The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-07-15

isn't any kindness, that's sure"
AS to Kay's future, with her
hair and eyes she's got no call to
worry about that" Hastings gave
sudden laugh. ..Pd be willing to
insure that myself, if worst came
to worStl And she might do worse,
at that" he ended jocularly.
You mean !" Dan Steele
looked up in surprise, and gave a
knowing whistle. $50 that's the
way the wind blowsl"
sWhy not2" Hastings defended.
I'm only 81. That way, she can
have the ranch with me thrown
inl But / didn't mean to get of on
that tack" He frowned at his
momentary indiScretion. Forget I
said it, will you? The time isn't
ripe for that yet just wanted you
to realize that Pvc got Kayss real
interest at heart"
4 do realize il" Dan Steele said
heartily, land you've convinced
me I'd be making a mistake to lend
the money"
Then you'll keep on persuading
her to accept my offer, will you?
Though ! don't see how she can
help herself. There isn't any one
else around here right now who
has five thousand. that | know of. "
You've said it, the banker
agreed. "I'll do my best.
Say" Hastings paused as he
reached the door, who was that
guy that came in with Kay? The
fellow who was waiting for her
outsider"
Il don't know" Steele answered.
Il didn't see him. One of her
punchers. reckon"
Hastings shook his head. 'Not
unless it's new one. and | doubt
If she's engaging any new punch
ers right now He looked like a
bird ! had a run-in with few
years ago. Only he's grown lot
thinner. if it is the same one" His
jaw set in an ugly line.
Sorry | can't help you out. "
Dan Steele accompanied him to
the door. "But I'll dc my best in
that other matte-. I'll 60 out to
the Lazy Nine in day or sc"
Stop over and see us when you
do. Hastings urged. 1T mightn't
be a bad idea to drop a word or
two in Aunt Hates ear. She's a
sketch!" He gave a sudden guffaw
and winked at the banker. SIM
getting her on my side, all right!
It was lucky break having her
show up when she did"
You're being mighty generous
and hospitable," Dan Steele said
warmly.
Hastings gave a magnanimous
wave of his hand. 'sGlad to do it, !"
he doomed. heartily. IF you think
Of any other way ! can help out.
let me know"
Dan Steele stood in the door and
watched him stride over to his
horse and mount.
sKay's all wrong about that
fellow" he soliloquized. Hes got
her real Interest at heart. I'm glad
! didn't act like a sentimental fool
and commit myself to lending her
that money. 1t would be the same
as throwing it away"
He turned back into the bank
as Hastings headed off toward the
mesa. a slrewd smile of satisfae-
ton on his face.
A Snatch OF Gossip
As TED sat waiting, with
! Flicker's reins tossed careless
" over the pommel Of his own
saddle, he noticed two puncherS
who met in front of the bank and
stopped to chat.
Not really listening to their
conversation, Ted nevertheless
couldn't help overhearing it. But
he paid no attention--his mind
was busy with thoughts of Kay,
and the miraculous change she had
made in him from yesterdays low
ebb Of despair.
Suddenly he became aware that
one Of the men had mentioned
Kay,S name, and that the two Of
them were indulging in that par
tlcular brand of guIfaW that in
dlcates the appreciation of some
more or less ribald Joke.
Galvanized to instant attention,
Ted keenly watched the two as
they sauntered past him and made
for large red and black sign an
nouncing that Mike Kelly wel-
coined the world 10 his puncher's
Paradise.
Sure, my boss says shes up
against il Reckon she won't be So
proud and naughty at the next
dance"
The puncher who was announce
ing this news with such gloatina
satisfaction. suddenly leaned close
10 his companions ear and whis-
pered, 4 leering smile twisting his
mouth.
The next minute they had passed
BY Ted and were pushing IN the
swinging doors Of the spuncher's
Paradise There was no tnistak-
ing either the expression. or the
quality az the guffaw, with which
the other puncher resolved the
whispered communication.
With narrowed eyes and his
mouth set in 4 grim line, Ted dis
mounted. slipped the two horses
reins over a hitching post and
strobe after the pair.
(copgriaAt. 1857. Marie &c Nsrpaaal
Ted starts > ilght-and anishss ~.
lomosFew.