The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-06-15

TWO AGAINST LOVE

by Frances Hanna

wish you folks would call me
bob, he said between fnouthfuls.
Maybe afa Russell. but you
shouldn't hold that aga INST me. j
cant help It. In fact, ] had nothing
to say about it. I'd lust as soon be
a Smith or a Jones. How about
some more cabbage. Gramp?
Sure. Bob" the old man chuc-
killed.. Il kept tellin' 'em you amt
like them other two Josie's all
frigha scept she's check fun If high
falutin' notions"
Sure" agreed Bob good -natur-
eddy, shut when | tell her that she
says Fought to get soap box and
make speeches. Say. how come
the dividing fence?"
Tally looked up from his plate
and met Bob's friendly. curious
eyes. His frOwn relaxed a trifie.
1t was difficult not to like this
lanky. clean-cut chap.
your brother gave Inc the idea,
Tally explained tersely HE OBJ
jected to the sight of M chickens.
cows, blowing. and to my family.
/ decided to shut off his view.
That's ALL"
did he squawk much about
your method?"
Marry a word, !" put in Gramp.
Della where's thai there pie2"
"I1I get IT," Gretchen offered.
pushing back her chair MONS
been cooking all morning and
she's tired Would you like cheese
on your pie. Mr.. Rus-I mean.
Bob?"
"You bet / would Bob's smile
was expansive. ''kIrs. Mack. that's
the best meal I've ever had in my
[lifel Say. Tally. art some help
painting that fence of yours?'
Il haven't bought paint yet
Tally replied shortly.
Were broke" said Gramp.
cycling the empty meat platter
with lugubrious eyes. Il s'pose
we'll be eatin' chicken agir for q
SPELL"
"A Good Idea
dob was silent a minute; then
- a mischievous CLEAN crinkled
his gray eyes. Instead of eating
your chickens, why don't you sell
them? Sell the eggs. too. and your
spare milk. and there's plenty of
ripe oranges and lemons on your
side of the orchard. Say. what
about opening one of these road
side stands down on the highway?
You know what | mean? You
must have seen a lot of them when
you drove through from Texas.
You could sell enough produce to
buy a lot of things
Gretchen queried doubtfully,
"But what would YOUR brother and
sister say?"
do any of you care?" Bob swept
the circle of faces with discerning
eyes.
NO." asserted Tally. I'VE don't.
And it's a darned good idea. Bob.
III get to work on the stand this
afternoon"
You'll have to have signs"
Bob went on. aloisl.t TO make
good sign painter: studied art:
mind if lhelp?"
A Slow. humorous smile warmed
Tally's face. I'D be glad of your
help. Bob. think you're headin'
for trouble. though. trying to sit
on both sides of the fence"
Bob met Gretchen's admiring
dark eyes. 81 don't seem to mind"
he said. thinking: She's pale and
sort Of sad looking, yet she's the
.prettiest, loveliest. sweetest thing
I've ever SEEN"
BY evening Bob and Tally and
GramP had erected wooden Lean
to with shelves and 1 counter be-
side the south end driveway lead
ing off the highway into the Macks'
property. II had been hot after
noon and the mon were sWeaty
and dusty and tired.
"Come on in the pool for q
SWIM" Bob invited.
Tally hesitated. his face sud-
denly boyish and wistful. The idea
of cool plunge was tempting. A
wry smile fiickered over his
m outh I'D like to, Bob, If !
thought your family wouldn't
catch me-"
what il they do? You're my
guest"
"Sure, but this feud has grown
hotter since you went away. Either
one of them would Jump at the
chance to order nfe to my own
kennel--no, I'd better not. Say,
your cook won't be back until late:
you'd better eat supper with US
tonight"
81 will if you'll go swimming
witt me-" Bob persisted. "Oh.
come on Tally. Are you mouse
or a mann"
81 think your sister will tell you
I'm no gentlenianl" Tally retorted
"Okay, Bob. you win.
| A few minutes later they
plunged into the cool. raced each
other to the farther end. t h e n
turn d their backs and fioated
lazily.
Il never thought your trunks
W ould fit me" Tally said. I'm
heavier than you"
Maybe twenty pounds or so,
but I'm as tall as you Tn so raw
boned look SKINNER than | am.
No matter what | put on | look
gangly --all feet and hands and
Adams applet Ba. my clothes
would fit you. I'll wager" He eyed
the other mans muscular body.
noting the broad shoulders, taper
ing waist. and narrow hips.
You've got the perfect build for
Ia half back
| Tally did not answer. Some
thine. perhaps, be might tell Bob
that he had played half-back for