The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-01
Duffy Kelso Goes Wild

want to know why we turned back And our three friends below might cause us lot of trouble and get us held for investigation. We don't dare take the chance, Steve. That con- tract means too much.
 Besides, Steve" she said slow ly. I've just had wonderful idea.
 He snorted. Another one of your ideas, eh. You'll be sinking the ship next"
 Steve, I'm going down to see them with you. And Stevie, do you have enough faith and confi- dence in me to to let me handle this situation? I mean It, Steve in all seriousness. Take your cues from me-
 "Okay, honey. We're in it deep enough. Might as well go deeper Let's drop in on our guests"
 Hansen opened the cabin door with his master key and they step- ped inside.
 Well. if it isn't our rising young middleweight. Fancy meeting you here, Mister Cavalier" Val smiled.
 Eddie Cavalier got up from the bunk. His handsome dark face clouded with anger and made the ugly welt above his eye stand out still more.
 It took him a full moment to recognize her and then let out a howl. Duffy .. Duffy, look who it is. That female sports writer! What've you got to do with all this?"
 She motioned him to be silent "In due time" she said coolly Perhaps we'd better have some first. Captain Han sen, meet Eddie Cavalier, his man. ager Duffy Kelso, and the other gentleman I believe, would be his trainer, Pop Grimes, or am I mis- taken?"
 Hansen nodded to all in turn Duffy Kelso yanked the cigar from his teeth so he could have free dom of action. He was a little fellow with a bristling mustache and shoe-button eyes,
 Whats the meaning of this?' he shrilled. What goes on? What the hell is this? Who's responsi- ble? I'll have you locked up for life, you pirates!"
 Take it easy, Duffy" Deliber- ately Val seated herself in chair Tn the first place, there's been big mistake made but we'll have to make the most of it.''
 'Mistake!" the little man hoWled "Toots, that's the only sensible thing you've ever said in your life You never did like us. You never did have a good word to say about us in that column of yours you you
 He sputtered helplessly and Val smiled benignly. "A question, please. Just what were you gentlemen do- ing on that dock at that time of night?"
 Duffy Kelso looked as though he would explode and it was the trainer who spoke up quietly Well, lady, if it'll help clear up this mess, we been out doin' a little tishin' on the bay. On our way back from Oakland our motor went dead on the little speed- boat we'd rented and we drifted around until dark when someone picked us up and lowed Us in. And that's where they happened to drop us off"
 q see.'
 Duffy kel5o, regaining his voice, g,red at her. T don't know who s boss around here, but you'd bet ter have your admiral friend turn this mud sCoW around and take us back to Frisco"
 And what if we refuse?" Val inquired sWeetly.
 Duffy KelSo once again strangled over his attempts to talk and it was Cavalier who answered her.
 You'd be an idiot to refuse Where you bound for, anyhow?"
 Prince Ruperl, British Colum- bia," she announced quite calmly And you won't be back for at least l2 days. I might inform you, also, that while on board you'll have to earn your keep. We're shorthanded and you'll have to fill in. However, " she added, you'll receive standarC wages for your efforts
 Duffy Kelso's shriek almost split the bin walls. You crazy dame you can't do that to us. We've gotta fight in two weeks. Get us off this tub immediately. or IT. murder you myselfI
 Disregard the sensitive gentle man on your left, Captain Hansen, He becomes violent on the slight est provocation. He's really harm less, however"
 Quit clowning," Eddie Cavalier said ominously. DO we go back or not?"
 "The answer is not. About your fight. If I recall correctly, you and Johnny Massini are meet