The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-11-01

, stubborn desire to beat young cowpuncher at his own game. Asper settled back and lighted black cigar. He pulled on 1t medi- tatively for 0 few minutes. If he had stayed home Dona would never have married Q sap like Winters. She would have been too busy with the other youngsters that were al- ways dashing in. There was that fellow who had saved her from the kidnapers. He would have di- verted her mind from Dudley. if Asper had waited and found him. The old timber king grunted and | elevated his feet to the top of the desk. A handful of unopened let ters slid to the floor and he let them lie. His secretary would sure ly groan when he got back with all that mail.
 Asper grinned as he clamped down tighter on his cigar. He was remembering what he had told the neat and orderly Parsons, his sec rotary, the night he left. Three days and he'd be back. Parsons would be a nervous wreck by this time. Twenty of the 24 telegrams on the desk were from him. Asper eased himself little deeper into his chair and prepared to light another stogy. A window at his back creaked and Q swish of wind struck his neck. Asper twist | ed around to see what was wrong. his feet heavily to the floor. Stan- ley Bali was facing him. a six gun balancing lightly in his hand. l tfvUhaf dn want vp AQnAr asked, his amazement getting ahead ! of his anger.
 "I have something to tell you,'' Stan spoke evenly. Make yourself comfortable"
 Asper rumbled something deep in his throat, but he sat back and loked his enemy in the eye. | "I just got back from Texas" Stan began.
 You expect me to believe that ?" Asper gritted, his anger swelling suddenly.
 NO, I'm just telling you fact. I came here because 1 had to, not because I wanted to-" Stan watched Aspers face closely as 1t reddened. | You are legally responsible for | what the Delo Timber Company does," Stan continued rapidly. "That is why am paying you this visit. It will be necessary for me to uncover some of your dirt in spite of the fact that I was going to clear out and>let you get away with it."
 Asper started to get up but sank back. "Young man," he splut- tered angrily, you are making a broad statement. Everything here at Three Rivers is on the square"
 "How about Swergin's work over at Pass Creek" Ball shot the ques- ton at Asper like 8 bullet.
 Asper's face was 6 blank for a moment. Suddenly he felt very un- comfortable. Several times Pass Creek had been mentioned in Q mysterious manner.
 "We have no workings over there," he said at last in q some- what lower voice.
 "Why lie about 1t" Stan snap ped. This is a time for action!" He was watching Asper closely and suddenly realized to his own satis- faction that the old man did not know anything about Swergin's activities across the pass. | 1 suppose you BOL my LlmDer boss" Asper suddenly remembered Swergin.
 Stan shook his head. Not yet but I rode all the way up here to kill him. That will be one shooting I'll take all the blame for"
 'I'll be at Pass Creek tomorrow at sun up." Asper spoke deliber. ately and there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. I've had enough of this talk. If there is dirty work I'll pay for 1t. If this is a frame. up or a stall. you'll suffer.
 Stan smiled for the first time Better take along some reliable men," he said as he backed toward the window. Ten seconds later the blackness of early night had swal. lowed him.
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