The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-12-26

SclIlG OCAI VI IlCl hlI(ilGll 4SStI tGSSly,
and started to put the clothes on
| the line.
Come on, then" he said, with
a little more assurance in his man
ner.
They went out the garden gate,
and up the path through the woods.
1t was cool and damp smelling
under the trees; the ferns in the
shade were soft thick green
against the fallen carpet of pine
needles. They had gone only few
feet, however, w h e n Michael
stopped suddenly and peered at
the tall figure at the fork of the
path. "Who is that?" he said under
his breath.
"Why, it's only Duncan Murchi-
son." Tuck said in surprise. What
do you expect to see, Michael?
Someone in a red suit and horns,
and tail? You're as fdgety as a
-. a cat"
Michael said nothing. Duncan
approached them rapidly, a Ger
tain determination evinclng itself
in his walk, in the swing of his
shoulders. He, too, was pale and
tense; his blue eyes had shadows
beneath them. He spoke directly
to Michael without looking at the
others.
Il was coming over to see you.
There's something l want to-
that is, have a favor to ask"
Michael looked at him leVelly.
Every well" he said with notice
able lack of warmth in his tone.
Tuck glanced at him in surprise.
He swung round on his heel, and
led the way back to the house, the
others following in silence. Michael
pushed open the door of the sun
porch and held it for them to pass.
Then he turned to Duncan. "Yes?"
he said.
Duncan was too preoccupied
with his own troubles to notice Mi
chaeps strange manner. He was
frowning. He drew a deep breath.
'Oh, do sit down." said Tuck.
Were all tagged out. I'll ask Char
lotte Jean to make us some tea"
Duncan looked down at Bunny.
She put her hand on the arm of the
big wicker chair beside her. He
smiled little and sat down. Mi
| chael remained standing beside the
screens of the outer wall. He whis-
tied to himself, little tuneless
whistle. He looked, for all his
height and his slimness, surprising
ly like his father at that moment.
There was hint of sternness, of
uncompromising justice in his eyes.
Followed
TUCK came back and sat on the
L hammock.
Duncan had been waiting for
her, 1t appeared. He coughed
little.
Haven't been quite on the level
with you," he said at once to Mi
chael. I'm sorry now that I
haven't. / don't think it was quite
all my fault" he said with little
rueful smile.
Michael waited.
I'm not going to tell you every
thing, Duncan went on more slow
ly. his eyes troubled. Some of it
isn't . isn't my affair. That is
it isn't my secret"
Michael took off his ring, and
scratched the screen with it. He
was very irritating, Tuck said to
herself. He must be upset about
something.
Duncan tried again. "You know
my brother has disappeared" he
said. you came out here to try
and find out where he had gone"
He looked up at Michael.
What makes you think that?"
Michael murmured.
''It's obvious, isn't it? The son of
the District Attorney -. lawyer.
/ resented it very much at first,
when the Commissioner had told
us he was giving up the chase. It
seemed a bit underhanded. Still
/ see that all's fair in in war;"
There was flush on his cheek.
as this WARP"
at seems to be developing into.
one" His mouth frightened. Eve
been followed the last day or two"
he went on with a trace of bitter
ness. 'Will you tell me why, For
roster? Of what am I suspected?"
Followed" Mi h Ell asked
sharply.
Yes. can sense it. ONCE or
twice I've almost caught glimpse
of the purSuer - but not Quite"
II have nothing to do with your
being followed" Michael said fiat
ly. Bunny glanced at him queerly.
No. suppose not" he said Bit
terly. However well, / must
tell my story" He smoothed back
his crisp wavy hair, and went on.
my brother" he said, ''he wasn't
happy. don't blame him for leav-
ing. He's been contemplating it for
long time. It's coming to Marie,
this business. I think she knew he
was going, too, and that's why she
moved to Devices as quickly as she
did. She's got it all planned out so
that there'n be no disgrace at
tached to her about it. She isn't
| going to be a wronged, deserted
wife. ] don't know what she thinks
she's going to do when he doesn't
come back in the fall" he said Bit
terly.
You are sure he won't come
back, them"
positive. Edgar is a very strong
minded person. Once his mind is
fully made up nothing can change
him. He wouldn't have left her if
he had intended to come back"
you knewhe was going2 How?"
HE told me, months ago, said he
was making his plans. He was just
going to drop out without leaving
a trace and go away to start over.
Be somebody elsa wanderer. He