The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-13
CHAPTER VIII

They were to change buSSeS at ASheville. Over a delicious break fast of ham and eggs and coffee they discussed ways and means, as Bret expressed it.
 Are you good at figures?" he asked. q could use a girl at the camp. Old Pop Walters is the only one in the office now and has more work than he can handle since the jobs in full swing. You'd be doing me a real favor, Miss Blyn, if you'd like to try it."
 Connie thought how fine it was of him to put it that way. She said she would like to, very much Thanks to Uncle Tippy, she was prepared for an opening like this He had seen to it that his niece had acquired sufficient business training that would enable her to understand and handle her large Inheritance.
 "Of course it's rather rough place for a girl" Bret spoke a shade dubiously. Though I prom ise I'll look after you. You can room at Mrs. Parsons in the vil- lage. Everyone calls her Aunt Bertha he added, his eyes twin kling. You will. too, after you've sampled her biscuits and corn bread"
 Connie did not think there was any doubt but that she would be protected. Besides, the setup was ideal. Who would ever think of looking for the richest girl in the world in crude construction camp deep in the heart of the Blue Ridges?
 q don't know how I can ever thank you," she said, her blue eyes shining; she had discarded the inevitable dark glasses now that there was less fear of recognition. This was going to be an adven- ture such as she had never dreamed would come to her. T don't know why you should do this for me-"
 If she had hoped he would say it was because he had liked her, or found her differnt from any girl he had known, che was to be disappointed. I'd do as much for anyone who was up against it. he assured her. "As for thanking mo, please don't try. Didn't I tell you, you'd be helping me out too?"
 When they arrived at Charles ton the following day Bret hired an automobile for the 100 mile trip to the little town near which he was building his bridge. He explained he had driven his own car down south to leave with his folks for the winter. They're getting old" he said. "I'm glad I can make their last years the best"
 q don't remember my father or mother" Connie told him, think ing that his must be proud ot him. Then she remembered that she was Katie Blyn: But there are eight of us," she added quickly 'Too many in one small house. That was one reason started out on my own"
 Bret's attention was focused on the road, which was becoming steep and narrow, now that they were in the hills. But he managed a side glance at her. T expect there was more than one - perhaps you had a quarrel with your sweet heartl"
 It was her turn to glance sharply at him. What makes you ask that?"
 "Oh, . girl as young and as at tractive as you are is bound to have a sweetheart" he said Tightly. .She would hardly start out, not Knowing where she was going. un- less she had quarreled with him. Thought eight of you - well, that would be a few too many! Still, won't you miss them? This town IS only a little over a thousand. l hope you won't find it lonely"
 Connie assured him that she would not. Almost she had added, Mot if you are there" The thought stayed with her; kept her silent.
 She wondered what it was about this man that made her feel she could put her trust in him and not