The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1938-09-15


him the gist Of Jean-Francois's re-
port.
q suppose" he commented
when had done. that you're
thinking that this bears out Me
LAME Wills's letter."
More than that" | told him
IT'S made up my mind for me
Hugo, there's a definite connection
proved between that hotel and
Cess. and l propose to pack up my
traps and shift there this after
noon"
He opened his mouth to protest
but / checked him Il know it's
wild and crazy" | said. but the
situation I'm IN IS even wilder and
craZier I'm suspected Of a murder
dian't do, and il don't make q
move quickly. I'll find myself pre-
sumed guilty till | can prove my
self innocent"
Well" said he, and shrugged
YEARLY. there's something in
what you say"
Five minutes later | was pulling
up before the big iron gates of the
Chateau Ia Vague
! walked up TO the front door
and rang the bell. Il was q good
minute and q half before footsteps
approaching told me that my sum
mons had been heard. and a burly
man in blue cotton OVerals aD-
peared feather buster in hand.
Pardon" said he when told
him my business. Il VIII ask the
Mees." and disappeared on that
leaving me 20 kick my heels for
another five minutes
Il Has a woman who appeared
this time, and as caught sight Of
her ! had hard work to keep my
surprise hidden. She was a tall
angular female. dressed in a faded
cotton dress, her large feet en-
cased IN white sandshoes. Her
brown hair. streaked with gray.
was gathered in a microscopic
knot al the nape Of her neck. and
her shoTt-sighted eyes peercd at
ne through rimlesS eyeglasses. II
was the woman Jean Francois had
described
You wish a room?" she asked
Yes My name is Archibald
Lumsden, and I'm staying with
my friend, Mr.. Hugo Stern. at the
Chalet d'Amour. but I'm obliged
10 remain in Cannes longer than
expected. and don't want to in
convenience him The chalet IS
small you see, and this hotel is
conveniently close.
As ! spoke my name saw her
draw IN her breath slightly. but
her face was completely express
siOnless.
Mr. Lumsden?" she said. "A
Acknowledgment That viii be
nice. II we have a room, but am
not sure One minute. if you
please.
She vanished. leaving me still
standing on the doorstep. A big
black dog had approached and !
stopped and scratched experImen-
tally under one big. soft ear.
Down Lului" said the woman's
voice suddenly, and | looked up.
startled 10 find her standing above
ne. Lulu belongs 10 a gentleman
who lives mere" she explained in
. puzzled voice Usually he VII
have nothing 20 do with strangers
have asked about your room.
Mr. ~" she paused with VIVA, ]
felt was an artificial hesitation be
fore she spoke my name Mr.
LumSdcn !, VIII be all right
Everything VIII be ready for you
tonight Our terms are eighty
francs q day" She paused again,
sod this time | felt that the hest
fation was genuine. We are very
quiet people here" she said. The
gates and the front door are locked
~ ten o'clock II YOU want 70 20
0ui after that. you VIII have TO ask
the porter 10 SIT up for you
! felt inclined 20 suggest that In
case Of emergency she could lend
me her key. but thanked her in
stead and took nv leave and as
drove slowly oacK up the track 70
tne Chalc; q Amour. ! puzzled
atrr q number Of things.
A Kindness