The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-07-19
e SERIAL STORY HANcT NETNllD BY OREN ARNOLD
 
COPYRIGHT. isss. NEA SERVICE. INC.


 He told her all about it. Told her with almost a happy, boyish enthu- siasm. Of course Christine found his excitement contagious She welcon1- ed 1t, too, because 1t enabled her to control the other emotions that had stirred her, and so hold back her tears. Franklin had not noticed her crying, though.
 'Whatever will we do?" she de- manded now. "He hasn't shown up yet, but we know he's dan- gerous outlaw, free and likely to come any time"
 Hes probably been just lying low. People forget about crook after a while and even the officers get careless If they don't catch him. But Christine, he'll learn about Goldcrest being reopened. The papers have carried 1t these past few days - brought a San Francisco paper with your photo and Roselee's and the ghost towns in 1t. He'll come any night for the money. I'm surprised he hasn't come already. When he does--we must trap him! That $2000 is juicy rewardl"
 They agreed not to tell Rose- lee lest 1t unnecessarily disturb her. Christine hinted without explanation - that Roselee was already distracted about business and personal details. Franklin was curious but too interested iri Quait to bother much now.
 Just keep quiet and say noth- ing" he counseled. "Irl make are engagements with Dick"
 She turned to him i n sudden alarm -- "Franklinl You'll - you'll both be very very careful? Promise mel"
 He was quite close to her there in his car. Too close for ease Christine's eyes were lovely, and very striking when fear shone in them. But now hurt in his own heart was renewed. He under stood what she meant. Under stood - he thought - that she was deeply concerned for Dick Ban- | crottS welfare.
 Franklin nodded. Dicks strong he almost whispered 1t. Nobody ever gets the best of him. Don't worry, Christine"
 He left her then and went to find Dick.
 Dick had a group of travellers from Detroit in tow. Two cars ot people who were bursting with ques- tions. They represented $9 gross to the Goldcrest firm, and Dick was trying to be nice to them. He had met them at the highway turmoil that morning by appointment. He knew that such patrons, treated right, could send other customers to the ghost town. He stayed with them until noon and enabled Mrs. Hogan to serve them $5.80 worth of meals and almost as much more in sou- venirs.
 They had set up an emergency gasoline station, rest rooms, tire repair and cold drinks supply at the highway turmoil by the big sign and put a genial old-time ranch cook in charge there. He was an admirable salesman for Goldcrest himself, and sent in many customers for the ghost de- tour. Before Dick could send his Detroiters away, other cars had come up the rought two miles of dirt road into the old town and Franklin was pressed into guide service. He didn't get a chance to talk to Dick until late afternoon again.
 So that's how it is2" Dick ex- claimed, in high interest, when Franklin finally told him about Carl Qualt. Payroll robber, eh? And murderer. Tough guy, hahl"
 He exclaimed that last almost happily. Franklin looked at him. The husky ex-fullback would in- deed enjoy tearing into a "tough- guy" Franklin knew. Dick Ban croft relied great deal on his fine young muscles. Franklin sighed a trifle enviously.
 "It1l be at night, of course" Dick went on. When he comes, I mean. Now that We know what we do we'll have to keep an even sharper watch, Frank. And don't say anything to the girls. They'll just get the jitters."