The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-09-02
SERIAL STORY PHOTO, FINISH :: ::':::::: :::":., ,;,: =.
BY CHARLES B. FARMER


 his bid--just as took the young lady's.
 "im bid five hundred for Golden Toy. We've just been joking so far all in good fun" He rubbed his hands, turned his grinning, red face from side to side. Gentlemen, step back a little-don't crowd the colt he might whirl around and kick. That's it. Thank youI Thank youl"
 While he talked young Donald was circling the crowd till he reached LindaS side. She had stepped away from Hill.
 I'm bid five hundred for Golden Toy; do I hear the thousand?" the auctioneer Sing-Songed.
 Donald looked straight at Linda, said in low, quick tones: I want that cold-you want him. I've about gone the limit. I can go only five fifty"
 He broke off, as as the auctioneer addressed the girl:
 twill the young lady make it a thousand? There's no rush, don't wish to hurry you, Miss" His voice wheedled, Make it a thousand, Miss?"
 Donald urged; "I'll put my five fifty with your money; we bid to- gether. Own him f1fty-fifty. How's that?"
 Linda made her decision in a split second. i've six hundred. I'll take you if my uncle trains him, " she nodded to Uncle Sandy, "and gets one-third of his winds, and one third if we sell"
 MT. Jenkins, the auctioneer, was getting anxious. Come folks, come this is a horse slae! I'm bid five hundred"
 Donalds face sobered as he heard Lindas terms. He said You're a keen business girl but you're on. We've got eleven fifty between us; you make the bids, for luck"
 She nodded with a slight lower ing of eyebrows. Said softly. Move away-so they won't get on." He shrugged his shoulders, stepped of, as though he were through.
 MT. Jenkins was calling: Offered five hundred-who says the thou sand?"
 Linda called, "Six hundred!'
 Seven fifty" from Hill He came across the space to her. Look here, Linda; you can't bid against me"
 q cant?" She raised a hand, Flight hundred!"
 Eight hundred-do hear the thousand?"
 Say, Linda" Hill protested, we're friendsl"
 And this is a Kentucky horse deal my lad. I'm buying this horse. Going to run him up till the cows come home.' She grinned at him.
 Monte Hill turned from her Swore under h,s breath.
 T bid vne circling crowd grew tensely quiet. They were going to hear d real bid, now.
 Fill gazed at the colt speculative ly; tugged at his coat again; a sign that he was intensely earnest. He frowned at Donald, who was calmly smoking, as though his race were run. Hill turned, glanced at Linda Gorddon. Smiled at her. She didn't like this smile. He was too much the conquering male
 Better make 1t a good one," she warned, "I'll run you up the flag pole"
 l Rough encouragement from tht crowd: You tell it to him, lady. That's Miss Gordon-she knows how to handle 'em."
 Run him up, Miss Gordon!"
 Monte Hill put his hands on hips swung around, inspected the crowd with contempt in his eyes. "If any of you gentlemen wish to bid, don't Jet me deter you-"
 Listen to him, trying to high hat usl"
 NO? No one wishes to bio against me? Right sure?" His eyes swept everyone. Then, since I am in Kentucky, where U. s. money is legal--I bid"-he hesitated, faced the auctloneef as ne t1lpped SIX handkerchief from a pocket-"T bic three thousand five hundred dol lars" He named the figure with a casual air
 The tension broke. The crowd began ohing and ahing; then shouts went up; Gosh, that's the way to bid" That fellows got nerve, he has!" Hill nodded his head slightly. Smiled sardonically at the change in sentiment.
 I'm offered three thousand five hundred-make it five thousand?' MT. Jenkins was looking at Linda but not hopefully. He beat his hands together, began sing-songing: of fered thirty-f1ve hundred-thirty- five thousand--five thaousand-go- ing at thirty-five hundred-going-