The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-02
Shep Grant Uncovers a Plot

ness in 1t. She saw Shep Grant turn swiftly around.
 "You may know racing" Whar- tons voice cracked, but you've got a lot to learn about human nature, My colors arc going to be in the Derby, carried by Red Soldier, the only colt of real Derby caliber on this track-as you1l see when the Handicap Is run. He's going to spreadeagle that field, I don't need Sherry's colt--and if I did, I haven't sunk that low" He turned his shoul- der, then spoke over 1t to the gem tleman rider, Good day, Grant"
 Grant stood there for a moment, reddened from top of soft collar to edge of his fair hair, then quietly turned and let the box. Sherry, over Paul Wharton's shoulder, watched him move of in the aisle crowds,
 Paul" she asked, "S 1t true what Shep said2 That l couldn't buy the colt back in less than 30 days2"
 "You could buy him back the next minute--but you couldn't race him until 30 days passed"
 "f sec" She glanced out toward the track, where field was parad- ing to the post. Paul, then the colt couldn't"
 He broke in, sensing her ques- ton, "The colt would have run In your name silly" He spoke the words lightly.
 How could hep" she asked, a cloud gathering In her face,
 silly" he repeated, as if to a child, He'd have run in the name of Mrs. Paul Wharton, Of course
 "Oh, oh!" she repeated, eyes fo- cuSed on his face. How very sweet of you! Using my Pepper Boy as a sort of bribe--to get me to marry youW Paul Wharton caught her hand, leaned closer to her,
 "The colt would be yours-and everything else l own"
 "You might let go my hand" she said in a low, furious tone. "Of all the unsporting, lowdown tricksl Trying to steal my horse that wayl'
 "Steal2 According to regulation"
 Hush! I wouldn't have believed 1t of you!'
 "Sherry, dear" Wharton's voice was husky, and he continued to hold her hand with firm grip, You've got to listen 10 me--and to believe me. What l told you about claiming Pepper Boy is the truth And--you don't belong in this racing game I want co get you out Of it, It'd be different If you weren't so young and 50 utterly beautiful"
 Sherry broke in ssornfully, Sup. pose you drop my hand -and let me out of herel" He released his grip stepped back. She was soaring him with her eyes, Don't you ever speak to me again as long as you liVel"
 Hot tears burned Sherrys eyes as she hurried through the crowd to the big man standing at the rail.
 Uncle Willie was in tense mood He lifted his cared old field glasses, surveyed the track. The Handicap horses were parading to the post Though Sherry stood besides him on the lawn bench behind the rail, the biz fellow spoke as If to himself:
 "In the paddock, they say Red Soldiers a standout-yet he's not even favorite-maybe young Whar- tons putting over 0 good thing . wish l knew .,
 "He told me just Q minute ago" Sherry said before she thought, that Red Soldier would spread eagle his field"
 He did, eh2" Uncle Bill lowered his glasses, asked in Q flash: "Howo he say it.-bragging, or seriousP'
 "He--Why--" Sherry tried to re- construct the mood Of the moment, 1T guess it wnS bragging--in a way; but If his colt doesn't make good well, he's laid himself wide open, And to man who'll jecr plenty at him"
 Willie Bond considered the mat. ter for all of three seconds. Then wnet into action. My dear hold these glasScS--hold my place-BuSi- ness, my dear business--bc back m q moment
 The horses were at the post when he returned, Red Soldier, in the light green and cherry rcd blocks Of the Wharton Stable, was cutting up at the poSt-the started was placing him outside.
 "They're off!" the crowd yelled as the field sprang forward on the backstretch, Sherry saw the green and rcd shoot to the front--the Jockey was cutting across to the rail he had stolen the Start--he Was three lengths ahead
 Someone damned llp beside her on the bench: Uncle Willie, He eXuded confidence, Magnificent start--for Rcd Soldier" he exclalm. cd. Just heard that--right aftcr the racc-Rcd Soldier will be cooled out, put in a van, and shipped 10 Churchill DownS--to prepare for the Derby. Look at himl He's tow. pnaIp1 tba Nold--,faneUIn