The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-08-14

I Dad, lunch with Brent if he asked her, shop with Donna for the Flor. ida trip she was planning. Donna was restless, too, lately.
 "None of us is really living" Molly was thinking. We arc only being whirled about by events, toss- cd around in Q rosy cloud that has, mt any reality"
 Wick's car had long since left familiar surroundings, Out here in the countryside, the wind had an eerie sound. It seemed Spooky even with Wick beside her,
 "A perfect place for Q holdup," Wick spoke shortly,
 "1've o funny feeling along my spine" Molly whispered. "As though dozens of people must have passed along this same road to- night"
 "And some of them," Wick rec torted, aren't the kind of folks I'd ltke to meet along here."
 Don't worry. I left my jewelry at home"
 "You don't read the news papers. HoldupS can be most un- pleasant. Particularly if you've left your money and rings at home. Sometimes you get nasty bump on tho head or maybe . playful dig with Q knife. But luck's with us so far. That bright glow over there Is the famous Red Poppy"
 As they came nearer, yellow squares of light from long, low, chubby type building began to prick the darkness with color,
 Wick drove around tho side where they found Q motley assemhlage ot automobiles. Some were rather swank, Molly noticed. Others look cd as though they were on their last legs.
 There was nothing unusual about tho place except the dense wood- land around 1t and sense of iso- lation. A queer place, If you wanted crowds. But maybe more thrilling things awaited inside. Frances had said this place was terrific. It must have points, to be revealed later.
 Here's our cheerful choice" Wick muttered. He helped Molly from the car. Mot too late to turn back" he added.
 Don't be silly"
 Tt has Q rotten reputation"
 "I have Q feeling something's going to happen" Molly said in Q low tone. "Something out of the ordinary"
 Don't say didn't warn youl"
 "When I wake up behind bars, I'll say, wick and Brent wanted mo to he Q good girl and I would. nt,' Anyway, what could happenp"
 Plenty police"
 "PoliceW Molly spoke with the disdain of ono who has known only tho friendly protection of the guardians of the peace.
 They were inside now, and Q tall, suaVe-looking man came toward them, smiling. Molly felt his gaze rest on her for Q moment with sudden, sharp interest.
 "He knows I'm not Q regular customer" she haSarded mentally, land suspects I'm ell set for sonae- thing exciting"
 The proprietor signaled to a waiter, who piloted them to Q table,
 Molly curved her mouth down ward to signify to Wick her dis- appointment. Wick had been stufty, deliberately building up an atmo- sphere which was about to collapse. There was absolutely nothing here to thrill or excite one.
 The big room had the usual polished dance floor. A large re- volving mirrored disc. in the cen- ter of the ceiling bathed the danc- ing area In Q flood of shifting rainbow squares. Mirror panels were set in the walls between other panels decorated with Vivid red peoples.
 The crowd had not yet come to life, People were sitting ct tables indifferently, looking at Q quite or- dinary show with bored eyes. Per- haps after Q while that girl with hair like green straw would be cry- ing in her cup and that ugly man with her would flourish Q knife-as Brent's edition would have 1t.
 The music had begun. Loudly, brassily and insistently, but the tune was familiar. Nothing daring or sinister in thatl
 "It's a dumb sort of place." Molly told Wick. "The Red Puppy. Don't they get opium from poppiesP The name suits it. It could put anybody to sleep"
 Tt could but people to sleep in
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