The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-27
CHAPTER HI


 clubhouse lawn - next afternoon - when She stopped abruptly, and for no apparent reason. Yet something (maybe it was hunch) seemed to command:
 Stop-Look-Liste
 She fumbled idly in her purse. came up with pencil, as her rest less eyes swept the crowds. She snapped her purse shut, Tipped open her program. The first race: Pepper Boy number one on the rail-her eyes lifted slightly - over the programs top she saw fla miliar figure moving through the crowds. His back was turned-he was talking with another man; they were going toward the club house. Yes, it was he. Instinc- lively, she followed them.
 The two men stopped to talk around the buildings side - she saw their shadows on the ground Again she lowered her head over teh program, as if studying it in- tently; slowly she walked to the buildings corner. Stopped there. She heard:
 ". my boy, regarding Pepper Boy I'd advise"
 The girl strengthened, crumpled and dropped her program. Her face flushed. He was at it again! She strode around the corner, faced massive man in gray bowler and tweeds, swinging 8 pair of huge field glasses from a leather strap. It was Uncle Willie Bond. With left hand he was grasping the elbow of a narrow and tall and bespectacled man who looked as if he were playing hockey from a desk.
 Sherry Bond caught Uncle Will lies eyes. She had to admire the aplomb with which he met such Interruption. Showing no surprise at her sudden appearance, he dropped the strangers elbow, ~alsed his hat punctiliously.
 4Ah, my dear" he began, but s4e cut him short with a jerk of her head and very firm, If you don't mind?"
 Certainly not, my dear, I'm com- ing, and to the stranger, "You'l pardon me, old man; as for Pepper Boy, let it stand status quo.'
 He was seizing her arm, leading her swiftly aWay-so no one would hear the calling down he expected The nerve of him! Sherry pulled free, backed off and drowned.
 "So you're touting, eh? Telling a stranger how to bet. I noticed you were anxious to leave the luncheon table half an hour ago."
 "Wait, Sherry!" The mans man. ner changed abruptly. She saw him stiffen-why, he could be hard as nails-that old man attitude was purely assumed-a mask he wore. T was telling the bloomin' fool that Pepper Boys not up to hard race ito keep his money in his pocket"
 She was silent and instant. Seems you might have something to do - besides giving free advice to strangers. AS my agent" She broke off as cheery voice spoke at her side:
 "Hullo, what's this?"
 Paul Wharton, small but high powered binoculars swung across wiry shoulders, breezed up to them.
 "Hullo, Paul-Whats what? But Paul, my Uncle, William Bond
 It was like well-groomed fox terrier facing a mastiff. Then hand shot out. Know of you - but if Sherry hadn't told - you are only g - I'd swear, sight unseen, of Red Soldiers chances today?"
 "Just so-so." He smiled, turned to Sherry: Thought we were go- ing to have horse race, but you scrtch out of the Handicap You're taking chances in a selling race-somebody may claim
 "Oh, no they won't. It isn't be- ing done today
 "No? Days not over yet. If were you, I'd rush to the Secre- tary. swear Pepper Boys got fever-scratch out"
 Paul Wharton, this is the sec- ond time you've tried to keep me out of this race-What's up?"
 Don't say I didn't warn you"
 "Oh, bosh! And look! There's Sam bringing Pepper Boy from the stable, now. Time to saddle. S'long. Come on, Willie"
 But say"
 No time. See you later"
 They started for the paddock, but Willie Bond stopped, said, You don't need me in the pad dock-Sam will do the actual sad- ding. You just stand by - tel! Madden, your jockey, to get out in front and win. Don't confuse him with a lot of instructions he won't remember anyhow and good luck!"
 One minute, Willie Bond, what are you up to?"
 Sherry was sorry the moment sch asked the question-regretted the accusing tone she had used for she saw it hurt. Uncle Willie compressed his lips an instant - then drew a deep breath, threw his head up, But the eyes, under the shaggy white brows, were like beaten childs He was an oldish chap. failure. thrown on a girls bounty - and trying desperately to keep his self 
 Sorry - I didn't mean a thing!" She smiled, tried to make her tone sound light.
 A mask dropped on his face-a perfect poker mask. "I'd only be in your way you saddling your first entry - your first as owner"
 Willie Bond" she smiled roguish- ly, there's something in the wind Tell a pal. won't you?" She snug sled up to his arm, but hes diplom- acy failed. He stepped of from her raised his hat with dignity. ''Gooc luck, child" he said, turned ana was lost in the crowd on the lawn
 old Sam was walking Pepper Boy ground the ring as Sherry Bond Hent up to number one stall. She