The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-12-22
BY BAILEY WOLFE


to her stepmother.
you see. Mother" she comforted,
she wasn't with Duke Adams. I'm
sure now there's been no accident.
When we find her she'll probably
laugh at us for all the trouble we've
stirred up on her account"
Shed better not laugh" said Mrs.
Warren. IF it's some prank Of hers
I'll feel like turning her over my
knee"
Both Sally and Mrs. Warren were
so relieved that Tip had not been in
Dukes plane crash that they were
ready to hope for the best. Just then
Ray and Joe Morris drove up. Both
were excited.
She's not anywhere in this town.
Mother" cried Ray. We've gone to
everyone she knows"
I'm for calling a detective" said
young Joe Morris glumly. I'VE
haven't any time to lose If she's been
kidnapped"
They only kidnap people for
money" said Ray impatiently.
Sometimes they kidnap very pretty
girls" said Joe slowly.
What a cheerful mothers COM
forter you are!"
A Note From Tip
NONE of them noticed a small boy
l Y in faded blue overalls who had
turned in at the gate and was coming
slowly up the path.
"Is this where Mis- Warren lives?"
he asked timidly.
Yes" said Mrs. Warren, and added
hastily. I'VE don't want to buy any,
thing this morning"
why it's Joe McDonaldr ex-
claimed Sally. recognizing the eldest
of May McDonald's brood.
Little Joe grinned delightedly.
MON give me this TO bring Mis- War
rem" He held out a folded sheet of
blue-lined paper. She said maybe
you'd give me nickel for bringin' it"
Sally opened the note. and after
the first glance at it turned to the
others. Its from Tip" They gath
cred around and read eagerly.
Dear Mother
This is to let you know I'm safe
and well. I'm at this little boys
house and his mother has been
simply grand to me. I'm sorry
I've caused you worry but I'll ex-
plain everything. Please get
somebody to come and get me in
car. Love,
Tip.
"Well, I'll swear" Ray stared at the
others bewildered. "She doesn't say
how in the world she got where she
is and why"
"It's enough to know she's SAFE"
said Mrs. Warren. ''rll try to get your
father. and the rest of you can 60
for her."
"Pn show you the way" said little
Joe Importantly.
Tell us about the lady at your
house. joe" begged Sally. is she all
right?"
Sure she is" said little Joe. MONS
taking care Of her. She was eatin'
like everything when l left"
Sally smiled YEARLY. The world
was right again if Tip was found, and
Tip was right again if she could eat
while they hunted her.
They made a dramatic entry into
Midtown. with little Joe giving direc-
tons from the rumble seat. Little
Joe's friends hailed him as he passed,
and he announced himself to any that
failed to see him. riding in state in
the shiny car.
Where's the house?" demanded
Joe Morris anxiously.
This is it." cried the boy.
But before they could get out. Tip
came running to meet them.
II thought you were never coming"
she said. Il couldn't phone because
there's not a phone for miles. I'd
have walked in. only l wasn't fit to
be seen on the streets"
"a nice mess you got yourself into"
said her twin brother sternly. "Come
on, tell us what you've been UP to.
and no hedging about it."
The story can wait" Sally inter-
vened. May Mcdonald was coming
toward the car. and a curious crowd
Of neighbors had gathered to watch
and listen Let's get Tip home to
mother as fast as we can"
Just let me tell you this much"
said Tip. with grateful look at Sally.
Il went riding last night There was
an accident and l had to walk In
to town. got as far as this house.
saw a light and stopped in to rest.
That's all-except that went to sleep
and Mrs. Mcdonald didn't wake me
till this morning."
That's crazy" said Ray. Tell US
the truth"
May Mcdonald had come up to the
car. and now she interposed in her
gentle voice.
Il know now I did wrong not to
wake the child" she said. But ]
thought she lived way of from here.
Didn't know till this morning who her
folks were. ] guess she didn't know
how close she was to home"
III come back and see you later"
said Sally hastily. I'VE owe you q
great deal for taking care Of my sister.
and hope we can do something for
you"
at was nothing at all" said May.
There wasn't much we could do for
her"
They tucked Tip into the car be.
tween Ray and Joe Morris, and a very
sober and solemn Tip she was.
fcOpUtoht. 1885. Bailey Weysl
Tin explains her escapads a kha