The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-07
CHAPTER XI

The Pinal county sheriff immedi- ateiy called Carolee on the tele- phone at Apache Junction filling station and got detailed information. It 1rked him some to have another case come up in Superstition. That
 made three people lost Up there this year, he growled to his office deputy, but the others had gotten out safe- ly enough.
 Seems like this might be tough one," he remarked. She talked right sensible. I'll go. I better git a dog, too, and pick up a couple of boys from the Circle C."
 He borrowed the dog, a mournful hound, from the state penitentiary which was located conveniently in the Pinal county seat, Florence. The hound was trained at trailing men. Then the sheriff conscripted horses and equipment and two cowboys from the Circle 2 Ranch, finally adding one more man, prospector and veteran outdoorsman, as a sort of extra guide. All these men were skilled at trailing, rich in their Knowledge of mountain lore. The men and the horses all rode in a truck to Superstition Lodge which was the end of the motor road. There Stuart Blake begged to join them; he had hastened back from Phoenix, arriving only shortly be- fore. Sheriff Watson didn't mind.
 Stuart rendered an initial minor service, in fact, by guiding them to the Golfers mountain trail which led winding upward to the shack on the cliff. Many foot trails are confusing in that region, and thus some time was saved.
 Carolee saw them coming well be- fore they arrived When they were still several hundred yards away she recognized Stuart's paint horse, and at dnce mounted Chieftain to go and meet them. They talked with her briefly, then started on to talk with Mir. Golfer and Silas at the home.
 Stuart will you wait minute for mel" she requested He refined his horse with her and they fingered down trail.
 "I,m awfully glad you came" she began, but I'd rather you wouldn't go any farther"
 He could tell that she was dis turbed, and his curiosity was in- tense. But he didn't want to hurt her. He was silent for quite a while.
 "I know" she spoke eventually. rwhat you are thinking. You are wondering if I am ashamed to have you see my home, my mother and people and the way we live. Well - am, little. But, it isn't that. In fact I'd rather you called and had dinner with us, maybe, and then you could decide if you still liked me. You've been aw- fully mime. Nicer than any other boy friend I've ever had, Stuart. Honest, 1t really isn't shame this time, and if you decided we weren't good enough for you I wouldn't care. I would
 "Caroleep
 "-I would understand. Really, WOulO, 0IudEG. l WOulu CdTG, l mean, but I wouldn't blame you. That's not what I'm most worried about now. though. It's it's be- cause I do think you are nice that I don't want you to come any far ther. You know called the of- ficers? About Paul?"
 "Yes. And came to help. I want to. I'm not a snob, Carolee. At least I never mean to be. Can I help 1t if I'm from city?"
 "Nol No, Stuart. I like you. And I'm proud of you. It's be- causeI like you that don't want you to come. Oh, I guess I'll have to tell you. Perhaps should. The truth is, papa and Silas think you have done something to Paul."
 
 His mouth dropped open, and he stared at her momentarily.