The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1942-10-07
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Woulon nave known that lie
wasn't off guard. "Pm a crank
about who drives that little pet
car of mine. Come on, Sissy. Wen
be right back"
Pete took her arm and for a
moment, she thought they actu-
ally would make It to the door
way. And they wouldn't be right
back She was sure of that. Once
they got back to the car
But Arnold Mount had no in
tention that they should leave -
yet! The muZzle of his very e5usi-
ness-like pistol proved that an
instant later.
Il am sorry, my dear friends"
he said from the doorway he
blocked most effectively. and still
smiling even as he trained the,
gun on tf1em,-"it will be quite
impossible for you to leave now"
Pete feigned a brand of amazed
surprise that was first-class act
ing. Even in the midst of her
terror. Julie was thrilled and per-
haps a little less frightened.
knowing that the desperate Ar
mold Mount wouldn't find Pete
any push-over, unarmed as he
was.
"What is this?" Pete demanded,
grinning at Kelland. "a new
gamer"
Kelland sank into a chair,
buried his face in his hands.
Pete took step forward. But
the gun muzzle stopped him
abruptly.
"If you will please sit down."
he jerked his head slightly to-
ward the chair where Pete had
lounged only moment before. 81
think we will not need to alarm
the lady"
Locked I'm
JULIE, watching the hard, ruth
- less face. felt her blood chill.
This man was no ordinary crimi-
nal. His gun was no towards
threat. He would use it - if he
thought necessary-instantly, eff
fectively. He feared Pete, recog-
nized him as a threat to this plan
he was carrying out, whatever 1t
might be. He would brook no in
reference. cost what it might!
"And now, my dear host" he
turned to where Kelland sat weep
ing silently. perhaps you had bet
ter retire to your room and COM
pose yourself"
Like an obedient child, Kelland
left the room. A moment later
they heard his slow. heavy step
on the stairs, a door opened. the
sound of a woman's
sob stified quickly as the door
closed.
perhaps the situation seems a
bit strange to you," Mount De-
gan, that cold, haunting mockery
in his voice again. 81 assure you
it is easily explained"
Pete'S grin still looked quite
natural. It'll stand some explain
ing. I'd say"
'You see-Mr. Kelland is quite
insane"
Julie stared at him. Ridiculous.
Harry Kelland might be out of
his mind with worry over Dawn.
But he was certainly not mad.
well, that's news!" Pete raised
his eyebrows "You don't mean
when we saw you coming"
Mount bowed sardonically.
through the apple orchard, Mr..
Kelland made an attempt on his
life"
What for?"
HE felt he could not bear to
see you, he said. And yet -" he
Il understand you are
among his closest friends"
well, we thought we WERE"
Then" he shrugged, "you see
ne is unbalanced. I am sorry to
nave had to brighten you" DELHI
erately he put the little pistol into
his pocket. But, Julie noticed, he
Kept his hand there too. "But l
knew if you left to report his
mental i'll : health, Mr.. Kelland
would probably find some way to
end his life"
81 see" Pete whistled soft,
so that's it,"
Arnold Mount searched Pete's
bland. innocent surprise, appar-
entity found it satisfactory. He
stood up. 81 am so glad you are
going to be cooperative. And now
+ you will excuse me
moment -"
He bowed himself out of the
Dom with no further explanation.
Still stunned. Julie heard the key
urn in the lock.
To ha nnu3sru~S