The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1942-10-07
Chapter "a
The Tall Stranger

A S matter of fact" Kelland
= began again. "the old-timers
around here say the fishing isn't
good yet. l think you'll do better
to go on up to Eagle Creek"
Poor old man, Julie thought
compassionately, seeing beads of
perspiration come to his forehead
as he made continued effort 10
get rid of them. And even as she
tried to put pieces of the puzzle
together, she heard footsteps w.
stairs. A door opened, closed
softly. Someone came down the
stairway, the sound of footsteps
came steadily down the long hall
toward them.
jules heart pounded when, for
a dramatic moment. the steps
hesitated, stopped. Someone stood
just outside the door.
Then, with elaborate show of
heartiness, he called. THAT you
Arnaldo? Come in. Meet my
friends here"
A tall man stepped instantly
into the room. jules hands
frightened on the arm of her chair.
1t was the tall stranger of the
trail, all right.
He bowed briefly as Kelland
made the introductions.
Or. Hamilton - Mr.. Fowler,
this ls-Mr. a" dull red Spots
notified his cheeks, MIR. Arnold
Mon-Mount." Kelland fumbled
finally.
How do you do" Julie ac-
knoWledged quietly and won
dered why he tried so pitifully
hard to hide the truth. 1t certainly
wasn't a plan very well formed
This is very great pleasure,
sir" Mr.. Mount said in smooth
clipped English that marked him
instantly as of foreign birth.
Pete shook hands. That's
good" he said dryly. Hope we're
not butting in on party here
But certainly not" the tall
foreigner turned now to Julie. Il
believe we have met before?
Aren't you the young lady who
ran away from me on the day
you were lost from your COM
panion?"
Julie blushed hotly. Eyes, +
was-upset."
Naturally" His glance studied
her boldly. you enjoy fishing?"
And when Julie, chin up. eyes
levelled coolly, met that glance
she saw that he was quite aware
OF the purpose of her visit-and
he knew that she realized it!
Strange Behaviour
JUST when Julie thought she
~ could stand the strain no
longer, Pete pulled himself out of
his chair, picked up his hat.
We'll, Kelland. if it's still all
right to count on stopping here
with you, we'll go back and get
the car. Left it down the road
Always. We weren't quite sure
which place was yours"
Instantly Kelland and Mr..
Mount exchanged glances.
"Why-yes-of course" Harry
kelland faltered-
Plenty of time for that" the |
stranger interrupted smoothly. |
Why not wait until the heat of |
the day is passed? Come, let me
show you some of the strange old |
treasures we have found here"
Thanks a lot. Well have a |
look at them later" Pete de- |
clined easily. Il don't think |
Julie will mind a little sun. She |
needs the exercise. And | don |
want to leave the car down on |
that highway too long. Somebody |
might want to borrow my tires
Julie rose then. her heart rae
ing as she sensed growing tension
in the veneer of politeness with
which they were all painting the
surface of the situation.
Il assure you. your car will be
perfectly safe" Arnold Mount
insisted. 81 shall, in fact. send my
man down for it at once"
= His man! So there were still |
others in this strange household! |
Julie watched for Pete's next
move.
Thanks. old man." Pete's grin
looked absolutely bona fide, and |
except for the sudden deepening