The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-05-10

Chapter 20
Visitors I

"CORT of like camping, isn't it.
~ Cousin David? Like Boy
Scouts"
yes. Were you ever a Boy
Scout?"
mo, Cousin David. But I've
seen pictures of 'em at camp. Gee,
it looked swell"
We'll have to see about you
joining a branch in Ardendale, u
said David.
I'D like to, but - but - I'd
rather wait until / get to walking
better, if you don't mind"
'Of course don't mind, Peter.
It's up to you. Anyway, at the
rate you're improving, you'll be
ready for the Scouts in no time
at all"
They fell silent after that. The
rain kept coming down. blown
viciously against the side of the
Inn by a driving wind. An hour
passed, two hours. David nodded.
Peter nodded. They even slept for
a little while.
David reused himself.
TOO bad the men got away
with our sandwiches" he said
presently. I'm getting hungry"
"So'm l." said Peter. Listen,
Cousin David, do you suppose
they were holdup menu"
"They were probably up to
some devilment," David said. give
an idea that they were the two
men who passed us at such a high
speed. Remember"
"Sure! But if they had a car
that could go that fast. what
would they want with ours, Cou:-
sin David?"
81 don't know, unless they
wrecked theirs some place." said
David. Then he sat up straight.
Good Lord!" he exclaimed. Il
have been dumb!"
Whats the matter?" said Peter.
That leather bag with the pad
lock on i'll"
what about it, Cousin David?"
'It's the one our bookkeeper
always takes to the bank when
ne goes for the payroll"
"Geel GOSH"
Il thought there was something
familiar about it," said David.
Those two men held up the Pow
ers Lumber Company, Peter!"
Gee! Just like in a movie!"
tive got to get to town right
away" David said. He sprang to
his feet, and grabbed his trousers.
"I'll thumb ride" He slipped on
his shirt "Tll walk-Tll-"
But Cousin David, it's still
raining" said Peter. Gust listen
to it,"
II can't help that, sonl I've got
to report what happened to us.
They'll want to broadcast a de-
scription of my CARP
"You-you-mean you're going
right now"
Eyes, Peter, you'll have to stay
here until / get back" David was
now lacing his shoes, which were
none too dry. "Just curl up there
by the fire, and go to sleep. I'll
come back for you the moment /
report and find a car"
"Sure, Cousin David--only-"
FOur's A Crowd
THERE was a sound out back,
L like that of breaking glass
"Shhhhw David cautioned. He
stood tense. listening.
Peter watched him, his eyes
wide and scared. Gee, Cousin
David. maybe it's"
"Shhhhi" David again eau
toned.
There was the sound of foot
steps in the dining room. Then a
voice
How do you know this place is
ennpty?" it asked.
Listen, AL" said another voice.
"When ] planned for us to pull
that lumber yard, l had look
around. Just in case. This hotels
been empty for years, from the
looks Of It,"
Maybe so, but l don't like it,
Mike-not a bit"
Give me that bag, AL. Here,
you take the flashlfght. Lucky,
there was one in that car we
stole"
Even if there wasn't no gas"
said AL.
Mike swore. 'Not enough to go
more'n three miles" he said.
Wen lie low here until that rain
and wind holds up Then we'll
have TO beat il across country on
foot. There's a state highway on
the other side of these hills"
But heck of walk" said AL.
Rotten luck. Mike--having that
blowout with the other car"
Don't talk 10 me about luck, "
said Mike angrily. "All we've had
of late was bad"
What you going to do now,
Mike?"
Have look around" Mike
answered. I'D ike to build a FIRE,
and get dry"
II stiu think saw smoke COM
ing out Of the chimney Of this
place" al said.
'Don't be fooll Who'd be out
here on a night like thiST"
we are. amt we, Mike?"
'Sure. but that's different.
Come on"
In the lobby, David backed
away. He put his arm around
Peter. and wished with all that
he had in him for a gun
The footsteps drew nearer.
nearer. They were right there in
the lobby now.
well. I'll bel said Mike.
"Stick 'em up"
Where have / heard that be-
fore" said David, trying not to be
scared.
Think you're smart, chr" said
Mike.
Al SFavaS a. na,sfI aw1 Toosn-