The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-14
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CHAPTER TX

They had skidded into a ditch, facing the bank, which was fortun- ate. At the other side of the road there was sheer drop of more than a thousand feet.
 Even this is bad enough" Bret said, If only you could drive ."
 "But can!"
 "You camp Apparently he had not counted on such good fortune. Do you suppose you could back up on to the road, if I stand out side and give directions?"
 She said she could do her best. She felt she could do anything, with him to guide her. Without further delay, she slipped into the drivers seat as Bret got out.
 Don't slam on the brakes too quickly!" Bret warned. Do eaxctly as I tell you. Remember that drop on the left - I don't know" he shook his head, may be I ought not to let you attempt it.'
 Her eyes met his. There was no hesitancy or fear in them Didn't l tell you I'm not afraid, Bret Hardesty? You'd let me try it if I were a man, wouldn't you?"
 "That's just it :"
 "That is it exactly! We're not going to park here all night just because happened to have been born lady!" Her laugh was as gay as though she would not be taking her very life in her small hands in another moment.
 "Okay," he agreed shortly; but she did not miss the flash of ad- miration in his dark eyes. Throw her into reverse - easy, remember! Stop the second shout out at you and don't forget the emergency"
 
 Those next few moments were ones Connie was never to for get; moments during which, ears strained for Bret'S directions, she shifted gears, twisted and turned with all her young strength, kept 8 steady nerve as well as her wits about her. But she managed to ba ok on to the road at last.
 Climbing in beside her, Bret frankly mopped his forehead in relief. T wouldn't want to live through that every day" he told her. But I do want to do some thing. Pay my respects to a very gallant lady - a game little sport"
 Connie had received many com- pliments from many men, but none had ever pleased her quite so much.
 Maybe it would be best for us to go back to the McCally's.". Bret suggested.
 Please don't! I'd much rather keep on. If were man that's what you'd do. isn't it?"
 Perhaps. But ."
 Didn't you just say I'd proved as good as one?"
 He laughed. You win!" Once more they started on their way.
 Now the snow had stopped fall ing; the hills rose like tall, sheathed sentinels guarding the valleys. It was almost as light as day. This was, indeed, a new world, spotless in its gleam- ing purity, silent, breath-taking, magical.
 "It's like a sanctuary" Connie "A place apart. I'll never forget this drive. I would not have missed it for anything!"
 His eyes smiled into hers, as though he understood what she meant. They did not talk much, sharing the silence of the night, as well as its strange. eerie beauty. They might have been the only iv- ing creatures - this man and this girl-so completely did this whole wild world belong to them alone.
 When they reached their des- tination it was long past midnight. The village was asleep under its blanket of snow, its little group of houses nestling close. High on a hill the tall steeple of its little white church rose against the mountains, keeping watch over all.
 This was where Katie Blyn who had been Constance Cor by, was to live and work, dream and play; this where she was to try her wings, find that freedom so long sought.
 "Like it?" Bret asked, at her side. He seemed to sense her mood, almost her thoughts. Tt may not appear very grand - un-