The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-09-27

all the time stepping out from be- hind rocks and trees with guns all set but l didn't SC @ single black horse or cowboy rider" Dudley grinned as though remembering pleasant encounters.
 And you didn't See anyone else :? Dona persisted.
 Not a soul. But had my rifle ready and I'd have used it.. Ills smile disappeared and he looked at Dona gravely. T have my own theory as to how this Ball should be hunted and I intend to prove I'm right about it." ..
 What is your idea? Tell me. y Dona urged. "No, Watson, the master mind, must work out all details and weigh every clue before unraveling the crime" "Youre very unsatisfactory and very mysterious, MT Sherlock. shall reward you by leaving" Dona hoped down from the rail.
 Dudley was on his feet instantly. LAW, be a sport! Let's sit out here for a while. It's only a little after eight" T have to get some rest. Dad may need me at any hour and :! didn't get much sleep last night" | Dudley looked into her eyes af- fectionately. You have had a tough time in the past "A hours. | Well, run along to slumberland." Dona was busy caring for her fa- ther for the next three days and waited impatiently for Swergin and his posse to capture Ball. Swergin did great deal of thupdering. at his men. He threatened and bad gered them but they reported little progress.
 Asper was sitting in porch chair on the third afternoon. Dona perched on the top step looking away into the blue of the mountain peaks. She was eager to be astride the big roan and out into the hills. It seemed to her that even Swergin was afraid to meet Ball and have it out with him. Asper stirred and spoke.
 You'd better break away and take a ride" he suggested as though he had read her thoughts. "A canter down the canyon on that fireeating roan would do you a heap of good"
 Dona smiled fondly up at her fa- ther. You won't worry"
 Not bit. Just promise to stay away from the breaks and from the Pass Creek country"
 "I promise" Dona arose and planted a kiss on his cheek, then ran to her room to slip into riding clothes.
 Down at the corral Malloy was eager to ride with her but she re- fused his offer, saying that she was just out for a canter and not in any danger. She rode at a jog-trot across the clearing and into the timber. Her pulses quickened to the beauty of the day and she forgot for the mo- ment that Folly Mountain was place of tragedy and that she had vowed to see vengeance done in these woods. She trotted the roan until she came to q forest service trail sign. It read Blind River Trail" Dona halted and sat looking up the dim pathway. The sign set her to thinking of the strange feud between the cattle Her reverie was broken by the crashing report of 0 high.powered rife. Dona whirled the roan about and listened. Down the mountain side came the chatter of a horses hoofs. The rider was without doubt coming down the Blind River trail. Dona felt for her earbine. then re. membered she had not brought it. The roan sn0rted and ehamped 10 be off. Dona let him out a little and they swung down the slope.
 The hOrseman behind continued 10 pound along but now he was nt her right and still under cover. DOBa urged the r0an 10 a faster pace but could not pull away. she was no answer The unseen rider now ,gas leading The rom and seemed Co be trying t0 kesd ber m DOna realised That yhe would have tO set her spurs and sprint fOF ii or HhA would iel ennRbt ITO i,e Centinuedl