The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-02-12
Chapter Six
CALLERS

CALLERS .i. . ="
THE coroner said few soothing
i words and dismissed her. Then
he addressed the jury.
Their task was to state how this
man came by his death. Fortunately
the matter appeared to be quite SIM
pie. There was no suggestion that
Mr.. Pritchard had been worried or
depressed or in a state Of mind
where he would be likely to take
his own life.
On the contrary ne had been in
good health and spirits and had
been looking forward to his holi-
day. 1t was unfortunately the case
that when a sea mist was rising, the
path along the cliff was dangerous
one, and possibly they might agree
with him that it was time some
thing was done about it.
The jury's verdict was prompt.
I'VE find that the deceased came
to his death by misadventure, and
we wish to add a rider that in our
opinion the Town Council should
Immediately take steps to put a
fence or rail on the seq side Of the
path where 1t skirts the chasm."
The Coroner nodded approval.
The inquest was over.
On arriving back at the Vicarage
about half an hour later. Bobby
found that his connection with the
death of Alex Pritchard was not
quite over. He was informed that
Mr.. and Mrs. Cayman had called to
see him and were in the study with
his father.
Bobby made his way there and
found his father gravely making
suitable conversation without, ap-
parently. much enjoying his task.
"Ah!" he said with some slight
relief. Here is Bobby"
MR.. CAYMAN rose and advanced
1F1 towards the young man with
outstretched hand. Mr.. Cayman was
a big fiorid man with a would-be
hearty manner and cold and some
what shifty eye that rather belied
the manner.
AS for Mrs. Cayman, though she
might be considered attractive in a
bold, coarse fashion. she had little
now in common with that early pho
tograph OF herself, and no. trace Of
that wistful expression remained. In
fact. Bobby reflected, if she had not
recognized her own photograph 1t
seemed doubtful if anyone else
would have done so.
81 came down with the wife," said
Mr.. Cayman. enclosing Bobby's hand
in a firm and painful grip. Had to
stand by, you know. Amelia's nat
urally upset"
Mrs. Cayman shifted.
1--WE came round to see you," con-
tinued Mr.. Cayman. You see, my
poor wife's brother died, practically
speaking, in your arms. Naturally.
she wanted to know all you could
tell her of his last moments"
Absolutely" said Bobby unhap-
PLY. "Oh, absolutely" he grinned
nervously and was Immediately
aware of his fathers sigh-a sigh
of Christian resignation.
poor Alex" said Mrs. Cayman.
dabbing her eyes. Poor. poor Alex"
81 know" said Bobby. Absolutely
GRIM" He wriggled uncomfortably.
you see." said Mrs. Cayman.
looking hopefully at Bobby. "if he
left any last words or messages
naturally want to know"
"Oh. rather" said Bobby. But as
a natter of fact he didn't"
Nothing at all?" Mrs. Cayman
looked disappointed and incredulous.
Bobby felt ap- logetic. -.
"No-well-as a matter CT fact,
nothing at all"
at was best So" said Mr.. Cayman
solemnly. ITO pass away uncon-
scious, without pain-why. you must
think of it as a mercy. Amelia"
81 suppose l must" said Mrs.
Cayman. you don't think he felt
any pain?"
I'm sure he didn't" said Bobby.
Mrs. Cayman sighed deeply. well.
that's something to be thankful for.
Perhaps / did hope he'd left a last
message, but can Sc, that it's best
as it is. Poor Alex. Such a fine out
of-door man."
Yes. wasn't he?" said Bobby. He
recalled the bronze face. the deep
blue eyes. An attractive personal
ity, that Of Alex PrftGlard attraos
tive even SO near DEATH Strange
that he should be the brother of
Mrs. Cayman and the brother-in.iawf
of Mr.. Caymani, He had been
worthy, Bobby felt, Of better things.
Well we're very much indebted to
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