The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-11-28
Chapter 48
ANOTHER AMBUSH

ANU ] HEX AMBUSH
LIE took from his pocket whistle
and blew a long. shrill blast.
Mahony leaned back against the
wall. still smoking. but his hand re.
manned in his coat pocket and his
eyes were very alert and watchful.
Ruth crossed the room and stood
by him; her face was pale. but her
eyes were brave and steady; she
seemed to have no fear.
Elsa sat down YEARLY in one of
the shabby chairs. She also had
steeled her courage to present
brave front. but her eyes were ago.
nized; she was tormented by the
thought that it was she who had
brought this misfortune on Mahony
and Ruth.
Lawson crossed the room to the
window and stood looking out. He
was smiling. but there was a trace
of uneasiness in his smile; he was
still baffled by Mahony's calm. easy
manner. He had the air of a man
watching anxiOusly for something.
1t seemed that he saw what he
wanted. for he turned from the win
dow toward the three in the room.
my men are coming" he said. in
a tone Of satisfaction. "If you have
anything to say to one another, ad
wise you to make the most of the few
seconds left to you. And let ME warn
you again. Mahony. that any attempt
at resistance on your part will in
yolVe the most unpleasant conse-
quences for Miss Fraser and Miss
Little"
Just like a film play" observed
Mahony. THE villain has everybody
in his power. 'Ha hal he chuckles
tiendishly. and twirls the ends of his
magnificent black mustache"
He was talking nonsense with the
object of wasting a little more time.
He did not want things to happen
too soon.
Elsa rose from her chair and
looked out OF the window. 1t was
dark outside, but in the darkness she
could dimly distinguish a ring OF
shadowy figures advancing across
the plot of waste ground toward the
house.
On they came, closing in nearer
and nearer. and Elsa felt the last
dregs of hope drain from her as sh
watched their quiet. inexorable ad,
vance. And then suddenly she stiff
fened slightly with surprise. and
leaned forward. peering anxiously
A new hope sprang up suddenly in
her breast.
"But some of them are dressed as
policemen" she exclaimed.
Even as she spoke. her hope died
away. Obviously Lawson had or
dered some of them to dress as pc
licemen for his own reasons.
whats that?" said Lawson in
high. shrill, unnatural voice.
LIE stepped quickly to the window
thrust Elsa to one side and
looked out. On his face was look of
utter stupefaction; and at the sight
of his expression Elsa felt her hope
revive again. Lawson stared out of
the window. and as he stared all the
color left his cheeks Fixed. motion
less. he stood there staring. and his
expression was that of a trapped ami.
NAL
They are policemen" remarked
Mahony in a tone of one who gives
out a casual piece of information
THAT is. unless friend Inspector
Kennedy has let me down. He said
he'd meet me here this evening soon
after eleven. imagine he'll want 10
have a word with you too. Lawson.
about that book of evidence took
from your safe just before came
along here tonight"
"That book the police have got
that book" gasped Lawson.
Deathly pale. with beads OF per-
spiration standing out on mis- lip and
forehead. and wild. hunted express
sion in his eyes. he looked like man
who has received death blow
All the strength seemed to have
gone out of him. He thrust out one
hand blindly to the wall near the
window. as if seeking support
Steps sounded in the hall. lnspec.
tor Kennedy's clear. strong voice
could be heard calling: Are you
there. Mahony"
The sound of that voice seemed tn
reanimate Lawson. his dropping fig,
ure jerked suddenly erect: his mus.
cles tautened; he turned slightly.
facing the door in half-crouching
attitude, glowering like a tiger at
bay.
The door began to open. and as
Inspector Kennedy stepped into the
room. Lawson's hand flashed swiftly