The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-09-01
CHAPTER "

CHAPTER "
 "Storms gone" Uncle Sandy commented at the breakfast table after a rainy night. "It'll be good day for the barbecue at Radfords'."
 "Did Bruce Radford invite you?'
 "Well, no, honey; why should he? There's be bunch of big east ern buyers down; Bruce is sort ot doing the honors-"
 Playing the gentleman" she spoke bitterly; pity he isn't one Well, we're going to be at the sale on time"
 And they were-to the minute.
 Linda was surprised at the small ness of the crowd in Browns Barn on the main highway. Only a few collarless hangers-on were about the doorway. Bruce Radford was not there.
 'Funny-with three-four good colts going, that they pass up this sale" Uncle Sandy commented.
 The florid-faced auctioneer thought so, too; he mounted a keg in front of the sales barn, an- nounced: Folks, we'll just wait a few minutes; till the crowd comes. '
 Let's take a look-see at those coltS," Uncle Sandy led Linda into the barn, where great golden ani- nal stood at the head of the horses to be auctioned; a spirited creature, Is hands high, with white forelegs and white star on his face.
 "ThatS him-Golden Toy" Uncle Sandy commented. His sire was a fast 'un; his dam weight-carrier. Never been raced; Will died just when he come 2-year old"
 The horseman went over the colt carefully, stepped back, said, He's sound, in wind and limb. Be a good buy at $3,00o-a bargain for any thing less" Then for the first time Uncle Sandy thought to question Linda's finances.
 She had lived in a different world from his: in the great New York, where her name appeared over articles and stories. She had never asked for money; she had even sent him money presents. Wsiters-didn't they make hum drods, thousands? But maybe Linda was a bit short today
 '"Honey, do you think we can af- ford to buy this 'un?" Anxiety was in his tones; Uncle Sandy wanted his hands on that colt. Linda sensed hiC concern. She forced herself to smile. Why not?" she asked. We're going to get that colt, Uncle Sandy She wanted Golden Toy for her uncle-for herself; above all, she wanted to take him from Bruce RAdford. She knew Bruce would try to buy him cheap. Going to set ur as e great horseman, was he?
 This sale was for cash. But may be-
 An idea flashed into her mind; she wheeled on Uncle Sandy:
 Bruce, and those eastern buyers, are holding up this sale, while they eat and drink. If we can force the auctioneer-"
 Uncle Sandy was quick of thought in his own field. A grin creased his leathery face. You're a born horse- man, honey. Come on!"
 They went to the front of the barn. MT. Jenkins," Uncle Sandy spoke suavely, "this sale was ad- vertised for 1:30, rain or shine. One thirty sharp. It now is" he looked al a thick, split-second watch, 1:45. say we start. We're here, money in hand" MT. Jenkins jaws moved mo- ment: he shifted his cud.
 "Yes. sir, you're right, MT. Cor don-dead right. But I'm thinking -" he looked up the long highway a moment I'm thinking, yes, sir? Those eastern gents forget that we have daylight-saving time; they mean to be here at the real sur time. Yes, sir! So we'll just wait.
 But you can't do that" Linda protested, as the crowd of idlers drew closer. You saild 1:30, ano we're here. These gentlemen" she looked around at the unshaven, col larless crowd, they're here-anc we're ready to buy"
 She's right, MT. Jenkins"
 "Cry that there sale
 Give us a chance to buy-we got a right to buyi"
 R~ TAx1trinc fwnryxRaI xr,iftH tempt at the crowd. He knew there wasn't a dime to dozen of those loaders. His reddish eyes focused or Linda again:
 well sell at 1:30, sun time, Miss. Linda turned away with her uncle She muttered to him:
 We could get that colt for next to nothing-now."
 Uncle Sandy nodded. T know honey; but nothing we can do."
 He sat on bale of hay, apart from the loungers. Linda walked tC her car. got in. She wanted to be alone e-and think. If she could have forced the sale, she could have bought the colt at her own price. But there was no moving that stolid auctioneer. Soon Bruce and the crowd would be herewith their thousands.
 What could she do with a pitiful six hundred?
 She had sudden impulse; she would rush to the nearest long-dis- tance telephone; reach Monte Hill in the clubhouse at Belmont Park Ask Monte to buy the horse on
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