The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-04-27

Neal laughed. T assure you AI was mistake. You see, I was a little excited. My intention was to get into my own apartment and quietly retrieve this suitcase without paying the rent. I sup pose I was so afraid of meeting the landlady that I forgot to watch my floor!"
 His predicament was so parallel to the one they had faced that Martha and Betty found them selves joining in his laughter.
 "This is really mighty kind of you," Neal said as they climbed into the little coupe. Especially in view of the fact that I haven't had a shave since yesterday morning and my clothes are little road-weary."
 He was openly curious about their trip, and as they drove along Martha told him the story of Car rington and Arnold Sloss and the Airspeed Trailer. T was suspicious at first, she finished. "But here we are, and at least we've our first weeks salary and expenses"
 Neal was silent moment. Then he said, "It does seem a little curious that those fellows. didn't want some references. Have you girls had experience at this sort of thing before?"
 "No ..,. :" said Betty dubiously. "And they never even asked if we had. Martha thought 1t was funny from the very first, but I didn't pay any attention to her. Now you've got me wondering"
 Gerry Neal laughed. Forget 1t! didn't mean to put a damper on your good luck" He turned to Martha at the wheel. Are you going into Los Angeles tonight?"
 "Just as far as Long Beach. We're staying at the Golden State Auto Park"
 Mind if I stop at the next town and put in a long distance to 8 friend of mine to drive down from Los Angeles and meet me there?" Not at all."
 "IIis names Jack Speddon." He paused moment, looking at the | two girls as if he believed they might recognize the name. I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting him." At the next town Martha drew the car and trailer to stop before 8 small store bearing 8 sign Pay Telephone" Neal hopped out. "I'll only be minute," he said, and dis appeared into the store.
 Betty looked at Martha. "What do you make of him?"
 "Darned if I know" she an- swered slowly. '.For the last mile I've been wondering if he might not be connected with our boss"
 You mean spying on us?" said Betty, wide-eyed. "Why would Sloss want to do that?"
 Martha shrugged. T don't know I'm sure. If he was suspicious of us in the first place surely he'd have investigated a little more. I've half a mind to set that suitcase out on the curb and drive away from here ?
 But before this could be accom- plished Neal had reappeared "Everything's Set," he said, "Jack's going to meet me-" He got back into the coupe; and with 8 Sidelong glance at her companion Martha showed the car into gear.
 AS they sped along, Neal talked entertalningly. There was no doubt but what he was well educated and had travelled. Whatever his luck was now, he had known better for tune.
 As Martha drove the litle coupe, listening to Gerry Neal,s pleasant voice, she wondered if she were be- ing a fool, Always honest with her. self, she admitted that she had been attracted to him. Even at that first meeting, in the half-light of the hall in that San Diego apartment, she had found Neal interesting. She had, in fact, found him more interesting than she would have admitted to Betty Haynes. And now she had picked him up on