Susan filled out the necessary papers to get him released and then they had to go see a probation officer. "Because of the nature of your crimes and your age you will have to check in with me once a week until such time as I feel that you are fit to perform in society alone," he informed Terry. "I suspect that Mrs. Borden, in her sympathy and kindness, will allow you to continue to work on her ranch." Susan nodded in agreement. "Fine. Then I'll expect to see you next Thursday, Terry," he said as he extended his hand. When

Terry reached to shake his hand the chipped red nail polish stood out terribly. "Just look at those nails of yours, " Susan scolded. "You are lucky that Mrs. Borden cares so much for you, Terry. Perhaps she will teach you how to maintain your appearance as well as she does," the officer said. Terry looked at her. Even though it was the early hours of the morning she looked fresh and well groomed. He examined his nails for a minute and reflected on how badly he had wanted to remove that nail polish. Now he was trapped. am I?" he thought.

"Or

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Defeat

After his night of adventure Terry slept quite late the following day. He was vaguely aware of Susan coming in and out of his room but his body was so exhausted he did not stir to find out what she was doing. The banging sound of the trash burner door finally got him out of bed. lifted the shade and watched as she began to stuff wads of cloth into it. "Strange," he thought. "She usually gives her old clothes to charity. He observed her for a couple of minutes nonchalantly until he saw a piece of clothing that looked familiar. "Where have I seen that?" he quizzed himself. Suddenly he charged for the kitchen door screaming, "No, Susan, no!" But he was too late.

As he rounded the corner of the house she had just finished covering the clothes with a healthy sprinkling of gasoline and tossing in a match. The pile burst into flames as he stood there looking on speechlessly. As she turned around he dashed back into his room.

He began pulling the dresser drawers open and everyone of them was empty! Only their wooden bottoms met his glance. Shouting as he went he took the room apart. He turned and opened the closet but there was nothing in it but a bunch of empty hangers. He snapped open the window shade and watched the fire blaze brightly as smoke poured out of the stack. A sick, helpless feeling gripped his stomach as he watched his meager wardrobe turn to ashes.

"This time I won't end up in jail," he thought wildly. He glanced down at his pajamas. "These are all I have left. I guess they'll just have to do!" He ran from the room with nothing

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