The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-11

perately, Look, Dot, I didn't mean to be ungrateful. Honestly. but Buck and I are in a tough spot Old Peskin1 make it hard for me to find another job."
 T-I can't perform a miracle in a few hours, Bill"
 "What did your father say when YOU talked to him?" Bill asked.
 "Why-why, he said he thought Buck Mentor was good coach:
 Did he say he'd give Buck a chance?"
 Dot hesitated. She was undis- nuted queen of West High, During her reign only one boy had ever resisted her charms. Only one boy had ever questioned her power, That boy sat by her side now, still doubting her ability to rule her small domain. Dot rose to the challenge with a toss of her au- burn hair. -,
 Bill Mentor, I'm getting sick and tired of your questions! II YOU don't choose to believe me, why, we'll just drop the whole matter"
 It was his last straw of hope. Bill clutched at it.. Don't be sore, Dot. IT believe yol-
 He heard footsteps and as he turned his heart bounded into his throat. "Helen!"
 She said, "Yes, Bill l came down to see you. I'm sorry, put I overheard what you just said''
 Bill was so glad to see her he couldn't speak. He realized how badly he needed someone to con- fide in, someone he could trust. Her loyalty made his cheeks burn.
 "It-it was swell of you to come" he muttered.
 Dot bounced to her feet. Well, guess I'm intruding.'
 NO, you're not ," Helen said crisply. She moved closer to Dot her face white and set. Its time you were honest with Bill"
 T like that!" Dot t1ared. What business is it of yours how l treat Bill?"
 q happen to really like Bill" Helen said. And l don't want to see him made a fool of by some one who makes promises just to keep a boy interested. Bill was the only boy in school who didn't jump when you snapped your tln- gers, so you decided to make him jump"
 That's not true" Dot spoke defantly, but her eyes avoided Helens.
 Oh, but it is. Dot. Bills poro. He hasn't much time or money to spend on a girl What other req son could you have for wanting to go out with him?"
 Bill interrupted feebly, Dots promised to help Buck, Helen"
 Yes, I know all about that" Helen said grimly. She turned to Bill. You're smart, Bill. Cant you see how ridiculous it is for her to pretend she can run the board?"
 She helped to get Landis fred" Bill objected
 "Oh, Bill, where's your common sense? Landis was fired because he was a bad coach, because Pat Hurly and every West High sup porter wanted him to go. Dot had nothing to do with that"
 "Is that trueP" Bill de- manded.
 You can believe her if you like" Dot retored. I'm sick of this childish talk. I'm going home"
 Helen planted herself squarely in front of Dot. Bill and l are going with you"
 Why, you're - you're crazy!" Dot gasped.
 whats the idea, HelenP" Bill asked puzzled.
 wei lsettle this now, Bill. If you don't see MT. Hz;ton, you'll always think Dot might have helped Buck The only way to find out for sure is to ask him."
 He-he's not home" Dot said
 Suddenly Bill realized that Helen was right. Dot might be lying. but J. Conrad Skelton would tell the truth. We can wait for your ftaher, Dot" Bill said.
 Dot was almost whimpering. T T don't want you to. I won't be bullied."
 Were going anyway" Bill said stubbornly. I've got to know where we stand tonight"
 Walking next to Helen, Bill felt free of worry and doubts. If Dot had been lying to him all along, he could take it better with Helen by his side.
 They reached the big house and Dot sullenly showed them into the library. J. Conrad Skelton sat at his desk. He was tall, thin man, with gold trimmed eyeglasses set atop an ascetic nose. Pursing his lips, he said coldly. "Whta is the meaning of this intrusion, Doro- thea?"
 Bill stepped forward. I'm Men tor, sir, and this is Helen Welch."
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