The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-09-24
Chapter II
Eyster BeckOns

Eyster DeckOns
DONNIGER, Wilson and Virgil
ID were now on the store porch.
Kettering hailed Bonniger with
his customary heartiness, and
brought up Neil to be introduced.
Bonniger shook hands with Neill
courteously, but let it be seen that
he had other things on his mind.
81 reckon this will spoil the fish
ing" said Kettering humorouSly,
''but Of course we've got to hold
up the laws hands at such a time.
II there's anything / can do, Bon
niger, call on me-"
Thank YOU" said Bonniger
dryly, Il may be glad Of a little
legal advice"
hssAlways at your service" said
Kettering. 5000 9lg lgr
A thought struck Bonnigers
s1sook, Kettering-tfae dead man
was known to his crew as John
Barrett Of New York. But he
boarded his yacht in Baltimore
night before last, and I've an idea
he may belong there. You have a
wide acquaintance in Baltimore.
Come have a look at him"
They crossed the road and en-
tered the shed. NELL managed to
slip in before the door was closed.
Fanning's body lay on a trestle
with sheet pulled over it. Already
there was a smell of death in the
place. Virgil took the edge of the
sheet between thumb and finger
and gingerly pulled it down. The
dead mans face was composed
now. A lock of hair concealed the
hole in his forehead.
Good Cod It's Prescott Fam
ningl" cried Kettering. II didn't
know he had a yacht"
what do you know about him."
"Only what everybody knows"
said Kettering. He related it.
From New York;" said Bon
niger. I'VE must put out lines
there. The rest is only Baltimore
gossip. Can't you give me some
thing particular about the man?"
Kettering shooR his head. Il
didn't know him at all. / saw him
everywhere, but haven't spoken
to him above three times, and then
only to pass the time of day"
well, we have established his
name. That's a beginning" said
Bonniger. I'm have inquiries
made in Baltimore and New York y
They returned to the store with
Neill tagging along. Bonniger dis
appeared into the back Office to
telephone, and Virgil went be-
hind the counter to wait on Ket-
tering. NELL hung about at the
back of the store until Bonniger
appeared again. He had decided to
make a bold play.
Can ] speak to you for a mo-
ment?s he asked.
Bonniger gave him keen look.
He was not a man that you could
fool with. Have you information
20 give me about this case7"
Nell faced him out grinning.
Yes and nc" he said. Il want to
offer you my services"
In what capacity?"
Il was introduced to you Just
now as Ford Wheatley. Ny right
name is Neil Tryon and I'm a
member Of the treasury depart
ment's narcotic squad He pro-
duced his credentials. g oI8
Bonniger read them and handed
kham back cts a good work you
people are doing" he said in his
grave way.
sThis IS In confidence" said
Nell. I'm supposed to be lying
low for a few days"
Surely What brought you
% this out-of-the-way spot?"
Fishing, said NeiH. 81 never
anticipated anything like this, but
here am if / can help you. /
reckon you'll need help. These
people mean well, but Lord.
they're dumb"
Bonniger's stern face broke up
IN an attractive smile. You're
right they're pretty dumb" he
said. I have 10 admit it. though
they my own people He
searched Neill's face with his
steady eyes. The examination was
satisfactory. and he offered his
hand. "Very decent Of you to offer
60 help. Tryon. You must be 10
times the detective, ! am. I shall
be glad 70 consult with you"
Neills conscience reproached
him because he had TO play a dou-
bic game with this man. He was
drawn 70 Bonnlger. He felt that
they could have been friends.
Queer Little Customer
CERGEANT WILSON eame.up to
~ consult with Bonniger. and
NELL Strolled cut on the porch.