The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1932-10-14
CHAPTER XVII

for Dona to return with news
from the posse. He was impatient
because he feared that, even though
the bandits was surrounded, ne
might escape. When she did not
come Asper tried to stand up and
found that he was much more able
to walk than he had thought.
About o'clock Dudley came rld,
ing across the clearing. He looked
as fresh as though he had just
stepped out of a barber shop. Asper
glared angrily at him as he swung
down from his horse.
whats doing up there? Where
is Dona?" .Asper spat out the ques-
tons. 1t was relief to take his I'm
patience out on someone.
THE men are milling around put
they haven't captured or killed
anyone yet" Dudley fiecked spot
OF dust from his trousers. Il have
MT seen Dona. I should think she'd
slap in camp! This is a mans bus
iness."
Asper exploded with, d roar. You
take it pretty smooth, don't you?
You don't seem much worried about
her! You'd better be looking around
and showing some life!"
Dudley backed down two steps
before this broadside. Why she
can't be in danger! he argued.
mot in danger? You complacent
fool! She may be in worse danger
than that from bullet! Asper
got UP from his chair and reached
for a heavy cane that had been
placed near him to use In puillng
articles within his reach.
"Easy, sir! You'll do yourself
nrd1ou advanced to
the top step again and lifted
warning hand.
Asper. smashed the heavy end
tho cane down on the porch floor
ana beloved. "Get out of here! 90
find your wife!" az,
dudley backed down to the bot
tom step. He would as soon nave
nut a fot on the porch with an
angry lion waiting for him as 10
step within reach of Asper's cane.
II tell you there is danger! AS
per sank back into the chair ana
Tnopped his forehead with a req
silk handkerchief.
''I'll ride right out and fetcn ner
IN" Dudley promised. He was
3out to reach for his saddle morn
when Swergin came thunoerlns
around the corner Of the building.
mo timber boss was dusty and
his face was streaked Win per
sniration. He leaped from his horse
and numbered up the steps. Some
thing in his manner made Dudley
and old Asper both come to atten-
ton. o,
whats the matter now?" Asper
rrunted, half afraid to ask.
"What's up?" Dudley cut in.
"Your wife's horse, the roam,
came in with an empty saddle
about an hour ago." Swergin grit
"And Ball?" Asper was on his
feet. the heavy cane forgotten.
ale got away clean. Sneaked.
through the lines" Swergin mop
ped his forehead with grimy
Asher remained speechless for,
fun minute. Dudley pulled at the
handle Of his quirt and stared a
Swergin. 80, -, -.
her ride out for?" Swergin almost
shouted. didn't give orders?" he
halted before the look IN Aspcr
Delo's eyes. -.
r,,mbled. The rage had left HIS
voice and it was hard and cold now
Swergin opened his mouth but II
was Dudley who spoke. you can
do that, sir. You're not able"
'.Not able?" Asper's eyes meas
ured Dudley Winters. I'm more
able than you fools!" He took a
step toward Dudley. "Get out OF my
sight. Look at you-as slick as a
button after being out chasing
killer like Ball all afternoon. he
advanced toward the steps. Get
me those men and come along
yourself" he snapped at Swergln.
The timber boss retreated down
the steps and headed for the cor
rails. Dudley mounted his horse
without a word and trotted the