The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-01-25


were the steamship agencies. and
freight solicitors. Life Begins in
Propionoire.
But of course the revolution had
never stopped those days Of sodden
rain and days Of binding heat.
They'd always been there in place
where anything could happen.
Terry Willett and Bucky Corrigan
had moved in on the river Job.
They'd showed into town the day
the armistice was signed. They had
things going in two weeks and in
two weeks they also knew what they
were up against
Corrigan came down the river to
get some more men and ran into
difficulties. 1t was going to be long
job and a lot of the women didn't
want either to accompany their men
or let them go up to that unhealthy
spot In the river.
The padre had Influence. but Cor
rigan wasn't much good in talking
to padres. so he sent for Willett.
Willett came down impatiently.
while Corrigan ended up in brakes
Office. looking as though he'd been
through a war.
by golly," he said, lounging in a
chair with one putteed leg thrown
over the arm, "it's a stinker II ever
saw one. You can't get hold on the
thing-it's like grabbing a handful
of ooze."
''It's a tough one." agreed Drake.
the Coffee Company agent. "but
Willett almost licked it before and
if that river can be opened to com.
merce it will be great thing"
yeah, sure. Willett doesn't give
a damn about opening the river to
commerce, but the job beat his old
man and he's death on beating it.
You know what he's figuring on do
ing?-putting in a system of locks.
Why, he hasn't got chance. Rainy
season will be on him before the
works half done, and everything
will go blooey."
LIE showed his sun helmet back
L on his head and rolled cigaret
with deft powerful fingers.
"Willett's come back from the
States funny. He doesn't say much.
Doesn't laugh much either. All he
wants to do is pull this job through
and he's putting his whole life into
it."
No. nobody with any sense would
have tackled that job. Drake had
always felt that. But it was every.
thing to Terry Willett. 1t was a Debt
OF Honor.
Corrigan went back to his hotel
room in the Santini. He poured out
long shot. fixed e dab of soda into
it, and then glass in hand sat back
with his feet resting on a chair and
prepared to be comfortable.
Willett came in shortly afterward.
He was a picture of bronze-his
hair. the complexion of his lean
square-jawed face. his brown
breeches and puttees and his khaki
shirt with the sleeves rolled up over
tanned forearms.
What luck with the padre, fella?"
Willett nodded briefly.
Hes going to use his influence.
Great institution. padres"
yeah. they marry people too.
That's another great institution"
Willett picked up the bottle and
pulled out the cork. He mixed
quick one and then sank down in a
chair with his long legs stuck out
before him.
Ever thought of it. Bucky?"
"Oh. sure" said Corrigan. Tots
Of times. When l was in the States
last | nearly stepped OFF in a weak
moment. Cute kid-Anne Harlow
was her name. Came halfway to my
shoulder and her eyeIashes were so
long they got in the way when you
kissed her."
What happened?"
Corrigan wasn't quite sure. It had
been three years ago.
Il don't remember exactly. went
to Mexico with the Mclean outfit
and when that job was over swung
south instead of north. She'd have
had a sweet life in some hole like
this. wouldn't she? And I'd rather
be able to shove off somewhere at
a moments notice than be tied up
with some babe. Am I right?"
Eyes. guess you are. Bucky. They
don't mix"
Sure" said Bucky. Lets get
drunk tonight-one last binge."
Willett looked speculative.
But I'm not going to take care OF
you." Corrigan said severely. eff
you get into any fights you'll have to
finish them yourself. Let's under.
stand that"
Count me out. Bucky. The idea
doesn't register. And IL you knock
over any of these toy policemen I'll
boot you in the seat Of your intelli.
gence. We can't get into any extra
trouble"
Copyright. 1855. By David GorthJ