The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-01-18

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 She did not answer for 50 long that Bob tilted up her face, in sudden panic. Then her smile re- assured him. q was afraid you'd put 1t that way" she said. Re member, haven't anything either 50 we might as well join our fabulous fortunes. But why put it on 8 money basis, Bob? I'd marry you if you never expected to have another penny as long as you live. Sometimes I've won- dered If ever would meet the right man - all girls do wonder that, you know. I certainly didn't dream that Thunder Mesa was going to give me the finest fellow I'd ever met, and"
 Stop right there before you say something to spoil it." he in- terrupted. Just once in a life- time a man gets the chance to hear someone else say what he's always thought about himself, and when it comes from you, darling!"
 A polite cough from the doorway made them both turn. Pearl John came into the room, hesitatingly. TT know three's a whole mob with you folks just now, but I've got to talk to you before you leave the mesa"
 Sure thing. Don't mind us, de Forest" Bob answered. Betty has promised that she'll take me on as a husband if can manage to find 8 living for us both"
 So I managed Pearl John smiled rather wistfully. You're luckier than you realize, Bob." Abruptly he walked over to the fire and put another log on the blaze. When he came back he had himself in hand once more. "The job end of 1t was what I wanted to talk about" he went on. I've got the finances and you have practical business experience. Why not join forces?"
 "Oh, not on Thunder Mesap Betty cried. T couldn't"
 I'm leaving this place, too, Betty" Pearl John told her. There is no reason now for me to stay. Anywhere that you de- eide on IS okay with me. I'll just close this place and let nature do the rest The winds and the weather will soon attend to it's finish. Probably the ancient pu- eblo walls will outla3t the rest, which is really es it should be-" Petty loo.:ed at them earnestly. Do you remember what Profess sor Shaw said when we went to his room? About queer things happening that he couldn't ex- plain, where old ruins had been disturbed? Maybe that was why all this had to happen here on the mesa"
 Neither of them answered, but something in their manner told that they agreed. Bob expressed it when he said, with an effort to make his voice casual. T guess Thunder Mesa has got the goat of us all. Maybe 1t would be best to give it back to the ghosts of those old-time Indians who seem to have staked out the first claim to the place"
 The cracking of the fire was the only sound in the room for a min- ute. Then Bob held out his hand. That was mighty white of you, Pearl John-your offer, I mean. Maybe we can make go of it to- gether."
 Then you're overlooking past differences, Bob?" Pearl John gripped his hand hard. Things got pretty thick for me for a while. I guess went of my ball. ance. But don't call me Pearl John again-I'm going to drop that silly first name from now on. Never did like it, but the rest of the family were strong for tradition and all that"
 A Mexican servant entered the room and reported that a car was ready to take anyone down from the mesa who wanted to leave.
 Later, as they drove away to- ward the mesa's edge, Betty turned again to wave at John de Forest, standing in the gateway of the patio. The rays of the sun gilded the hacienda with an un- earthly radiance, making it more dream-like than ever. Even its young owner seemed the hgment of some fanciful tale, wherein love and tragedy and drama were all woven into a fantastic pattern.
 Betty turned and slipped her hand under Bob's, resting on the steering wheel. He and their love,