The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-03-28
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CHAPTER XxX

TNHATS how the change came Il about If anyone had ever told me the day would come when I'd be prepared to give up the mater ial advantages I'd struggled for. I'd have thought he was nuts. And if he'd added that this would come about because of a girl. I'd have been certain he was ripe for a straitjacket. All of which goes to show to what extent a fellow can reverse his slant on life.
 And so the following afternoon drove over to Boggio's new pent- house. It was my first visit there and he was still in the process of getting settled down, wondered if that was the reason for his hag- gard look. This having been an- other one Of his sudden uneXplain- ed moves.
 Boggio wasn't in a talkative mood as he showed me around, so didn't ask any questions. We wound up in the library with sets of the classics bound in rich Moroc- co leather.
 didn't have the guts, right then, to tell him he was soon go- ing to have more use for the Grim inat Code than for the novels of Jane Austen.
 He was about to ease himself into an armchair when he remem- bered something.
 How about a drink?"
 "Okay. Scotch and soda"
 He went into the living room, fumbled around, and came back with a try. For himself he had brought a glass of milk
 Stomach still bothering you, Vir- gil?" I inquired.
 Whats 1t to you?'
 It wasn't a thing but it didn't cost anything to ask. shrugged, doWned my drink, and poured my self another. For a few moments neither of us spoke. I wasn't ex- actly afraid, but I didn't know how to start. When someone has owned you for about 10 years. it's hard to tell him you've torn up the claim check. made some more small talk.
 How come you're all alone?'
 "Ginger'S shopping. The kids driving her"
 THE way he answered knew | something was wrong. Boggio wasn't talkative. But on the other hand he didn't generally use words as if he had to pay a tax on then. It dawned on me that Ginger was still a good-looking girl and that Don was out of knee pants. Maybe his reluctance to quit Boggio's employ wasn't based entirely on financial considerations. But didn't get a chance to dwell on that idea. Boggio, who had been cleaning his nails with a silver paper knife, looked up at me.
 well. what is it? You didn't come here to ask about my health"
 It was nice of him to make 1t easy for me. I took a deep breath.
 I'm quitting you, Virgil. don't want to have anything more to do with the rackets."
 He gave out with an ugly, hu- morless laugh.
 "Another of your moral periods he said. Each time they hit you, you want more dough"
 For a moment he continued fid- ding with his nails, then tossed the knife aside and crashed his fist on the bleached mahogany desk. Enough is enough, Leo! Don't start provoking me. You signed a contract, didn't you?"
 You've got me wrong. Virgil. l don't want any more of your dough -eyer. And what you've already given me I'll return. I've kept my accounts straight and I'll manage somehow"
 Now that he saw I was on the level he became livid. He slowly got out of his chair and walked over to me. The noise his hand made as it struck my face was like the crack of a whip. I didn't move and he struck me again and again. Then, panting, he returned to his chair.
 | stroked my cheeks. You shouldn't have done that, Virgil said.
 He stood up again and began pacing up and down, nervousiy clutching his hands behind hts haGk. Walteu AuA lAAS AiSfaenbAN speech and 1t didn't take long m coming.
 THE amazing thing about it was ! the way he switched from an aggressive tone to a whining one. ft was a hodge-podge of threats, promises, and appeals. If I knew what was healthy for me I'd think twice before taking a Funout pow der, And If I was smart enough to come to my senses before 1t was too late, I wouldn't regret 1t. He wasn't going to live forever, and some day someone would take over his enterprises. Up to now f'd been the logical heir. But he ! was getting sick and tired of the 1 trouble he was having with me. If it continued he'd start looking i for someone else
 He went on and on, and it was only when he paused to drink some milk that I was able to put In my | two cents worth.
 "vlrgil," I said. "this isn't get ting Tis anywhere. The sooner you realize I'm going to stick by what