The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-14

Bill didn't know what to think. '"They may nave had other busi- ness"
 But he didn't believe that. Per- haps Jim Bansen was putting up a fight for Buck. He'd seemed pleased by the movies. .. But when you came right down to it, Skelton and Peskin would make the final decision. They always did.
 A loud, familiar voice broke in on Bils thoughts. Bullethead Peskin swaggered into the store with Dot Skelton. She froze Bill and his friends with a naughty glance.
 Bullethead hammered on the table and made himself generally obnoxious. But tonight Bill could not be baited. He waited on them quietly, making no retort to their jibes.
 Helen's eyes blazed. "They ought to be ashamed to treat Bill like thatl"
 Drowsy said, Look, Helen, here comes Peskin now! J. Canrad IS with him."
 The two men strode importantly into the store, joining Dot and Bull lethead at their table. Julius Pes- kin's dour face was as close to a smile as it ever came. He perked his finger at Bill.
 1.-TWO chocolate sodas," he or dered, turning a magnanimous smile on Skelton. "This is my treat"
 Thank you" J. Conrad Skelton said pompously. "All that talking has made my throat dry"
 "Why don't they say something" Drowsy whispered. Why do they want to make Bill suffer"
 The four talked in low tones, rank leisurely. Several times Bull lethead smirked in Bills direction.
 It was the toughest IS minutes Bill ever had spent. He was pretty sure the had decided against Buck, but until they spoke there was still a chance. He moved about the foun- tain his mouth cotton-dry, his hands shaking little.
 Presently Skelton cleared his throat. Mentor, will you step over here, please?"
 The distance seemed like mile. Bill was conscious of the tense faces of Helen and Drowsy of the ill-con- cealed triumph in Bullethead's grin. He knew what was coming; he stood erect bracing himself for it.
 My boy" Skelton said, you and your father gave a good show. We on the board appreciate the effort expended"
 Skelton continued: Several mem- bers were favorably impressed. I myself feel that your father is capable. However, in view of cer- tain past actions of your own, op- positio nto the appointment was encountered"
 But that's not fair, sir" Bill said grimly. What I did wasn't Bucks fault"
 "Oh, yes, it was" Peskin shrilled. He raised you, Mentor. If his in f1uence makes you bully, how can we trust him to handle our sons?"
 Drowsy Peters emitted snort. Bills jaw went hard as he asked, Does that mean, MT. Skelton, that Buck won't be hired?"
 "I'm afraid, Mentor, it."
 His words dropped into & mean ingless quaver of sound. Bill saw the fear in Skelton'S eyes and fol- lowed his gaze. A man stood in the doorway. Big and bulky, his face was hidden by a burlap sack with holes cut in it. He held a pistol.
 Reach high" he commanded hardshly. This is a stick-up."
 Bills first thought was of Helen, but the sack bandits attention was fixed on the adults. Speeches., the two pillars of the board raised their hands. Dots face was creamy with fright.
 "You!" The man perked his gun at Bill. Empty the till"
 "M-my money" Julius Peskin walled.
 Shut up! Hurry, kid"
 Bill moved toward the cash regis ter. There was nearly a hundred dollars in the drawer. He tried to think of something to do, but his mind was blank. He fumbled with the money.
 Quit stalling, kid" the bandit growled, "or someone's liable to get hurt"
 There was an instant's silence in which Bill could hear the bandits heavy breathing. Then the silence was broken by a strange sound. It was like the sobbing note of har- monica.
 Bill shot a glance over his shoul- der. He saw Dot Skelton jump to her feet, her mouth open in terror. The bandit whirled on her with a snarl. His trigger finder frightened.
 Bill crouched, the money in his hand raining to the floor. Then he drove forward in flying tackle. The bandit turned too late. Bill caught him hard and low. The gun, jared from his hand, went clattering across the floor.