The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-02-22
Chapter 80
Parade

came up. Miss CabrlllO," his
blue eyes were lined with worry.
I'D go. We need the support of
Beachport. We can't offend them.
l have a trailer here; I'll have
Pedro take Pancho in to town"
Constance thought of Beach
port, the communal spirit of the
people, her place in the commu-
nifty. "But what will you do?"
she asked. You're here alone.
We don't know that the men will
return in time to help you. I'll
try. I will"
81 know" he smiled at her.
sand Mrs. Petersen and Carl
Junior, and Pedro, and Peter
Senior. Well make out; and after
it's over we'll talk about getting
new men in; men | can trust"
Constance thrust out her hand,
found it crushed by the grasp of
the big Dane, and hurried back
to the house.
The outfit Pedro had brought
her on her first visit; the blue
shirt and golden 'kerchief. Ca
brillo colorS.
John waited patiently until she
was ready, then they streaked
towards Beachport, and half way
in passed Pedro, with Pancho and
his own mount in trailer. -
The rest was blur; the hotel;
crowds milling: people in costume:
men dressed in prospectors' out-
fits, thousand women emulating
Mae West; a thousand more in
full Spanish. skirts, tight bodices
and lace mantillas. Men in tight
velvet breeches, long silk hose,
and jackets corded with dancing
velour pompoms, Flat hats with
pompoms juggling.
Constance found herself greet
ed with a roar of approval. Judge
Franck stood her on table and
announced in stentorian voice:
michael Mahoneyi"
John had disappeared. Some
how she found herself in a city
stable confronting a bewildered
Pancho, who tossed his head and
neighed his disapproval of the
trappings with which he was dec
Grated.
Don't take it so hard" whis-
spered Constance. II don't like this
any better than you do"
Someone led Pancho to the
street. A long line formed behind
them. GO along Main Street to
the waterfront, along the water
front to the railroad track, and
back up that street to the cross
ing" ordered a man in a Stetson.
Constance breathed deeply, dug
her knees into Pancho's TANKS to
hold him, and nodded.
They were off. Someone rode
beside her. In a moment, when
she could control this fool horse
of hers, she would see who it was.
Behind her the band blared
melody. A ribald voice took up
the theme. "Ride, tenderfoot,
ride" he beloved. and the
marchers picked up the words
and Numbered them out.
Pancho shook himself and be-
gan wiggling his shoulders, mine
ing. prancing, keeping step to the
music. "You doggone adagio
dancer" scolded Constance, and
Pancho picked up his ears.
Mice going" observed the
rider at Constance's side.
Constance looked up Pedro!
Pedro in his vaquero outfit. che
stamp of Ell Cabrillo on hat band,
gloves and wide. brass-studded
belt.
when you can spare an eye,
look behind" he suggested.
Constance looked at Pedro in
stead, and hated him. Then Curl
osity became too much for dis
erection, and she turned her head.
Purely Cabrillo'
DEHIND them was carriage;
ID its side panels painted with
pictures of the Saints; its wheels
gilded.
High on the box sat Juliano;
proud Juliano in velvet and sky
blue and gold. arms folded across
his chest.
Beside him rode Don. resplen-
dent in black velvet, only a
waiStband of blue and gold indi-
eating his heritage.
The last of the Dons." quoted
Pedro airily.
Constance turned quickly, but
not before she had seen her
mother in gold lace, seated in the
carriage. a delightful Juanita at
her feet.
"Ride, tenderfoot, ride" bel.
lowed the plump business man
who seemed responsible for keep
ing the parade in line,
THE last Of the vaqueros."
Kissed Constance at Pedro.
Pedro doubled over his saddle
with q great laugh.
Then, somehow. C. o n S an { G
caught the spirit of the parade,
the spirit OF the fiesta. Il was
fun. this riding on a dancing
horse. Pancho appreciated his
role. His wise amber eyes picked
every beauty in the crowd and
courteSied. while the audience
reared approval and Constance
tried valiantly to keep her digni-
fed seat
Michael" Peiro's voice was
fun az mischief. who loves your"
"You don't" said Constance.
Il can't afford palaminos for
engagement presents" ehuekled
Pedro.
Constance bowed and smiled at
the reviewing stand. and out Of
the corner or her mouth she
shrilled. And can't afford con-
ceited So-and-So's who jump 20.
conclusions Pancho was pur-