The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-07-21
chapter q

WELL. Pm certainly glad we're
- leaving this place tomor-
row" Mrs. Marbury put in ir~
relevantly. The lawyer brushed
ner words aside with a suggestion
mat II the men were going to
make an explanation the others
would have to keep quiet.
1--WE didn't do nothin'." the
blond boy said sullenly.
Yeh, II looks that way
Droissard commented contemptg-
ously. giving the red skirt am
other rip. The man clutched at 1t
desperately,
Hey. don't do thatw he pro-
tested. Il amt got my pants on.
Sure, I'LL tell you what we know
about this. 1t amt no skin off
my nose. We're seamen. see? On a
boat out o. New York. We make
the run down here every few
months. Well, this last time a
dame gets on the ship, see? She
brings these two rigs and she
fixed 1t with the captain that
were to put 'em on and come
over here tonight and do this little
act, seer"
eNo, we don't see,n Brett said
sternly. 'What was the big idea?h
He turned toward the blond boy.
but the latter shook his head, i'm
dicating that his friend would do
the talking
ssKIe~.- ~t.r.x1S = I.,.,S,,. ..,t,.{ .x,on
the big idea?n the older man
asked truculently. We're sailors,
seer And when the boss tells us
there's a five-spot in it il we do
like he says, we 90 ahead and do
IT. But il wasn't no part of the
deal that we was TO get half
killed"
'Who was this dame, as YOU
call her2H the lawyer asked in
his colorless voice.
How should know l never
seen her before And believe me.
hope l never see her again"
We'll. that's fine" Brett said
sarcasticaIly. Were just back
where we started.
ooh, no, we're not!" Julie spoke
with sudden emphasis. II know
who the dame was. It couldn'i
have been anyone but Mrs Jack
s0nly
Eve. who had been sitting
quietly. stunned by the events Of
the past hour, glanced at Julie ir
admiration. II had never occurred
10 her that the caretaker's wife
had been the instigator OF the
plot. but she saw now, as they al
did. that this must be so.
Go get Mrs. Jackson then
DroiSsard." Brett commanded.
But before the man could move
the white-faced figure Of Mrs
jackson appeared from the hal
where she had evidently beel
listening.
mo need to send fer me- sh
said harshly. SIN here, and ri
tell you what you want to know
You might as well let these tw
bGlnglers get back TO their boa
They've told you exactly whs
happened. And 1t is true the
know no more about it.
We'll then, viii you please ex
plain Brett began, but Mr:
Marbury interrupted him.
mo. wait a minute. Mr.. Rod
man. she exclaimed. Il think W
should do as Mrs. Jackson sug
eests and LET the two men gC
Also Hamilton should have a col
cloth on his lip. It's swellin
quite badly. think we Nigh
even have some coffee while w
are sitting around here. Eve
shaking like a leaf. We've got LOT
Of tirne-I know I shan't sleep
wink tonight, anyway.
Strange Story
1T was almost an hour befor
4 they were all gathered in TIL
living room once more The sail
ors had disappeared, presumabl
In the direction Of their boat: n
one bothered to inquire. and the
seemed glad to be allowed to &c
away.
Hams lip, although it still in
terfered with any freedom {
speech. was responding to tn
cold water treatment Gina ha
given il. Eve thought they bot
looked very SNUG and please
with themselves, as they too
their seats near the fireplace. Sh
even thought she detected a fair
splash Of color IN Gina's cheek
Eve herself was feeling bette
since she had had two hot cup
Of coffee. She could smile whe
Brett whispered:
Remember we didn't finish on
talk out there on the beach. i
! sort Of lost my head"
"You and me both" Eve whis
pered back, and he looked at hei
obviously puzzled. But there wa
no time for further condolences.
The lawyer marshalled in Mr.
Jackson with the air of police
man escorting his prisoner. He di
permit her to sit down. much t
ives surprise. The lean figure G
Mr.. Jackson who had followe
them into the room, stood defect
ed IN a shadowy corner.
Mrs. Marbury had begun I
look tired and Eve suspected thu
abe had tried to put this scene q
until the next day. But n
lawyers face was uncompromis
ing. Jim Droissard. although h
had no personal interest in tn
proceedings, seemed as eager q
fin eranlover to hear the story.