The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-05-19
CHAPTER VI

erase Dr, Lud's words from her mind. But the more she thought about 1t the less sure she was. Had she been so blinded by love for Chris that she couldn't see how Tony felt?
 Paula sat up in bed, moonlight silvering her slim shoulders. Mem- ories lshed in on her the eager way rony's fingers sought hers; the wistful light in his brown eyes when she caught his gaze on her; his stubborn refusal to date any of the Gamma Tau girls
 It all added up; Paula couldn't deny that. She buried her face In her pillow, and a fierce de- termination came over her never, never to hurt Tony
 When she finally slept, her thoughts had left Tony and re- turned to Chris.
 The next morning was cloudy and cool. Paula put on the~blue wool dress Chris liked so well, She hid the ravages of her sleepless night with makeup and set of across the campus. She hoped she didn't look too much like huntress. for her mind was made up to snatch Chris away from Kilo even If she had to club him.
 She caught glimpses of Tony during the day, but she managed to avoid conversation with him. Late In the afternoon she met Chris strolling across the campus Hey. walt up for q gal" she called 10 him.
 Chris turned an unreadable e%- precision in his flre-bluc eyes Paula couldn't tell whether he was glad to sec her or not
 "Hi. Paulic How're things and stuTp"
 So, so, podncr" Paula drawled Flows the lone ranger?"
 "It's exam time. Paula" he re- piled. "old Christopher grindcth his WitS"
 Paula sensed the apology in his voice, but let 1t pass. How about buying me coke for old-tIme's sake7"
 Well ." Christ rubbed the end Of his nose in embarrassment, "I'd like to, paulie, but I've al- ready promised
 Paula said lightly. "Oh, we'll In that case !" But a lump rose to her throat, a lump composed one part of anger and one part of hurt. Some other time"
 Hey, walt pal" Chris said catching her arm. Don't be liko that I'm not standing you up, honest, Meet me tomorrow after noon, will you?"
 Paula's pride wanted to snap a crisp "No!" at him, but her heart would have none of it If you really want me to, Chris
 You betcha. paulieI' He flashed his reckless grin at her In the old familiar way 50 long"
 go long ." Paula mur- mred and turned back toward the Gamma Tau house. The whole world seemed topSy-turyy. A month ago the three of them had been inSeparable, Now she was avoiding Tony and Chris was avoiding her
 At the house 2 letter awaited her letter which she took along when she went to meet Christ the next afternoon,
 In no mood 10 talk over the dln of juke boz, Paula vetoed the Swcetland and suggested a walk along Tinker'S Creek With the sunshine warm in her haIr and Chris moving lonG-atrldcd at hol side, Paula'3 confidence returned Ills nearness sent the blood sing. ing through her veins,
 They walked nearly a milo without saying much, then Chri' foppel himself on the bank of tn, creek and Sa!d What Is this Paulie, e marathon?"
 Paula found place by his side "sissyw
 Kinda pufing yourself" he re- torted.
 Remember I two-stcp fo every one of your" Paula laughed for this Wa5 the nearness she loYet to share with ChriS--thc nearncS of their thoughts In brittle, care free banter
 Been seeing Tony?" Chn asked casually.
 Some" Paula replied, hatini to shatter these precious moment with more serious matters. w had Q talk with Dr, Lud the othe night"
 About whatp" Chris demand ed T never could see why yo and Tony always idolized tha guy
 Hes honest, Chris" Paula saic remembering with a pang Lud warning about Tony When h tells you something you can be lieve it."
 Chris scowled. Such asp"
 "The League" Paula burst ou Chris, did you ever hear of Bi Barney Sherwood?"
 I've not only heard of him Chris boasted, I've met him. H was up to see Kilo and he let m OTlVe HIS lS-CyllllQeF car. He real guy. Paulie. Nobody tel Big Barney what to do.'
 Paula's heart sank How coul she ever make Chris see the truth that Big Barney was an unscrupl lous politician and not man to 1 admired like pr. Van Horn or D Lud?
 Chris. will you listen to tl truth about Big Barney?"
 How do I know it's the trutt A lot of crazy rumors don't mes anything"
 Then you've heard them?"
 "Oh. sure, all this stuff abol Big Barney trying to give Va Horn the boot SO he can put in h own man and do little greftir on the new buildings. Kilo Sa, that's all hokum.'
 Chris, don't you sec? IT faa0san'e frvin0 tn mt Dr. Wa