAR

Geoff loved motor cars. He used to stand by the little fence in front of the garden and watch them going up and down the road. He wrote down their numbers and makes in his notebook.

“I’ve got three new ones, Mummy,” he called to his mother, who had just come in from her shopping.

At that moment another car turn- % ed the corner ; it was Miss Mackenzie in her little green Austin. When she saw Geoff and his mother she drew up and said, “Have you seen a bigred Bentley pass this way ? My uncle has just gone back to London, and two minutes after he’d left a most important message came for him on the telephone, which he must have before he gets to town. I don’t know whether he was going back by this route or the other.”

“Yes,” answered Geoff importantly, “a big red Bentley went past a minute ago,” and he read out its number from his notebook.

“That’s the one,” said Miss Mackenzie. “That’s fine! Now I know he’s gone this way I must chase him.” “What fun!” said Geoff enviously. “Like to come?” asked Miss Mac-

kenzie. Geoff looked round. “Yes, you may go,” smiled his mother. And in a twinkling Geoff was in the car and humming down the lane. “D’you think you’ll catch him?” asked Geoff. “Well, I’m counting on the chauf-

feur’s being in one of his slow moods this morning,” she lfj&ghed. “If so, I ought to do it.” But though they passed several cars there was no sign of the Bentley. Presently Miss Mackenzie guided the little car skilfully round a bend in the road.

Here the lane was up for repairs, and, to their delight, they saw the big Bentley pulled up, waiting. Miss Mackenzie and Geoff both shouted together. Miss Mackenzie’s uncle was most grateful for the message they had brought, and he turned to Geoff with a twinkle.

“What am I to do about it?” he said. “I’m afraid my niece would be offended if I tipped her. Would you mind having it instead?” He put a half-crown into Geoff’s hand, and went on, “If you buy any sweets you’d better give her one to keep her quiet.” “Oh, I’ll give her half,” promised Geoff.

And Miss Mackenzie and her uncle both laughed.