The Wilmington morning star., 1947-05-16

COol01l y LdNS AOIl6 UCLLCl,
commented Danny loudly, "given
a chance" And no one could say
whether the laughter was at
Danny or for a relish in the stu
alton.
Ross called it a day and they
moved toward the clubhouse, Di-
ane and Rufus a little behind the
others. Cant you stay for a
swim?' she asked. "You can bor-
row a suit" The rest of them
might not 60 in; she and Rufus
would have the pool to them
selves; they'd swim and then sit
at the side and talk, more. She
wanted him to tell her more Of
himself. you've earned that
much, haven't your"
His thick brows drew together.
II wonder" he answered shortly.
He went a little way in silence.
then said with abruptness: Il
stopped in at the trial today. They
had Staples on the stand. Got
some pretty damaging evidence
out II him!"
She was startled, too confused
to grasp his meaning at once.
well, what"
MAY not 60 50 well for Bill"
They had come to the clubhouse
steps a d there was no chance
for Diane to ask him more about
it. The others were urging Rufus
to hang round awhile; Rufus was
declining. In another moment he
was gone.
They ordered iced drinks and
over them they talked of Danny's
party. When it would be, and
where. With some pride Danny
put forward an idea. Howe 1t be
if he took Gus Schultz showboat
for an evening?
They all knew Schultz show.
boat. 1t had been moored for two
summers at the foot of Water
Street, a big, flat-bottomed, gaudl-
ly-painted hull, hung with rain
washed bunting.
They knew, too, that a few
weeks back it had been closed by
order of the police. But Danny
knew Gus Schultz. He'd spoken to
Gus about using it and Gus had
said it'd be all right. 1t was his
home and he had a right to have
his friends there.
Each one of them had homes to
open for the party but, neverthe-
less, they clutched at the dubious
hospitality Gus Schultz offered.
Heavenly "" cried Lois, extrava-
gantly. 1--WE been simply dying to
see the inside of that place! Whom
will we invite?"
Quite as a matter of course they
took it out of Danny's hands.
Bill" said Lois, looking toward
Diane.
page" added Wilma, letting
her glance rake Diane anused!y.
Diane did not hear them; she
had only half heard their plans OF
going to the showboat. She was
sunk in remorse. The trial wasn't
going So well for Bill! He'd asked
her to hold good thoughts tor 1t
and. except to hate the whoie
thing, all she'd thought was to
wish, secretly, that he'd be beaten
in it. She regretted that now as
sharply as though it had put
on Staples lips the testimony
that was damaging to Bill, That
was the kind of helpmate she
was!
But at last vicky's high-pitched
voice broke i o her preoccupa-
ton. vicky was saying: You
know I think that Kent mans a
pet. l could love him madiy II
Diane hadn't gotten to first base
before mel"
Diane sat straight in her chair,
tn stare incredulously at Vickv for
a moment. The next, a cold anger
rushed over her. First base with
Rufus Kent! She saw the others
smiling. as though they thought
Vicky'd said something very fun
nv. she saw a familiar excitement
on their faces. They were all set
to he entertained by an affair be-
tween her and Rufus!
She put her half-emptied glass
down on the table, got to her feet.
A protest lifted. "Di, you're not
going!"
Eyes. I'VE a man VINO must
have his dinner" Her eyes, dan
gerously dark, dared them 10
laugh.
They dio not laugh. Ross said.
hurriedly: We'll, I'll let you know
when we shoot, Di." Lois said:
."By, %toots," but not flippantly
enough to cover some nervous
ness. vicky and Wilma murmured
something unintelligible.
Danny followed Diane to the
steps. linked his arm through
hers. Don't get Sore" he urged
when they we're out of the others
hearing. You know what a coot
Vicky is, sometimes
She did not answer him. She got
into her car, slammed the door
and swung it out into the drive.
The car went a little crafty from
one side of the road to the other
because her fury was binding her
and her hands on the wheel shak-
;,o 81 never want tc see one OF
them again!"
Ito Be C%ontinued)