The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-05-24
CHRIS IS ARRESTED
CHAPTER XI

news Of Tony'S injury had broken into print A group of Gamma Tau girls, in various colorful stages of morning attire, fluttered around the tabloid newspaper like butterflies around Q blossom blossom of sensationaiism created by Bill Jenks. Paula viewed the headline with dismay: CARDMAN TORN BY BITTER FEUD.
 Topping the page was 6 photo graph of Tony's fraternity house with Q large black x where Tony had fallen. Other shots adorned the page, one of Tony, another of pr. Van Horn, and Q small re- print of Chris and herself at the League meeting. This bore the caption: OPENING GUN IN CAMPUS WARFARE. ... .., .. .. Rapidly Paula scanned the story, written under Bill Jenks' by-line. His description of the stench- bombing was accurate. He had even learned about the blue scarf, but gave only the initials.
 Then, keeping well within the libel laws, JenkS managed to i'm. ply that Van Horan was at fault; that an impartial man in the presidents chair would soon settle the quarrel.
 Paula threw down the paper in disgust and fled from the house to escape an avalanche Of queries from the other girls.
 The air was fresh and warm after the rain. Groups of students stood about the campus talking, and the focal point of each group was tabloid newspaper.
 Tn passing, Paula heard 0 young man exclaim: "l'd like to come back here next year, but not If Van Horns going to let that League bunch run the campusl"
 Restless, lonely, Paula turned to- ward the 5weetland. She had no appetite, but a cup of coffee, she felt, might cheer her. She was pass ing the administration building when she saw the erect figure of pr, Lud. His greeting was pre-occupied. "DH. Lud, I know I've no bust. ness asking but ."
 You might as well know, Paula," Lud said, tugging nerv- ouSly at his crisp gray inustache. "It1l be all over the campus be- fore long anyway"
 You -- you mean Dr. Van Horns been dismissed2"
 Not yet, Paula. Like most peaceable men, Van Horns bat- tier when you push him too far. He just fought Big Barney's men to Q standstill. The faculty helped with c petition demanding his re- tention. Van Horn told them that if they dismissed him without cause he'd give the true story to every paper in the statel"
 80 they're not going to fire him?"
 Not yet" Lud said with a shake Of his head. But If this League-Fraternity row flares, as 1t seems likely to, Van Horn won't have e ghost of Q chance. Big Barney's men can truthfuliy say that they gave him his chance and Inc failed :"
 But he mustn't fall" Paula cried. "There must be some way to quiet things"
 Young blood Is hot blood" Lud sighed. Wan Horn can't appeal to either group without making 1t seem that he's begging for his job. He's Issued c statement to the League. Now about all he can do is sit back and wait"
 What kind of statement?"
 "A notice that he would like to ta!k with any members of the League who will call at his offlce. " "Will that do any good, pr, T doubt It."
 "Dr. Lud," Paul said abruptly, swhats liable to happen to Chris Wentrich?"
 Young wentrich is decidedly Unpopular around here ct the mo- ment, Paula" Lud's voice was cold. "He should have been more careful with his scarf"
 Chris didn't hit Tony. I-l know he didn't. You see :"
 If you don't mind, Paula, don't feel free to discuss Wen trich." Luds smile removed the sting from his words, but Paula selt herself rebuked.
 I'm sorry"
 Llid gave her arm 6 light pat SYouge loyal, Paula, but very very foolish" And with these words he was gone.
 Paula stayed in her room all that evening. Her nerves were taut. Each time the telephone rang she ex- pected word to 90 through the house that Q battle had taken place between the League and the fra. ternity boys, but each time 1t was someone calling for date.
 At midnight she went to bed daring to hope all would be quiet on the campus. Only one day re- mained before Commencement Ii trouble could be averted until then, Paula felt sure everything would be all right.
 The next day, also was quiet-- too quiet. The campus was de. serted except for g few girls. Tht Gamma Tau house, usually hive of social activity, droned through the afternoon, its occupants loudl, bewailing the absence of males.
 Late in the day one of the girls burst into Paula's room.
 "A man, Paulal" she yelled witl exaggerated excitement. "Grat him quick before he gets away"
 It was Chris. He waited on the porch, his big shoulders dropping His eyes when they met Paula's were worried, his face haggard
 Chris, I've been worried abou y0u," Paula exclaimed. 'What il at9 Whats wrong?"
 Everything, Paulie," Ne mum. bied. .Old Christopher's about