The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-07-12


 First of the tourists had begun visiting Goldcrest even before Franklin got back. Two bus loads of school teachers were the largest party the first week. Head ing on a circle tour of western na- tional parks, they had spent two hours visiting the ghost town. The net take for Roselee's treasury that day was $64. She was as excited about 1t as if 1t had beep $6,4o0.
 we need a bigger sign there at the turmoil, by the highway. Dick" she told her man-Friday. "Since Franklin is back, could he order one erected, maybe?"
 "Nothing doing", countered Franklin. Ordering things costs money. I can build 1t myself. We can tear down barn or two for all the scrap lumber we need. You've already bought paint. What we need most, 1t seems to me, is a light truck, a pickup. We'll have to haul in supplies constantly and it'll come in handy"
 Thus the first $64, plus some more taken in that week, went for a down payment on a second- hand truck, bought at Flagstaff. Franklin himself purchased 1t for Roselee, and immediately used 1t to haul lumber to the highway. When Dick offered to help him, Franklin demurred.
 Listen, mug" his friend told Dick, "You originally figured to come to Goldcrest on mining idea you had. Well, you keep at It.. was going to read books, Now books can wait, but every chance you get you go on and investigate the ore dump, see?"
 Dick obeyed. For one thing he wanted to stick as close to the town as possible, especially near the old bank. Sooner or later whoever claimed ownership of the $l2000 would be back to get 1t. Dick was determined to be a re- ception committee for him, or them. He let Franklin do most of the errands,
 The problem of sign painting was not too easy. None of the four had ever painted any signs, but Chris tine had done some sketching in school art classes. She designed a signboard 30 feet long and 12 feet high-it became real construction job for her and Franklin--and then set in to paint 1t with Franklin's help. The painting alone took three long days.
 "It's going to look fine, Christy!' Franklin told her when 1t was al- most done. You ought to be proud of it."
 "You did all the work"
 "The heck I didl Look at the paint on youl Even on your face and your overalls geel" He pointed at her with his red paint brush. It dripped garishly onto the scaffolding where they stood. "You know, Christine, I think you're a good sport. Not many girls ever met would get down to actual hard work like this"
 Thank you, Franklin. You're no loafer yourself. And We had to back up Roselee. Didn't we, now?"
 "You bet. But she didn't ask you to do this. You're getting sunburned, too. Losing your pale, glamorous complexion. can even count freckles."
 "I'd grow warts if they'd help attract tourists to Goldcrest," she smiled. "Dick and Roselee have done most of the work, 1t seems to me-"
 Dicks @ mound of energy" he admitted. Move over and I'll finish the red on your side. Some more cars are turning in. More business!"
 She turned to watch three cars that had slowed down. Franklin had to answer their inquiry, di- recting them to go right on Tn to Goldcrest where guides would meet them. Roselee and Dick served as guides there.
 We ought to start guide serv- ice from here," Christine sug- gested. When we get caught Up with the first work, maybe we can"
 If we do, may I work with