The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-05-20
KTLo THREATENS
CHAPTER VII


 An automobile horn outside the Gamma Tau house played, Lazy Mary, will you get up?"
 Paula, who had been studying, didn't feel at all like Lazy Mary, but she arose and went to the window. She burst out laughing.
 Chris, seated in a ghastly lav- ender roadster, grinned up at her window. Chris immaculate in a woolly gray sport coat with a blue scarf at his throat.
 "Come on down and we'll go for shaking"
 Studies forgotten, Paula made a dash for her makeup. Powder, rouge, a comb through her shin ing bronze hair, then into a tail- ored plaid jacket and she was ready.
 "Chris, where on earth did you get this relic?"
 "Venomous, isn't itp" Chris &huckled as the motor churned to life. T borrowed 1t from 0 guy who excavated it. My noggin got 'Cobwebby from studying too much, Ioo here I am"
 Have you really been study lng2"
 T ain't loafing, Paulie."
 I'm glad. Chris" she said softly.
 They clrcled the Bishops Back bon c and clattered up into the hills. Below, Tinker's creek was Q thread of crystal shining in the late afternoon sun.
 Paula leaned back in the seat. The clean rush of air seemed to Iblow the fog from her mind. With tChris back in the fold she knew lEhe should be perfectly contented. But she wasn't. Something - she didn't know what was missing. 50 long as she and Chris chattered Paula was not conscious of 1t. But when their bright banter ran out Iehe felt the need of someone to lbhare the silence with.
 Chris" she said abruptly, have Igou seen Tony lately?"
 T told you I'd been studying. What made you think of TonyP"
 SAap HotiiAilB
 Later Chris insisted on e snack at tthe Sweetand before they went lback to work. As they entered the place Paula caught her breath. Kilo Sherwood and Bill Jenks sat In one )of the booths.
 Chris said breezily, "fii, Kilo," but Paula saw his face redden.
 Hello, Chris" A smoldering resentment showed in Kilo's green ayes as they rested on Paula. T lSee you're still studyingl" Christ sat down, his cheeks burn l1ng. Presently Kilo arose to leave Jenks walked to the door with her, then returned to Paul and Chris.
 Thanks, honey, for the swell enews shot," he said to Paula.
 "Go away" Chris growled. we don't like you"
 Jenks smiled crookedly. "What lnils you big fellowP League too hot to handler"
 Look" Chris said, you've got A poke coming for that picture. Maybe you want to collect now?"
 Chris stood up, on big fist IcNcked. You asked for 1t, mister!"
 Paula grabbed for Chris but succeeded only In slowing up the blow. Jenks tumbled over table and sat down hard, blinking fool eahly.
 Chris picked, up the check. sTome on, Paulie, let's get going"
 He was moodily silent all the way home. Paula could sec that he was stung by Jenkss taunt about the League. When she left laim she said, Chris, isn't 1t funny Stat kilo should be friendly with eenks2 After what happened r--" "Oh, don't harp on that, Pauliel" Ne snapped, q feel like a heel for Cunning out on Kllo"
 Paula said quietly, I'm sorry t and thanks for the nice ride" The telephone was ringing as Paula entered the house.
 "Will you answer that Paula? Tony Beale's been trying to get you all afternoon.
 Paula raised the receiver, un- able to account for the sudden hammering of her heart at the sound Of Tony's quiet voice.
 "A swell way to prepare for finals" he jibed.
 Gee, its good to hear from you" Paula said. T was asking Chris about you today"
 "Oh :" Tony's voice went flat. The silence told Paula that he was hurt. Flows Chris?"
 "Cocky as ever," Paula laughed. "But he's studying"
 I'm glad to hear 1t, Paulie. What called about Is this the night after finals we're throwing a big party at teh house. Do you think you could come?'
 Paula's fingers frightened around the receiver. Why, Tony, IT" She hesitated. remembering Chris had asked her to celebrate" the