The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-09-17

to stroll there with me right now" Dudley caught her arm.
 They walked through the sand down past the corrals and came to a grove of cottonwoods. Seth Dolby had reclaimed bit of the dry land from the foothills and had watered it. Under the trees there was green grass and flowers. Shrubs grew in dense clumps and gave off fra grance that made Dona's heart quicken. Mountain laurel, red will low, black birch and host of her old friends were there to greet her: II think l shall stay this time." she said with a sigh as she sat down cross!legged on the grass. Dudley sprawled at, her feet and propped his chin on his el- bows. After we corral your Dad, which according to Dolby may be a job, we can spend our honeymoon here." Dona sunk a heel into the soft earth. I'm worried about Dad. I'm afraid we won't be able to handle him." There was a catch in her voice.
 Looks as though there is only one way" Dudley sat up beside Dona.
 "What is that?" she asked eager ly.
 Ut sounds melodramatic but, confound it, this whole thing is bit colorful." Dudley began.
 "It would be worth anything l possess to, keep Dad out of a scrape," Dona's red lips parted soft ly in the patchy moonlight and her eyes shone. Now you can see why I put up with the .city. For five years I've been able to keep Dad his fighting over long distance telephone"
 Dudley captured her hand and held it tight. There is just one way you have to listen to me until I've planned 1t alb
 Dona nodded but her lips closed suddenly.
 Your Dad is good sport. He's a man who can't be told what to do but he will do the right thing. Now all you have to do is to marry me tonight He did not try to draw her into his arms but waited, Watching the color play in her sa- tin cheeks.
 But Dud, it isn't fair for you to ask that! Remember our bargain" Dona faced him as she spoke and her eyes were like hidden pools.
 T know it looks as though wanted to make sure thing of it but it's the only plan that is bound to work"
 "Why?" Dona's voice was low.
 I've will come in With just married set of smiles. Your Dad likes me and he'll be pleased. He celebrate his only daughters mar riage-not your Dad," Dudley bent closer. Cant you see, darling, that it is sure to work?" .|
 Dona remained silent, thinking of many things. Suddenly she was not sure. Her head was whirl of racing thoughts. The plan was almost sure to work but could She do it? Did she love Dudley Win ters? Many times she had thought she did and again she was not sure. It was certain that she did not dis like him but could they be happy together? She leaned against his shoulder in Q panic of fear as her thoughts slipped back to a lean, dark -haired youth with a freckled nose and mocking half-smile. The picture irritated her and she pressed closer to Dudley. Why couldn't she forget Stanley Black? More than likely he had long since forgotten her.
 Ut isn't as if you were not going A~ T madly and I believe you love me-" himself any longer.
 I'm just not sure." Dona's voice was small and faltering. "Oh, Dud, if I only knew! Does anyone ever know?"
 "You're just worried. dear. I'll make it my full-time job to make you love me-" Unable to fight back the surge of emotion that swept over him he caught her in his arms.
 Then Dona remembered Seth Dobys words. "Swede Delo means to get his man this time" With an effort she arose. Instantly he was beside her and had captured both her hands. -.
 You mast marry me. dariIng!" His voice was husky. :.
 Dona titled her face upward and her checks shone white and free from color. quietly she answered. "f will marry y0u tonight, Dud,"
 4 dark shadow had moved across the patch of moonlight and halted behind R lauaw berry bush Just as Dudley made his plea, When Donn answered the shadow. shrnnk back and was plotted out bE ihs black