The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-07-31
A HINT FROM BARBARA
CHAPTER "

There was a picture in the morn ing papers of Barbara Chase danc- ing with Chief Leaping Water at the Starlight Terrace. And one of the gossip columnists went so far as to imply Chief Leaping Water was @ fabulously rich oil man in whom Barbara was reported more than mildly interested.
 Barbara's eyes blazed. She threw the paper to the floor just as Du- gan came down to breakfast.
 You no doubt will be interested in this" Barbara said icily. She pointed to the floor
 At your bidding" he said bend ing over.
 "It doesn't do you justice" he observed. Then he drowned as he read the item in the gossip column. T am honored by that implica- tion,' he said gravely, that you are romantically interested in me. In any way, in fact. Also I am NOT a rich Indian, but 8 rather poor Indian with something of future, however'
 She had to laugh. He looked seri- ous. "In oil, no doubt" she said Sneaningly, and Dugan laughed too, Uncle Hank hustled in. ''What's this they have in the papers? Let me see, let me see. Say, isn't that something" he exclaimed, tapping the paper.
 Dugan, laughing, dug into his grapefruit. Depends on the view point. Miss Barbara here," he add cd in his soft drawl, isn't on our side"
 The corners of Barbara's mouth .crinkled upwards. Don't get me wrong. That was really funny, but jI just wasn't prepared for it." She pointed to the paper. And you see what the repercussions are"
 That night at the dinner table Dugan and Hank talked business for the first time in Barbara's pres- ence
 "You've studied the thing for two days. now Dugan," Hank said. "Dc we sell those 5000 acres to Midwest or not? Frankly, I'm stumped."
 Dugan hunched forward in his chair. 1T think you ought to sell mfr. Chase" he said eagerly. I'm positive that land doesn't bear de. posits valuable enough to warrant working it for the high-grade stuff but Midwest can make use of. 1t fol their line of by-products.
 "Both you and Midwest VII pgofie, but know you're getting thu best of . good deal"
 Hank toyed with his salad forl for several seconds. "Dugan," hC said finally, :"I'm going to take your advice"
 Barbara looked up. Uncle Hank have you been down there lately You haven't, have your" she said answering her own question.
 "No, not in two or three years. "Why don't you take a trip down Go Oklahoma and sort of see how things are for yourself?' Dugan raised 6 quizzical eye brow.
 ''Eh. what for?" Hank asked '.Dugan knows more about it thar any man In the world. That's why I had him come here"
 Granted, but even an expert car overlook something. There might be more value in that land thar he mentions"
 Are you implying something? Dugan asked mildly.
 "Of course not" she returned sharply. "Just precaution. After all, where there's so much money concerned, should think ."
 Let me do the thinking, please Barbara" her uncle said quietly.
 Barbara shrugged and found Du' gan staring at her. There was ac' cusation In that stare and she knew 1t.
 She felt guilty. She really hadn' intended to put hidden meaning an her suggestion, yet she knew i must have sounded that way.
 You're a clever girl, aren't your Dugan purred later when they wer' alone. Giving your uncle ideas like that. "Ill have to be carefu from now on what say" he con cluded ambiguously.
 
 There was a knock on Barbara door as she prepared for bed ''Come in," she said, slipping int a robe.
 "Oh, Uncle Hank ... what up?"
 Hank Chase plopped into chai and folded his arms.
 She laughed. You're even sit ting like an Indian"
 Its about that Indian wan to talk to you"
 She raised an interested eyebrow I'm listening"
 ''What I should do," he begal significantly, "is turn you over m knee and give you what you shoul'