The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1938-01-27
chapter q

against NeIdG's trishes.
Chapter q
Hot Cargo!
E0R weeks Media had feared
4 such a thing might happen,
but she was wholly unprepared
for il. Always, in the back Of her
mind, had been the hope that the
strike could be averted and her
crop harvested.
What can we do. Billy"
the sheds are closed now, but
the owners say they are going to
bring in workers TO pack the let
tuee. The teamsters have joined
the packers. Better rustic around
for several men with trucks right
away I've learned that there win
be from 80 to 50 loads of a morn
ing's cutting"
DO you think there viii be
trouble with the strikers-vio-
lence?" 81
I'm afraid so because every
head Of lettuce that rolls VIII be
hot cargo. - sd-f 80. sss.e
Who is in the right, Bii1?"f
Don't ask me. Each side seems
to have a grievance against the
other, AL I know Is that I have
over so acres ofiettuee 70 sell
The farmer viii be the goat
them"
Looks that way. But we can't
take it lying down"
No" she agreed gravely. I'VE
can't"
They stood staring silently at
each other.
To herself Media said, aYes,
this Is you-Nelda Barrie-facing
this thing"
Then Bin said, "Pm going to
town to see about hiring field
workers. Want me to speak for
yours. too?"
Please do"
He started toward his car, then
came hack and extended his hand.
She puts hers into it and he held
It for a long time. His touch
seemed TO give her courage.
Standing with her hand in his,
she thought that he was the es-
senee of fine young manhood.
This IS going to be worse than
the rain damage" he said slowly,
but I'm going to market my let
tuce- I've got to.
IT'S the same with me, Bill.
I've got 70 market my crop or I'll
be sunk"
@pll help you all can. He
squeezed her hand gently. then
released Il.
Thanks, Bill"
Reck came that evening in q
gay mood.
Hi. Farmerl" he greeted.
Nice little strike on. isn't there?',
Isn't there?r She didn't return
his smile.
Il heard that the shed owners
have agreed to give the raise that
the union wants. The hiring hall
Is the only controversy now. But
everyone says the strike won't
last long"
She smiled then.
That's grand news. Reel"
Dangerous As Dynamite
THE lettuce strike was one Of
! the epics Of that section. II
dragged on with the DAYS and was
still in effe,t when Media was
ready TO harvest her crop. She
needed five men, besides Jack. 70
haul her lettuce. But she was able |
20 find only three who owned !
trucks and who were willing 10 |
run the gauntlet OF the pickels /
flung about the sheds and the let
tuce district s...... g. go
Jack said. Tm glad !, heres
something 1 can do here at last
You must be careful" Media /
cautioned Those bands Of roT-
ing pickets might s
Somebodys got 70 do It.
haven't they1T
'sXe-es. sfI4 f
In fear and trembling she /
watched him leave with the first |
truck load Of green gold. Il was |
almost as dangerous as dynamite. |
The dog he'd saved was on the |
seat beside him. It's leg was still /
in splints. He had named il /
Poochie. Il was not happy unless /
IL was with him.
Shortly after Jack left. Manuel /
MoreSi called upon Media
Ny pop and Ben had . big fight /
this mornin. he announced /
breathlessly.
"Oh. I'm sorry. thought he and /
Maria's husband"
In town.~ the lad interrupted. /
They was bringin' in ; load CT |
lettuce and some strikers stepped /
en-. Gee. you oughta see Hen's /
black eyels
Neldass thoughts rushed 10 her i
roung brother who had started 1
cut % valiantly and she grew cold
ell over.
did pour father set his le,-