The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1938-07-23
SERIAL STORY x
MYSTERY AT THE LAZY R s ss.'
BY CLARKE NEWTON
CAST OE CHARACTERS


blond, popular, is engaged to six
foot, black-haired
STEVE MALLORY, hero; who
is accompanying her on a trip to
NikkTs aunt and uncle on Wyo-
ming dude ranch. Nikkis father,
PETER JEROME is a wealthy,
New York jewel merchant.
Yesterday: The stranger in
PRODUCES himself as Bancroft and
then advises that he has decided
TO 20 to Wyoming, too, for a Va
cation.
CHAPTER Ill
When the train pulled into the
little station Aunt Amy was at
the bottom of the steps To wrap
Nikki in q thorough-going EN-
brace that left them both breath
less and laughing Aunt Amy was
4 gray-hairrd woman, slender,
almost angular with Il quiet DELHI
erateneSS which seldom saw
change of pace. but now she held
Nikki off al arms length and
looked at her.
MY. My! Such grown-uD
lady. Why the last time you wer"
cut here
Now Amy, Nikki knows how
big She was five years ago. Sure
she's grown up. Never sick Il day
in her life. Just like her uncle.
But she needs some ranch cOOkln'
10 put Il little heft onto her. said
Uncle jim. looking over critl-
cally. Nikki laughed and kissed
her bald. boiSterOuS relative.
WAIT u minute. you to- she
said. Don't you want to meet the
man Pm yoin" to marry?' Stev"
hadn't completely forgiven her
for the club car incident with
Bancroft. but the rest of the trip
had passed without incident large
~ because Nikki had wisely de
cided to stay out of the lounge.
Now she led Steve over and in
trOduccd him 10 her aunt, who
kissed him. and to her uncle who
welcomed him largely. Nikki saw
out of the corner of her eye thai
Bancroft and SartU were standing
several yards away by their lug
gage, waiting for the family
group To break up. Steve hadn't
seen them. Uncle Jim finally
walked over to them, shook hands
and brought them back.
Amy" he said. these gentle
men are Mr.. Bancroft and Mr.
Sarto. They figure on going out
10 the Lazy K for spell. Reckon
You must have met on the train,
turning to Nikki and Steve. Nihki
nodded. I'VE met" said Steve
briefly. without looking ut Nikki
Come on. then" said Uncle
Jim. Things have shore changed.
Nikkl. Remember the old truck
we used TO cayort along in? Well.
We got one of them new station
wagons now. II was Amy'S idea,
but il certainly does the business.
Why you can haul dozen people
in this thing. with all their bag
gage
lie kept up cheerful, noisy
conversation all the ! ) miles to
the ranch. telling Nikki and Steve
about the improvements and some
Of the guests already there. He
included Bancroft and Sarto IN
his conversation with casual
wage Of his hand Il turn of his
head.
"Hey, Rance" ne yelled as the
station wagon came To Il stop IN
the drive before the ranch house.
Here's Nikki," and a tow-headed
young man in khaki trousers and
shirt came StrullIng up from the
corralS.
Rance" said Nikki. and kissed
him enthusiastically. Rance drew
back, completely covered with Il
fine cloud of pleased confusion.
Looks like lot OF kissing
goin' on observed Uncle Jim.
"Rance, your ears are redder than
that COW barn"
Hush" said Aunt A ~
Rance and Nikki were practically
brought up together" she explain
ed automatically 10 Steve They
are Just like brother and sister
Hey Bill" she called to Il why
young man crossing the yard.
"COme and take these bags up To
the porch" She turned TO Steve
who was watching Bits approach.
IL can't get used to seeing men
around i'm chaps again. But the
eaSteruers want hair pants and
hair pants they get. Don't mean
you, q course" she added. re-
man, h. ,-ift,, that St,.y, .,Fts, all