The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-11-27

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 Bannister looked up suddenly. "There was something about the wholesale cussedness of the fel- low" he went on. "Why, Louie would stand and lie to you until he was black in the face-and know that you knew he was lying and I'm damned if l didn't like him while he was doing it.! Say, do you remember tine time Alex Schneider was so sure he had the nomination for senator sewed up and Louie got the boys together in his room at o'clock in the morning"
 Sure dol" Paxton grinned. "And I remember how Schneider hit the ceiling when he found he was beaten. But the best trick, Louie Kane ever pulled was that time down in Pittsburg-"
 They were at it then. For half an hour the two men were lost in reminiscences.' Stories about Louie Kane, the ruthless local poli- tical boss whose death on his pri- vate yacht IS months before was still surrounded by an aura of mystery. Stories of the adventures and such adventures!-of two young newspaper reporters who had followed run-of-the-mill news, written about politics and crime and the conventions of fraternal organizations. about court battles and beauty contests and the mine strike. The two had worked to- getsAer some times; at others they had been rivals. Dave Bannistef, still in his teens, and Paxton a year or two older. Both of them willing to break a leg to give the Fremont Evening Post an exclu- sive banner line story for its home edition.
 4 =
 ~ All that had been 10 years ear- ilier, but as the mems voices drift .ed on, rising and falling, now and then interrupted by quiet laughter, the 10 years disappeared.
 Others in the room turned fre- 3.tluently to glance at the table in the corner, to nod and murmur and then to look. again. Always the gaze of these men fingered on Bannister. They seemed just l1t- tie in awe of the broad-shouldered young man with the chestnut hair, < slightly ,rumpled, and the dark 5eyes. Paxton's rather square face was animated and his words came nervously. with a rush. It was 7 Bannister who sat back, listening intently, now and then interrupt ing. Not hadsome man. The most generous judge would have rated Dave Bannister's features no better than common or garden variety" Nevertheless there were equalities in that face-intelligence, tolerance. generosity. That much of what Dave Bannister was could sbe read at a glance.
 ss.p Fremont soeiety-for it was . chiefly Fremont society that was gathered about the tables in the oak-panelled, crimson tapestried hotel dining room-enjoyed this opportunity to inspect David Ban- mister. Fremont society had known him not at all in the old days. Now they were aware that, with the publication of his first novel a year before, Bannister's picture : had appeared in newspapers ana magazines. There had been mo- tion picture made from the novel. i There had been some short stories. too, under his signature in week. ly magazine boasting the largest ' circulation in the country. Ire mont society was glad to have q close look at this home town boy who had made good in New York and in Hollywood.
 It Was the Hollywood phase of Bannister's career that seemed most glamorous to Fremont, whose 140,000 population patron ized two dozen motion picture houses. There were those who wondered why, after such tri- umphs, the young man should be hack in the home of his boyhood. Looking at him as he sat at the table with Jim Paxton, it was hard to believe Bannister was making 2 visit to his aunt because, as the Evening Post had stated, he needed a rest. David BannisteM seemed the picture of health.
 Paxton was talking now-jerk- ily. with that characteristic nerv- ons emphasis. q think Burns is in Guatemala" he said. At least he was the last l heard. And Snodgrass-re Snodgrass don't you? Well, by George, he's raising chickens!"
 Bannister smiled. "A worthy enterprise" he commented. May try it myself some day. Lord but that was a crazy gang we used ! to have on The Post! I wish there was a single thing in the world that could get as excited over nowadays us used to over Louie Kane's political rallies or three alarm fire or an oil station hold up"
 Paxton's right eyebrow raised uuerulously. ''How about having n first novel accepted?" he de- mandcd. And later hearing that it's a beat seller? How about signing fat movie contracts?
 suppose there are no thrills ir
 lhosc things. Don't try to high
 AAt me, Dave!"
 awnt that's not what I mean
 me other protested. "lf course cot a kick out of it when 'Exil inc Lover was published and when l read some of the reviews