The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1936-12-21
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BEGIN HERE TO-DAY
Bob Graham, tire salesman
driving over a desert road IN New
Mexico during a snow storm, Is
halted by an accident to his car
Two strangers. Ramon Vasquez
and Angelique Abeyta, invite him
TO 20 with them. Ramon and An
velioue are on their way to the de
Forest hacienda, Thunder Mesa
for a Christmas party.
They reach the hacienda and
are welcomed by Pearl John de
Forest, Youngest Of three broth.
er.. Pearl Sam is the Oldest and
Pearl Pierre next. Bob wonders
about these curious names. Other
members Of the household are
Tsnte Josephine. old and an in
valid; Betty Weleh, her eomPan-
ion; and Professor shaw. archie
olosist. Bob senses something
strange about the place Alone m
his room. he is startled TO hear a
noise at the window. He opens Il
and firds Betty Wcleh outside.
She says. Can you tske me away
with you? I'm afraid!
NOW co ON WITH THE STORY
CHAPTER Y
In spite of the snow which be-
gan 20 fall again in the late alter
noon. about 20 guests arrived az
the hacienda for dinner that eve
ming. For the first time the place
took on an air OF Christmas feS-
tiyity, with the sound of gay voices
and young people holiday dress
moving about the big rooms. The
older brothers and Tante jose
phine did not join the party at
dinner. and Bob could not help but
think this was one reason for its
success.
Pearl John had lent Bob eve
ming clothes. Bob was soon en-
joying himself thoroughly. Espe-
cially since Betty was his dinner
partner. Roman Yasquez had the
chair next TO her on the other side
and Romans dark eyes showed his
interest. as he eomplimented Betty
on her becoming white gown. This
did not pass unnoticed by Ange-
lique, directly opposite him. Her
flame-colored gown, cut on daring
lines. showed her rounded figure
10 advantage, and, though she
flirted and laughed with the men
who sat beside her, she did not
miss the attentions Ramon show
cred on Betty. ,
"Hey, are you trying to steal
my girl?" Bob finally challenged
him with a laugh.
Ramon has q. way with women
Bob." Angelique told him. "He
puts the evil eye on them and
then it's just too bad. Now me
/ fell head over heels in love with
him the first time | saw him, and
see how he turns to the next pretty
girl he meets"
: She shrugged her shoulders ex-
preSsively, and her red lips smil-
ed, but Bob noticed that there
was no smile in her eyes. The
thought flashed through his mind
that here was q woman who might
be dangerous.
Betty changed the subject.
~ can see how YOU are able to
manage old Tante," Bob told her,
a moment later. whats become
of the rest of the family"
"Tante is having dinner in her
room, and don't know about the
others" shs answered. Pearl
John seems 10 have managed
rather well for once, hasn't he?"
"I'll say! Remember l have the
first dance. ! can hear the MeM-
cans tuning up in the living room.
Pretty slick having an orchestra
right on the place, isn't it,
you'll find that the de Forests
have everything they really want
right here on Thunder Mesa"
Betty replied.
"Inclading you and me?" he
asked with a rueful smile.
Maybe"
Dancing was soon in full
swing, and the soft lights and
provocative Mexican music lent a
dreamy unreality to the scene.
Bob spoke about it to Betty.
~ feel as though at any min
ute I'd roll out of bed and wake
up" he told her, as they circled
in a slow waltz. Here / start
out TO fight snow all Christmas
Day in order to sell an order Of
ties, and instead / find myself up
here on this mesa, dancing with
you in a house that's as queer as
they make EN-"
80 ssI,,a nod tho saY,,a if,nreSSion ~