The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1936-12-19
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BEGIN HERE TODAY

BEGIN HERE TO-DAY
Bob Graham, tire salesman
driving over a desert road IN Ne,
Mexico during a snow storm.
halted by an accident to his car
Two strangers, Ramon Vassae'
and Anselique Abeyta, invite hin
To TO with them. Ramon and An
xeHaue arc on their way to the d.
Forest hacienda, Thunder Mesa
for a Christmas party.
They reach the hacienda ans
are welcomed BY Pearl John d.
Forest. youngest OF three broth
er,. Pearl Sam is the Oldest ans
Pearl Pierre next. Bob ~onder'
about these curious names. Othei
members Of the household are
Tsnte Josephine, old and an in
valid; Betty Weleh, her eompNn
ion; and Professor shaw. archie
ologist. Bob senses something
strange about the place. Alone IN
nj, room, he is startled to hear q
noise at the window. he opens II
and finds Betty Weleh outside
She says. Can you take me away
With you? I'm afraid"
NOW co ON WITH THE STORY
CHAPTER ~
There seemed nothing TO do but
comply with the Indians demand.
Betty and bob retraccd their
steps. =,
a pretty note" Bob growlcd.
who is that bird"
Broken Shield is his name.
BETTY told him. lie Is always
guarding that trail.
"He was there last night when
we came" said Bob. Say, for
half a cent Id go back and mash
his Nose in.
II wouldn't" Brtty'S voice was
suddenly grave. Broken Shield
is one of the reasons ! want To
leave here. I'm sure he hates
every person on the mesa except
Tante Josephine. He's devoted to
her"
"The old lady? can't imagine
her inspiring love in anyone. Bob
kicked the snow yiciouSly.
"He would do anything for her"
Betty went on. But Pearl Sam
well, if We should wake up some
morning and find Pearl Sans
throat cut, I'd be sure the Indian
did il. and | shouldn't blame him
much. Pearl Sam is hateful TO
him."
There doesn't seem TO be much
love lost among any of the people
I'm this household, as far as | can
see. How did the men ever get
such outlandiSh names? Do you
know"
ayes. Once when she was feel
ing especially laxative. Tante Jo-
seDhine told me. Seems in the
early days a Captain Pierre de
Forest sailed 10 China, and came
back with q fabulous fortune in
pearls. Ne was the one who
bought this mesa and built the
house. The pearls had something
TO do with pirates, which seemed
10 tickle Tante good deal, but
she wouldn't say Just what 1t was.
Since then all the men of this
branch Of the family have had
Pearl for their first name"
"Can you beat that? No Won
der you want TO get out OF here.
Maybe that's why they're all so
sort of suspicious of each other.
] suppose they're expecting some
Of the pirates 10 come back TO
claim their booty or something"
Maybe that explains the Indian
guard, too" nee
Bob looked pleased at his own
explanation of the mystery, but
Betty shook her head. 81 don't
think they're afraid of anything
from outside the mesa" she an
Swered.
When they got back TO the house
the family was up and about, and
Pearl John was busy directing last
minute preparations for the marty.
He greeted them gaily. though he
looked his surprise at their early
morning walk.
IL can't imagine anyone getting
up before they have to-" he
laughed.
II was just looking around a
bit," Bob answered. Thought I'd
see if anyone knew about my car,
so | could be on my way. | feel
that am intruding here. Besides,
! have a business date I've got TO
keep rs soon as possible. Miss
Weleh took pity on me and was
showing me around. but your In
dian didn't seem TO want us TO 40
down the canyon road"
For minute Pearl John seemed
absorbed in lacking up wreath.
Then he said, with light laugh.
"Oh. old Broken Shield. Don't
let him bother you. He gets ideas
in his head. Been here so long he
thinks he owns the mesa, you
know. Wen have your car for you
Just as soon IS we can. In the
meantime. please don't feel you
aren't welcome. I'm sorry the
party is taking my time so that we
haven't been able 10 become better
acquainted. I'll send man TO see
about your car prOntO If you
wish"
His tone was so cordial and his
smile so winning that Bob felt
ashamed of his doubts about his
young host. Here was thorough
ly friendly, likeable young man.
To prove that he was grateful
Bob busted himself helping to ar.
ranpe extra chairs and set up card