The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-09-27
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i, his loos. mouth spread in a wide grin.
 "want a little company" he, rumbled.
 Dona arose and faced him. I'd be | glad to have you sit and talk to sme but I'm worried about MT Win | ters. He hasn't come in yet" Swergin scowled and pulled a chair toward him with a sweep of his thick arm. Hell have to learn to take care of himself if he stays up here. Now's good time for him to start"
 "But, MT swergin, he may have been attacked just as father was. He may bel" Dona stepped to Swergin's side impulsively. You must look for h1m!"
 I'm to play hero and go after him?" Swergin continued to scowl. 'what am 1 to get for all this hero stuff?" He let his little eyes rove over Dona's trim figure.
 Father will see that you are well paid" Dona could not <belp |but shrink under the creeping caress of his gaze.
 Swergin noted this and his smile returned. What's this boy friend worth in cold cash, being as have to be paid?" His chin thrust out as he spoke.
 "He means lot to me. MT Swer- gin, and 1 did not mean to set a money price on what you. have done. Father and I owe you more than we can ever pay" Dona fought to conceal her natural dread for the hulking man who was star ing boldly at her.
 Swergin arose deliberately to his feet. T don't calculate to get paid all in cash" he spoke slowly. T ought to leave that tenderfOot get shot so as to have him out of the way. Then you could tie to a real man, Sis." He buiged one big arm and winked at her. Dona flushed fin spite of herself. She was suddenly glad he was go- ing to look for Dudley but she could not force herself to a show of friendliness with Swergin. He repelled her too much. "I'll bring Winters in and tie him up where he can't get away from you," the man rumDled. You won't have to bring him in MT swergin and you won't need to tie him up." It was Dudley's voice coming from the shadows at the porch rail. Dona started in sur | prise.
 "Oh, Dud you are terribly late!' | she greeted him.
 Dudley mounted the porch steps lightly. He looked as fresh as though he had just come from his room instead of from long, hard ride.. He placed his rife against the rail and took Dona's hand. | Flows you Dad?" his manner was possessiye.
 Leave that gat at the corrals where it belongs" Swergin glow cred at Dudley's rife. My mistake" Dudley bowed up the rife and handed it to the big boss. You just drop 1t at the corral, old chap. Thanks" | Swergin took the rifle and seem- ed for an instant to be on the point of hurling 1t at the trim fig ure before him. With growled word he walked down the steps.
 Dudley" Dona protested, MT Swergin has rough manners but re- member Father and I owe him a lot" She coiuld not hide dim pied smile, however, at the neat way Dud had scored. HOW 5 DaQ {! DuQlcy seemed III rare good spirits.
 Dona overlooked the relation inn piled in his reference to her father. "He is sleeping and he's much bet | ter. Now tell me where you've been." She perched on the porch rail and moved a chair for Dudley. He accepted the chair and leaned back comfortably. "This is a great countdy, D! I rode miles and miles and went so far that it took hours to get back"
 "But where did you ride?" Do- na asked. s Dudley waved hand in the general direction of Folly Noun tain. up on top of that noun tain," he answered. | Dona looked at him. Then her clear laugh rippled out in the dusk.
 Dudley turned upon her and frown knitted his smooth forehead. What's wrong with that?"
 "Oh, 1t just sounds funny. You go riding all over Folly Mountain while this killer Ball is hiding up there ready to shoot all corners Didn't you even get a glimpse of him?"
 Not flash. Swergin's men were