The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1946-12-06

fact that besides the moderate
takings, the bag contained
counter weights.
The canny lover only discov.
cred that fact after marriage.
collected at Names apartment.
where the ceremony was to take
place. Things were running along
so smoothly it made us nervous.
Hera was a glowing flower; Har-
vey was speechless with happi-
ness. The minister arrived, and
we lined up to hear the solemn
i words.
T There was a sudden stir. Our
fears were well-grounded, and
none of us were the slightest bit
surprised that the stir was Char
lie. I think we were even pre-
pared for the new Charlie, clean
ly shaven, neat, sober, steady
eyed-and handed. All in the best
melodrama fashion.
The scene that followed might
have been plucked bodily from
one of the old tear-jerkers of the
East Lynn" breed. Hera turned
and looked at Charlie. Charlie
looked at Hera. The rest of us
looked at each other. Charlie
went down on his knees before
Hera and clasped her around the
waist in the approved repentant-
sinner manner. Hera touched his
bowed head gently. All accord
ing to schedule, and we waited
expectantly for the usual set
speech. 1t duly followed.
"Hera," said Charlie, I'm a
rat. Pm no good. and I've never
given you anything but unhap-
piness and misery. I've been
drunkard and a fool. But, oh,
Hera, I do love you, l want you
to know that before you go out
of my life. Marry this other man
and be happy. He is a much bet
ter man than I will ever be-"
1t was getting thick. We stir
red restively, waiting for Heras
reply. She didn't disappoint us.
More schedule.
II don't want a better man,
she said. give always loved you
and I always will" That was
that. The minister quietly closed
his book, Strengthened his clerical
collar, coughed, poeketed his fee
and departed. After all, his man .
ner said, he had done his part
and if people chose to change
their minds it wasn't his fault
Some of the guests followed
him. including Harvey. The rest
hung around waiting for the final
curtain. When we finally dritted
ont Charlie was busy telling Hera
what a change their new life
was going to be. He'd get loo,
finish his book, marry her, and
there'd follow lifetime of bliss.
Hera was listening with rapt
expression.
We now switch back to Danny's
place, and 1916.
Sam Clegg was crying softly in
to his beer. The rest OF us were
still talking about Hera Smith.
sOh, yes,n I was saying, what
finally did happen? Anything
worthWhile?"
And in walked Hera Smith and
Harvey Ingram. stared at them.
They were making a Decline for
us. l could see a question franz
ing itself on Hera's lips. Then
she saw me. nina" she sad.
81 heard you were in town, and l
have so wanted to see you again.
1--we will get together soon. Has
I anyone seen Charlie? Is ne
here?"
| / hadn't noticed that Russ Eos
ter had left. Now he came back
from the direction of Danny's
back room, almost carrying
Charlie bodily. Hera rushed to
him. She kissed Charlie and took
his arm. Harvey took his other
arm. Together they carted him
out. He was paralyzed drunk,
and struggling feebly.
Hera was saying: Poor dear,
he's been working too hard today
on his book, and not getting JOB
has worried him. He'll be all
right tomorrow. Goodnight
/ turned to the boys.
/ YES" Russ answered my I'M
spoken question. 1T is still 60
| ing on. For the past fourteen
wears, almost every night"