The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-09-21

| have, Dona replied simply. Asper sat down. Stay in camp and behave yourself. No horseback riding and no wandering off. don't suppose that kid who can't keep away from you would be worth his salt at watching, you. He'd do as you said"
 around if. he didn't,' Dona smiled. And now that everything is set tied I"m going to have breakfast" "You haven't promised to stay in camp" Asper reminded her. Dona was at the door. No, and I shan't." She slipped out, waving him kiss as she went.
 Her old man over again." Asper muttered to his desk. But he was worried and determined to have dependable man watch Dona and ride with her every place she went. | Dona found the Chinese cook in the mess kitchen eager to serve his white mistress. She saw noth- | ing of Dudley and concluded that he YVES off negotiating for horse and gun. As she walked out of the dining room she noticed a poster l tackled on the door and stopped to | IGdu IL. III S0 OAoSh AOStShS th0 following legend thrust itself out at her:
 REWARD FOR STAN BALL | DEAD OR ALIVE
 The notice was signed, "Ginter Swergin. Deputy Sheriff." There was no picture of the desperado and no description. Dona fingered for several minutes before it. Some strange fascination held her. Finally she turned and swung down the street toward the corrals.
 She found the man who had charge of the saddle horses and told him who she was. He was inn pressed but had evidently received orders from Asper regarding her riding. He pointed to meek-look- ing animal.
 That's your horse, Ma'am." he said politely as he shook out his lariat.
 | Dona laughed until her rich alto woke the sleepy horse. Drop q rope on that roan, she ordered. pointing dainty, gloved finger to- ward a long-legged saddler that was eying them with fiery disdain.
 The cowboy shook his head. "That crltter has already throwed the gentleman who came with you twice this morning. He fancied that brute, tool" There was trace of a grin on the corral boss's face.
 Dona swung one leg up on the top pole of the corral. Her rid ing brooches displayed her slim form and her slenderness made the cowboy step forward hurriedly.
 "No woman could ride, that fel- low, Ma'm," he protested. Dona smiled down at him. Your rope please" When he did not hand it to her she bent low and caught 1t out of his astonished | hands. Before he could stop her upon the roan.
 The big fellow was rope-wise and ducked for a far corner. Dona advanced. and her loop shot out. The roan snorted and tossed his head but the rope landed neatly and he was caught fast. He lunged and plunged but the rope frightened | firmly and he decided that he was In the hands of an experienced rider. Planting his feet wide he set | tied back against the rope and waited for the saddle he knew was coming.
 "Bring a saddle!" Dona called. l The astonished cowboy leaped over the fence and dragged a heavy stock saddle from the fence. With nip he swung it to his shoulder. Better let me take some of the starch out of him." he call- ed.
 Dona knew that this was wise ad- vice but she had made Q perfect catch and she had also made 1t evi dent that she was going to ride the roan. Her pride ruled over her bet ter judgment which told her that she had not been in Q saddle for several years except to canter along a brldle path and that she had her rope on q spirited horse who could and would buck. For a second she hesitated then her eyes twinkied and her full lips parted. With devastating smile she faced the cowboy.
 "shorten the stlrrups and knot the reins for me. Then saddle this fellow. I intend to rid him" l (To Bc COntinned)