The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-07-09


 Dennis and the child, and" She did not finish, but cried, Heres Miss Lowell now! She'll prove everything"
 "What will prove?" Rhoda asked Carole. "You seem to know as much about Wayne Dennis as anyone" She stared haughtily past the uniformed men. What is this, Denny?"
 But before he could open his mouth, Mrs. King demanded, where's that foreigner I saw you with earlier in the evening" If he wasn't the image of a thug in wanted lineup in this detective magazine, I'll cross my heart and hope to die!"
 Rhoda explained glibly about the favor she and her flance were doing the Warrens, because of the addition to the family.
 The policeman grinned. "A baby? Why didn't you say so? That's where Warren was-at the hospital. We'll check again. This lady's story sounds all right to me"
 The conductor glowered at Mrs. King, whose beady eyes. still held their suspicion. Denny accepted their numbering apologies. He would still be on the train when ] it arrived at Los Angeles, and if they cared to investigate further, there'd be plenty of opportunity. The official withdrew.
 And now, if you'll excuse me-" Denny said to Carole, rising. And thanks for your faith. You may keep Joan for a hostage, Mrs. King" He grinned wryly, follow ing Rhoda down the aisle.
 "Of all the hideous tripsl" she complained. Poor Bertrand was taken with one of his chronic ap- pendicitis attacks at the beginning of the second act. Thinks it was the shad we ate. I had to take him home. And then to come back to this! You've had a nice day, I gathered" And so on into the night!
 The trip wasn't coming up to Denny's expectations. Peace was good; Denny thought, considering, but somehow her presence seemed to be little wedge between him and Rhoda. When he told the child about Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer and the big Mississippi, Rhoda did not join in. She always had letter to write. To Bertrand? It wasn't possible he was jealous, Denny as- sured himself again. The question I was, should he be?
 Carole came into the observa- ton car the following morning. She sought an empty desk. "Rid of the pest?" he asked, pausing & moment with Peace by his side.
 Don't you believe 1t. She says I'm an unprotected girl. She's promised to watch out that noth- ing happens to me-"
 "On account of-?" "Uh-huh. Isn't she priceless? Well, she's not going to ruin my entire trip. She won't take a snub Maybe she thinks I'm in one of the lineups myself. Poor soul! Lonely widow, plenty of money and nothing to do but mind other peoples business"
 well have to find her 8 boy friend"
 Which showed how mistaken Denny could be. Taking Peace out to the observation platform to give the turtles their airing, he came upon Mrs. King and a small gray bearded man, chinning together like old friends. Caleb Ogden, his name was, 8 big oil man from Texas. But going on to Californis to play a bit of golf, see a few movie stars, and "get rid of some of his holdings" he was telling Mrs. King. Also all within ear. shot. He hated wealth. His needs were few, being alone in the world. He'd like to get out oi business entirely. Glib. Gabby.
 A foil for the pest, Denny chuckled to himself, watching her try to get word in edgewise.
 Where were his oil fields? Down near the border? How lovely! Sure, she'd love to see his blue- prints.
 Ogden took great shine to Darby and Joan, now caged in the corn pepper again, since the water bottle had come to grief. Denny could see the oil man casting surreptitious glances his way, while Mrs. King laid him low.
 "Gang?" Ogden repeated, looking back apprehensively. Oh, well, let her tell the world!
 I've got a drawing room," the little man bragged to Peace. Like to give your pets swim?- It's the car just ahead of yours"
 You're taking your life in your hands," Denny warned Ogden. Mrs. King can tell you what a lot of trouble we've had with those little creatures. Peace, where are the ant eggs?" He found the gen. erous box to be practiclly empty.
 Aunt Rhoda ate 'em all upl"