The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-08-20
Chapter 80
Ted's Defense

THERE renamed Ior touay OIlly
/ Ted's story to be told, and then
the verdict. Ted had elected to con-
duct his own defense, in the GER
tainty that his straightforward
story would make more impress
sion than anyone elSe's presenta-
ton Of the facts.
But now as he thought over
yesterdays proceedings, with the
cards stacked against him this
way, he wasn't so sure. He pulled
out the heartbroken little note
from his mother and sister that the
sheriff had allowed him to receive,
and read it for the hundredth time.
Their touching confidence in his
innocence was comforting, and, at
least for the time being, they were
being cared for by some neigh
bcrs.
Pushing away the thought Of
what would happen to them if he
was convicted, Ted wondered what
had become of Marion. He had
been uneasy about her, because
he had a bunch that there was
something tragic about her father
that she hadn't told him. And when
they had announced in court yes
terday that she couldn't come to
testify because of the illness of her
father, he had felt presentiment
that something was very wrong.
AS Ted pondered bitterly on his
inability to help anyone, the dep
uty sheriff arrived with his break
fast. He brought it in, announcing
with a grin that lady was outside
and wanted to see him.
"A Lady," Ted looked up eager
~. Perhaps Marion had come after
ALL
yeah. Sam Cutter said she
could see you for five minutes. He
always is partial to red heads"
RED headsl" Ted echoed, his
heart beating suffocatingly against
his ribs. 'You mean"
kay Crandon's her name, and
she's coming back in half an hour,
be answered.
Blood surged into Ted's face,
and he gripped the iron cot until
his knuckleS showed white in his
deeply tanned hands.
Tell her Pm not seeing anyone,
joe" he said grufiy after long
pause.
Joe gazed at him in open
mouthed stupefaction. "Hell's
bellsl" Why not? She's some look
er, and she sure seems anxious
about you. You'd better see what
she has to say"
I'm not going to see her, do you
hear mel" Ted turned so fiercely
on him that Joe jumped.
All right, all right" he soothed.
Have IL your own way"
He went out and locked the
door, leaving Ted to the tumultu-
Gus thoughts and emotions that
coursed through him.
kay's unexpected appearance on
the scene proved how little he had
succeeded in putting her out of his
mind, in spite of his determination
to do SO. He longed with all his be-
ing to see her, but the CALLING
thought that she was the one who
was responsible for his being there
at all, steeled him against her.
Nothing she could say could atone
for that damaging fact, and ii
would be folly to let himself be
stirred up at this time by seeing
her again.
If ever he needed all his self
control and wits, he needed them
now. when he was fighting for his
life. There was no place for Kay
Crandon in the picture today
He forced his mind away from
Kay, and concentrated on his
story. going over il from every
angle 70 be sure II was straight and
unsuitable.
But His Eyes Seek Kay
7 oST in deep thought, he failed
h to hear Joe's footsteps again
in the corridor. and only looked up
at the sound of his name, to see Joe
sticking a folded piece Of paper
through the door.
s'She said to give you that" he
said Seems kind Of upset at not
SEEM you. Hadn't you better
change your mind7"
sNc!' Ted Numbered. looking up
at him without moving. And /
don't want any notes. either. Take
IL back 10 her"
Say, / kind OF hate TO do that.
She'll feel badl" Joe looked doubt
fully at the letter in his hand.
What's got into you 10 be so
orneTyf"
''Clear cut" Ted snapped. "And
don't come back until It's time for
me 70 go to the trial."
With a perplexed shake OF the
head. Joe complied without fur
Their comment, and Ted was left
again TO the solitude he demanded.