The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-09-02
CHAPTER V

CHAPTER V
 A man leaped from the car, a powerfully-built fellow in form-t1t- ting gray tweeds. As he started to- ward the barn the crowd gave way. He marched straight to the auc- tioneer.
 Linda Gordon gave a start. "Monte Hill" she exclaimed to her uncle. He turned a puzzled face to- ward her. Friend of mine, won the Juvenile Stakes last week." she ex- plained quickly, then stepped for ward. But Monte Hill was 25 feet from her, with eyes on the auc- tioneer. Was speaking in a com manding voice.
 "Sayl Am I in time? Just flew down from Belmont-borrowed @ car in Louisville-this is" he looked sharply at the colt, "this is Golden Toy, isn't it? Has he gone?' The auctioneer beamed expansive ly. Just in the nick of time, my good friend" From Belmont This man spelt money. Sale just start ing-to the highest bidder-the Rad ford colts. Cash on the barrel-head, and no reasonable bid refused. Now offer"
 Again his voice went into sing song:
 "Golden Toy, years old, by Pompey, out of Toy Girl, by Lord Goldman. Half-brother of the great Pompoon, winner of the Belmont Futurity, the Dixie Handicap. Need say morep What am bid to openP Give me nice breather, folks!"
 Linda had wanted to go to Monte's side, but things were mov- Ing too fast. She'd bid-then she'd catch his eye.
 "One hundred dollars!" She shouted the offer.
 The auctioneers jaw dropped. He turned-all turned-and looked at Linda. The auctioneer seemed hard puk to find words with which to eX- press his feelings to lady, Why, the bid was insulting!
 He began protesting, as Monte Hill started across to Linda, sur prise on his face. "I-ah-folks-- roHks! I can't take such an offer. He should start at couple of thou sand!
 rwo-"
 The word rang out from the other side of the circle. Monte hsu stopped, whirled around to see whC was making the bid. Greeting Linda Gordon could wait. This was busi- ness.
 T thank you, sirl Thank yo'l Mir. Donald. I'm bid two thou- sand"
 My bid was two hurdre6-you didn't let me finish" She young man called out clearly.
 The auctioneer slapped hls huge paunch in disgust. What's tnis? Ladies and gentlemen, this is no game O marbles, We are selling one of the finest bred colts"
 And fifty-thats two hundred and fifty from mel" Linda called.
 Monte Hill was at her side in three long steps. Hello, Lindar
 He seized her hands, spoke quick ly. Never mind-I'll bid him in."
 But IT want him myself!" she , exclaimed, freeing her hands, as the auctioneer cried for more bids.
 Forget itl Women and racing don't mix" Hill told her. "1'll get him" He whirled around. What was that last bid, MT. Auctioneer?' I'm ashamed to tell you, sir, It was a measley little two hundred and fifty"
 Make it three -fifty!" Hill called with nonchalance.
 -Four hundredl" From the young ster named Donald.
 Hill jerked at his coat. Crowned. Someone going to run him up, ehP He'd put an end to that. T bid" And fifty-that's four-tiftyP Linda called.
 Hill turned on her, scowled, The crowd of loungers, sensing a per- sonal fight, began chuckling, and pushing forward
 "Give the lady chance!"
 That's Sandy Gordons niece" an old timer called. Let her have the colt!"
 Half hundred persons were damned around the horse, the auctioneer: three people trying to buy that colt. and 47 determined that the girl should have him.
 No outsider can bid down Ken lucky girll' an unshaven giant shouted, as he moved closer in to- ward the auctioneer Take her bid !" Hill turned around. You mean I can't bid on this horse?" he de- manded. What is this-Russia or the U, S. A?'
 Tt be Kentucky, Stranger-that's whatl"
 Glad you told mel" Monte Hill was fighting mad. That being the case, I bid five hundred. How do you like that?"
 The unshaven one muttered to himself
 aGentlemen gentlemen!" the auctioneer pleaded. This is a.law- full assembly. Our new friend has q legal right to bid, and I accept
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