The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-08-19
CHAPTER XII

Wilton AmeS seemed In a most affable frame of mind. As he park ed his car, he glanced with some suspicion at the Great Pierre's com- bination r-and-trailer. But his face was pleasantly blank when he greeted Sally and Kinks.
 What's this?" he asked. More business?"
 Tt certainly is," said Sally. 'We've got magician with US now, Wilton. Also couple of gangsters." She spoke carelessly, as if she's devoted the better part of her life to operating a rendez- vous for gangsters.
 Wilton glanced nervously about
 "Gangsters?" he repeated in- credulously.
 "Yes," said Sally. They've gone inside or I'd introduce you They're very good paying guests Wilton, so please don't spread the news around. We don't want the police visiting us."
 q won't say word," Wilton promised.
 He meant 1t sincerely. Wilton Ames had come this afternoon tc establish himself on more friendly footing with Sally and Kinks. For the past few days he had been carefully considering his part in the program to get pos session of the Preston property And he realized that, having per stiaded Sally to invest in Great Divide Copper, he was in deep If, through some unforeseen slip Up. Sally should ever find out his fathers purpose and nis own com plicity, zip would go his chances of marrying her.
 i've come about this mortgage payment" he said now. Its beer on my mind lately. And I'm well, realize the position my father hal to take, but I'm all against hin even so"
 If you'll just excuse me-" sait Kinks, at this point. "Ill finish unloading that trailer. There are still one or two things to go into tlss house."
 sIn minute said Wilton "You ought to hear what l have to say, since you're joint legatee. He spoke with all the earnestness ho could summon. Part of his plan was to allay any suspicious that Kinks might have of him.
 "Ckay." said Kinks. Shoot. Well" said Wilton. I've given the mater a great deal of thought And the other day l went to my father and put it straight up tc him about extending the time oi your payment, As expected, ht wouldn't listen."
 0allys eyes grew suddenly soft.
 But, Wilton," she said, it wal very sweet of you to try, anyway Wasn't it, Kinks?'
 "Eh?" said Kinks. "Oh, sure Sure"
 Wilton waved his hand. Tt was the least I could do And I'm sorry I didn't get to first base But I refuse to admit defeat yet I think we all ought to go anc see him. This afternoon"
 Gang up on him, eh?" Kinks said.
 That's it." Wilton turned friendly eyes upon him. Nat urally, being his son, I'm the last person in the world able to in- fiuence my father. But you two might have better success. Anc I'll go along for whatever goot it may do. Now I happen to know that he isn't very busy this after noon. It's as good time as any to tackle him."
 I'm for it." said Sally de- cisiveiy. Kinks, you get my cal out. I'll run in and tell Mrs. Clip stack to look after the people"
 Obediently Kinks departed for tho barn. Sally ran up the front steps But, suddenly, Wilton called hel back.
 i've brought the certificate fol that stock" he said, taking large brown envelope from his pocket ulQli WdiIJ tO bAFC iV 'c JNt in front of Parker. Thought you might not want him to know you't bought it"
 I'm glad you waited" Sal. said "I'd just as soon Rink didn't know 1t. He might thinl I'd been foolish. By the way, ha anything happened to the stocI yet?"
 Wilton shook his head. INC But give 1t few days. l had straight tip"
 He was well satisfied to learl that Kinks was ignorant of thi transaction. Kinks, of course, wa a light-mlnded person who prob atay didn't know a share of stocI from dog license. Still it wa possible that he might have som knowledge of the markets am Wilton was glad that he kne' nothing of Sally's recent adven ture in Wall street.
 There was surprise in MT. Spen cer Ames' pale, blue eyes as Ms Sally Pennington swept into hi office, followed by his son and
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