The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1943-04-14
Chapter Nine
Picnic For Joe

WHEN Joe Nicely awoke late the
" next morning, his first thought
was of Kathleen, And it was an
angry thought. -
The idea of her making such
an obvious play for two men as
she had made for Fred DeMille
and Paul PenneIll She ought to
be spanked like a spoiled small
brat. It would serve her right
if her Uncle Frank did spank
her. As a matter of fact, he would
like to spank her himself.
He arose. stepped out of his
pajamas, and got under the
shower. But he did not sing, as
was his habit. He didn't feel like
singing. He felt more like swear
ing. He felt more like making an
other placard and going out tc
picket the Vaughan residence as
he had done on that other morn
ing.
1t would show Kathleen that he
still meant business. Only he
would look sort of silly to the
Linvi1le churchgoers. And he
would probably embarrass him.
self more than he would en-
barrass Kathleen. Besides. he
might also embarrass Mr.. Frank
and he didn't wish to do that. He
was fond of Kathleen's uncle. anc
he wanted to remain in the man:
good favor.
Just then the telephone bel
rang. He went to answer it, drip.
ping water across the carpet
Maybe it was Kathleen calling II
say she was sorry about las
night. Maybe she was calling tt
ask him to drive his little car ou
to the house and take her for {
long ride into the country.
Hellol" he said.
Good morning!" said a fem
mime voice. Il hope / didn't cal
too early"
"Oh, no." Joe said. who i!
this?"
RUDY Howard.
"Ohr' Joe almost dropped tht
telephone.
Whats the matter? You SOUND
odd"
''Nothing's the matter. Just sur.
prised and pleased. After all, it j.
early for an actress to be up"
ITS too beautiful a morning K
lie in bed" said Ruby. Besides
I've been doing lot of thinking
about your play-and the seconc
act you say you must rewrite.
couldn't wait any longer to urge
you to get it ready for reading.
Stagestruck Boy
az GOT the manuscript ou. of my
i trunk when I got home las
night" Joe confessed. 81 though
I might work on it today. Only
it is too swell day to stay in
side. How about taking ride
with me?"
I'D love i'll" Ruby said.
1--WE can discuss the play anc
see the country at the same time.
II think that would be de.
lightfulI" Ruby exclaimed. 81 tel
you what-let's have a picnic
I'll ask the hotel people to fix {
lunch, and"
'T'll get the lunch," Joe cut in
Il haven't been on picnic II
ages"
mo, the lunch is my treat,
Ruby insisted. "You supply the
car-and the play"
What time shall call for you?'
81 can be ready by noon. Tha'
all right with your"
"You beti" said Joe. "Don'r
you have to rehearse or anything
today?'
mo, thank heavens! Ruby an
swered. "Im letter-perfect in my
role-and besides. its an old play
anyway"
"Finel That means we won't
have to hurry back"
81 can stay out as long as you
can put up with me-"
THAT" said Joe CALAMITY
means a long, long time"
Nice boy" Ruby said softly.
Thanks" said Joe. you're
pretty nice yourself. I'll call fol
you at noon-promptly on the
dot. Okay?"
"Okay."
Joe hung up his receiver anc
stood thinking, all unmindful Of
his wetness. Imagine her calling
me up like thatp' He grinned
Maybe he had been too hard or
the actor-folks. as Kathleen hac