The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-09-01
SERIAL STORY PHOTO FINISH .:. :.'..':.E: .::~..' '':. ...
 BY CHARLES B. FARMER
BY CHARLES B. FARMER

shares with her. Before she said goodby, Monte had offered to oo anything in the world for her.
 No. nbl She couldn't do that! What was she thinking of Monte would then have a claim on her Monte would try to marry her, or, or
 What a world, what worldl
 Watch hands were at 2:S0-1:SO by sun time-at last. Clowly MT. Jenkins mounted his keg. The idlerS Hacked around him. Folks, we'll just wait a few minutes"
 "Youu do no such thingl" The objection came from a youngster of 20 or so, who forced his way to the front; a slender young man with hard blue eyes and chin that meant buisness. In clean sweater, boots and riding brooches, he, too, had been inspecting the colts when Linda and Uncle Sandy were in the barn.
 Linda hadn't given him thought, then; guessed, by his clothes, that he was an exercise boy for some wealthy stable. Now she noted his face: this was no stable man. He was clean-cut, born leader. He was taking the initiative:
 "The trust company advertised this sale for 1:30. It's now 2:30- our time. I don't care what time it is in London or New York. You hold this sale, or" he left the threat unsaid.
 "Well, now" the auctioneer thumbed his watch chain. There'd been trouble before, in the Blue Grass, when a sale was delayed. Maybe he'd better start with some of the less promising colts. Give MT. Radford and his crowd time to get here. "Yes, sir, I think you're right, MT. Donald. Yes, sir, we'll cry the sale. Now folks"
 A professional smile oozed from his features; he lifted his voice: We're selling, to the highest bidder, and for cash on the barrel-head, the remaining colts from the Rad- ford estate. Cash in hand, no checks accepted. Cash talks today-and you'll get 'em cheap. You, Big Boy!"
 He pointed to gangling, bare foot black by the barn entrance. Was, suh, MT. Jenkins" Big Boy shuffled out from the shade.
 Bring out that nice little bay colt. And hurry about it!"
 "Yas, sur, hurries." He did no such thing. He started lazily away.
 "One minute!" Linda spoke quick ly. Big Boy stopped in his ambling tracks. MT. Jenkins looked down in quiringly at her. "Sell the golden chestnut first. Golden Toy"
 Well, now, Miss we'll come to him-just wait, please ma'am."
 Look at that sign on the door" Linda pointed to the sales sign. 'The chestnut, Golden Toy, is listed first. You auction him first"
 Well, now" the auctioneer was cut short by calls from the crowd:
 Sell 'em accordin' to order!"
 "Bing out that chestnut first, Big Boy!"
 What kind of a sale is this?"
 MT. Jenkins raised a placating hand. Before he could open his mouth, the keen-looking youngster was speaking:
 T suggest you sell those horses in order. This auction is beginning to get-smelly."
 The auctioneer's face turned more red. Again there were cat- calls, shouts. He didn't like it. Once an auctioneer was placed on a rough rail-
 All right, folks, your pleasure is my delight! You want to bid on the chestnut first, and the chestnut you shall have. Bring him out, Big Boy. Smartly, now!"
 The youngster stepped to Linda'S side. You want him, don't you?"
 She looked into his eyes. He was all business. Maybe" she answered cautiously. He smiled for the first time-a friendly, disarming smile. Said; T want him, too-maybe. He's got long legs-should make a dandy steeplechaser." Saying that, the stern look came back on his face. He went to the other side of the crowd. lit a cigaret, waited.
 From inside the barn came foot clumps on the earthen floor. Big Boy hove into view, leading the chestnut. The crowde backed off into circle. The suns rays fell on the colts shining body. He seemed gold-all gold. Now Big Boy was leading himb to the block
 We have here Golden Toy" the auctioneer broke off, looked