The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1936-12-28

Pearl JOnn 0SSenCeu, TeaOly
enough. and, getting lbs coat and
hat, Bob plowed his way through
the drifts with the men, holding
one side Of the canvas.
As usual, the servants did not
offer any comments, but gave
little grunts Of discomfort as the
cold wind, sweeping across the
mesa, caught them In its grasp.
With nothing to break 1t, the drift
ing snow swirled In binding waves
at times, and Bob had ali he could
do to keep his footing and still
carry his share Of the canvas.
After several minutes Of breath
taking exertion, q cultural warning
from one Of the men warned him
that they had come TO the edge Of
the mesa. Here they piled the con-
tents Of the canvas in the shelter
Of some huge rocks, and went back
to get the Christmas tree.
BY this time Bob had had all he
wanted Of outdoor exercise, so he
left the men to get the tree down
alone, and went In search Of Betty.
Perhaps she could give an ex-
PLANTATION Of Tante Josephine's
hysterical cries the night before.
besides, Bob wanted to assure
himself that the girl was safe.
Hearing voices in a glassed-in
porch that opened off the dining
room, Bob moved in that direction.
The porch was small and filled with
ported plants. Evidently Betty had
been working with them, for a tin
watering pot stood in the doorway.
He could see her bright head above
the rows Of ferns and took quick
step forward, then stopped sudden
ly, for she was not alone. Pearl
John was beside her and, as Bob
watched, he took her hand in both
of his in a way that could not be
misunderstood.
IF you really mean what you
say, Betty, promise you'll marry me.
Then I'll know everything will be all
right. Well make my brother let
us out Of here. Well go to Santa Fe
or any place you say and forget that
there was ever such place as
Thunder Mesa. I love you. dearest.
I've tried to show you how I felt but
maybe you didn't understand"
"Oh, Pearl Johnl" Betty's voice
was breathless. Bob strained for
ward to hear the rest. He had to
know, even thought he despised
himself for listening.
IL didn't mean that" Betty
went en-. 1T was only that wanted
you to know how sorry am for you'
and -"
Then 1t was just that you're sorry
for me-nothing more?"
The hurt in his tone made Bob
stride quickly down the hall to his
own room. There he flung himself
into the chair and lighted cigaret.
Pearl John was In love with Betty;
that was plain. Bob felt great pity
for him. But she was she being
coy and flirtatious like Angelique?
He knew the answer to that, too.
Betty was a different sort.
1t was getting toWarp noon, ana
still no one came up the trail from
the world beyond the mesa. Bob
and Ramon stood together in the
living room, waiting for the others
to come to lunch.
Are you going to say anything to
Pearl Pierre about what happened
in the library this morning." Bob
asked in low tone. After their
experience with the professor pop
ping into their conversation, the two
guests were careful.
IF Pearl John has not already
done 1t, I am" Ramon answered.
He's holding us here practically
prisoners, and I'm not going 10
stand for 1t much longer. We've
got to be getting back. Angeliques
family will think I've eloped with
her which would suit them ex-
actly, but I don't intend to be
hooked that easy"
A quick motion of his hand cut
off the conversation, as the girl
herself came quickly down the cor
ridor. "Oh, Ramon and Bob, isn't
it terrible? I didn't sleep a wink
and got so nervous I had to have a
maid sit with me all night. We
must get away from here, Ramon,
quick - today!"
There, there, dear" he slipped
an arm about her shaking Shout
ders. "Just as soon as the officers
come from town we can all leave
right away. Until then, you've
got me, you know-and Bob. too"
The girl managed smile at the
thought Of two men to lean on,
but her white face told that the