The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-09-01

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81 MAR88 D8 NgRVAwO


| it had been hard enough going
before. Now, as he left the illumi-
tnation of the confiagration behind,
Ted found it almost impossible to
negotiate the return trip with the
double handicap of his unconscious
burden and the darkness, with no
stars to guide him.
After pushing on blindly for
what seemed an eternity, he de-
cided finally that he would save
time in the long run by waiting for
the dawn. He called a halt and
lifted off the bulky form of Josh
Hastings. Laying him on the
ground, he bent close to feel his
prisoners pulse and listen to his
heart.
Reassured as to his condition, in
spite of the coma into which he
had sunk, Ted threw himself down
beside him, and was soon lost in
sleep of utter exhaustion.
When he woke, he uttered an
exclamation of amazement and
dismay to find the sun so high. His
exhausted frame, worn out by the
strain of the last few nights, had
played him false, and instead of
the short nap he had expected to
take, he must have been asleep for
hours.
He glanced over at Josh Hastings
and breathed a sigh of relief to find
him about as he had been before,
still breathing heavily, in the
stupor in which his blow on the
head had left him.
Ted rose to his feet, and went a
short distance to rocky proiec-
stion to get his bearings. A long low
whistle escaped him, as he gazed
incredulously at the panorama
stretched out before him.
Hastings Tries A Dicker
LIE GLANCED up at the sun, as
L L though challenging its right to
be where it was, then looked once
more at the cloud of smoke that
hung heavy over the ridges. But
instead of being behind him, it
was to the north and east, and the
mountains Ted had expected to get
his bearing by, had shifted to un-
familiar outlines.
Admitting finally the evidence
of his own senses, Ted was forced
to the conclusion that he had COM
pletely lost his way in the dark
ness the night before, and had gone
off at tangent to the southwest,
instead of retracing his steps to the
north, as he thought he had been
doing.
Ted cursed his impetuous haste
that had led him astray, as he hur-
ried back to Josh Hastings. Before
preparing for the long ride, he ate
a bite of the lunch that Marion had
insisted on tying to the crutch of
his saddle.
Refreshed by the food and his
long sleep, he hoiSted Josh Has
tingS' unconscious body across his
horse, and started back.
A fresh breeze had sprung up,
and Ted glanced uneasily at the
tree tops Swaying above him to
gauge its velocity. It was charac-
teristic of the mountains to have a
wind start up around noon, but
this one seemed to be gathering
alarming force. Once get strong
wind behind the fire, and there was
no predicting the extent of the de-
struction that would most certainly
ensue.
Ted resolutely pushed on, fol-
lowing the same method he had
the night before, of sometimes rid
ing, but more often walking. ONLY
this time he was travelling in the
right direction.
He hated to think of the added
anxiety Marion would have over
his delay, but there was no help
for it. There was one good point,
anyway. He was well out of the
probable range of the fire fighters,
and therefore stood a better
chance to escape premature deliv-
cry into their hands.
Suddenly, as he walked I'D a
steep incline beside his mount, Ted
became aware of a groan and eyes
staring at him. CHANGING down, he
saw that Josh Hastings had re-
gained consciousness.
He made a tentative struggle to
free himself. but Ted called a per-
emptory halt.
THE tables are turned. now"
he explained CURLY. IF you know
what's good for you. you'll keep
still"
A look Of hatred flashed in Josh
Hastings eyes before he closed
them, and let his head flop back
weakly.
my headl" he groaned. eva
Without a word, Ted took his
canteen and put it to Josh Has
tings' lips. He took greedy sips of
the warmiSh liquid, then opened
his eyes again.
What's the idea?" he demand
ca. glaneing at his bound wrists.
Where are you taking me?"
Where you can repeat what YOU
told me back there, before a wit
ness" Ted answered grimly. 'Tt
would be hell of a lot easier to
have left you TO be cremated, as
you planned TO leave me. But YOU
have some information that hap
pens to be useful 70 me"
A shrewd look narrowed Josh
Hastings eyes.
Suppose ! give YOU a signed
statement, viii you let me goP"
And have you deny Il laterT
Not on your life. " TED gave a short
laugh. You've framed me once too
oftenl ! prefer a witness"
tCsqETAeAs, 1887, Merle de SerraaaJ
Eaa nushas On. raeInr a..ir., A..