The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-01-13
Chapter 80
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BIaekmaiII That's Serious


BIackmailI That's Serious
nENNlsON was too well trained to
" iook surprised. but Sally knew
a be was wondering what she was
ta1uL She was almost as shocked as
Nznnison at her own boldness. She
rssed the hall and went down corr
rtr 10 the left. The lights were
ssbdued. but far down the hall she
rI6 see a light beneath a door That
lid be the study. She paused to lis
s. b the door and finally nerved
&fself 70 knock,
Come in" said a deep. gruff voice.
II felt almost hysteTicaI.
s opened the door and stepped
e- Mr.. Morris was seated at his
. cigar in his hand and a sheas
1ound reports in front of him. He
rs Immediately and placed chair
S Sally near his own.
fThis is indeed surprise" he said.
aslng at her keenly. "I'm not often
1Nred by a visit from my daughters
4lndS thought you had left US for
go
3 have gone back home to stay"
90 Sally. seating herself on the edge
y he chair. Il came to see you on
t.s.neEs."
i see" Mr.. Morris rustled the pa
rs before him
It's about a man who used to work
Il you." Sally plunged In boldly. "A
nan named Mcdonald"
rAnd what has a girl like you to
g. with McDonald?" Mr.. Morris
-frpwned.
s1Ve been interested in the family
e. long time" said Sally. HE has
4 ~iie and several children. They're
yefy hard working people and we've
hzzn trying to help them"
MT what has this to do with me?"
tsnsnded Mr.. Morris impatiently,
IN afraid / can't subscribe to char
Is for the McDonalds just now"
IFS not charity they need-it's JUS
st." said Sally. mir. Mcdonald Is
ascent Of the crime he's accused of
rs been interested in the case for q
z time and I-we-are certain he's
70 blame for the burning of the
rxzce theater."
= Sally's confusion. Mr.. Morris
w back his head and laughed
slily. He took out handkerchief
wiped his eyes while Sally. GRIM
8 with embarrassment. looked on
80 angry eyes. fFt'f7
beg your pardon, Miss Warren.
n aid at last. Il couldn't help that.
rpose you're not to blame for COM
1t here. Doubtless the man you work
s. Philip Page, sent you as a last
rrL"
he did nothing of the kind" said
&Eg. he would have forbidden me
zome.p
Very sensible of him." said Mr.
1sris. -As you probably know,
ne had detective working on this
So for some time. / doubt If you car
III me anything he doesn't know al
Hsdy. At any rate. the case is before
As court Surely you can rely on the
Etrf 70 get at the truth"
But suppose your detective is not
N1est.r said Sally eagerly. Suppose
h sets > high salary for finding anc
Hnricting someone. anyone. of burn.
IS The theater-especially someone
who has been leading a demand fol-
better working conditions and higher
wages. Wouldn't it be possible for hin
% build up a case against his man? A
case that was false?"
Possible but not probable" saic
Mr. Norris. looking displeased. "But
WY should he? He's being paid to ge
ne guilty man. II he can't find him
he's paid anyway"
But not as highly paid" urged
sally. Isn't that true?"
What are you driving at Mis-:
fsrren7- demanded Mr.. Morris
AS- Lets get to the point"
Tempted To EavesdrOp
~TTs simply this.P said Sally desper-
4 stely. There's a strong case
against Mr. Mcdonald. but every BIZ
q i IS circumstantial evidence col
lscted by-by Mr.. Benton. I've have
reason 70 believe that Mr.. Benton /;
not worthy Of the responsibility you
gave him III came TO beg you to stoI
Tie prosecution until you can lool
Into the whole case yourself"
Why. Miss Warren. you amaze
me- The evidence against Mcdonald
vas adiudged sufficient for prosecu-
ton b. persons other than myself OF
Ar. Benton. II you actually have any
proof Of McDonald's innocence, the
best place to take IT is to the defense
lawyer
sally rose 10 90. feeling thoroughly
miserable md ashamed.
In very Eorry to have disturbed
yon" fhe said. mastering what dig
niiT she could. Il shan't bother yol
aE&in. Goodnight"
Goodnight, Miss Warren" saic
-. Norris kindly. as if he were
1f'eaking 70 a'ehild.
sally gritted her teeth with rage a