davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-28
by Eric Hatch
Illustrated BY James Bingham

when he surfaced, holding his spear high,
parrot fish bleeding and writhing on it.
Some sport, eh?" said Roger.
Listen" George had said, swimming close
to him. Isn't this sort Of a dangerous game?
| thought blood was supposed to attract
sharks Does it?'
Sure it does" said Roger, and once more
George remembered his eyes. But not here
in this shallow water. We won't do any spear
ing where we're going tomorrow, you can bet.
Not in that deep water where the wreck lies.
Ill have an arbalest - a speargun to you.
He paused. Just in case"
George had shivered slightly in the heat of
Harrison's cold eyes.
Il don't get it," he said How do you
expect me to dive in deep water? I'm lousy
swimmer"
They'd been near shore then. They could
lower their feet and stand up. Roger Harrison
paused, and Ellen walked on through the
collar of surf to the beach. Roger Harrison
smiled too-wise smile
You don't have to swim tomorrow, Palmer.
Well use aqua lungs and weights You glide
down - just as easy as easy can be. When
you hit bottom you just walk. Nothing to it.
You don't need to worry. I'll have the gun
along for sharks. A chuckle of stifled laughter
dubbed in him. Or" he added. very slowly
as though for some secret reason the words
pleased him and tasted sweet as they came
from his lips. "Or for anything else might
feel had to shoot"
A tingling fear crept up George Palmer's
spine He remembered the salty taste of his
mouth as he'd swallowed hard.
GEORGE shook himself now to drive away the
unpleasant memory. Ellen and Roger were
still talking - at least Roger was. and Ellen
was listening to him intently. And then
Georges breath caught as he realized why
yesterday he had felt tingling of fear talking
with Roger - why he felt it again now.
The man is crazy" he thought solemnly.
Hes really quite crazy"
He felt a hand on his shoulder, turned. 1t
was Ellen, her face taut and. in spite of its
deep tan, pale.
"George" she shouted to make herself
heard over the roar of the twin engines
exhaust Come here! want to talk to you'll"
She led the way down a narrow companion
way into tiny cabin with two berths on each
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-28

when Rogers last letter had come two days
before. George made his decision He'd gone
to travel agent.
He had no intention of telling Ellen that.
1t would have made her self-conscious when
the two of them met Roger. He'd only smiled
little when he said. Il got thinking we've
had an awfully staid. dignihed. prosaic. proper
sort of marriage all five years of it. got
thinking maybe it s time put little romance
into our marriage"
She had kissed him. then pMred like an
excited kitten as she started racing through
the travel folders Remembering George
gitted his teeth and looked up again at his
wife and Harrison.
They stood 50 close now their shoulders
touched 1t was Ellen who'd proposed they
come to Valigera. but George knew it was he
who had willed it that way. If she hadn't
made up her mind. he'd have made it up
for her.
But still there was the gnawing doubt. Had
he been right to bring Ellen together with
Roger? They'd been in love once - college
romance, Ellen had called it laughingly when
he'd asked her about it. you ksOW. Girl falls
in love with big athlete. 1t all faded when
college was over and Roger went down to
Valigera to live George he's never wouked in
his life He's got enough to live on, and all he
does down there is fish - and drink"
1t didn't sound. to hear Ellen tell it, as
though she had too much respect for the man.
But didn't bigness and physical strength have
their own attraction for women? George won
dered Well, now he'd find out. He looked
away from them at the water foaming away
from the bows of the cruiser. 1t looked dark
blue. almost purple: it looked very. very deep
and, somehow. cold. though George knew it
would not be cold.
Beside him on the transom seat across the
stern lay his diving equipment - the sets of
three two-foot long cylinders of compressed
air topped by the harness that would fasten
them to his back He shivered. He'd been
mad to think that he could take one OF these
deep dives. He knew he was afraid.
Beside him was the mask he had worn the
day before in shoal water - spear-hshing of
the beach. The sight of it made him remem-
Der once again the savagery of Roger Harri-
sons underwater fishing He remembered the
crazy, raptured expression on Rogers face
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-28

slowly. He wondered if he should tell her
what he'd thought of Roger and decided he
couldn't i not then. Slowly his eyes came
back to her.
NO" he said you see, Ellen If l
didn't dive with you I'd be coward. And
Roger would have shown me up as one. We'd
both know he had = and the memory of him
would be between us like ghost for the rest
of our lives. Don't you understand? That's
how I'd lose you"
She looked at him sharply. But you are
afraid, aren't you? You've had this = this
queer feeling about him, too?'
Very soberly he nodded. YES" he said.
Ellen" = his voice was quiet, completely
Unconditional - I'M fight pretty hard not to
be shown up as coward in front of you. I'm
going to diver
HE light coming down the companionway
was suddenly blotted out by Roger Hanison's
burly shoulders, and his voice doomed into
the cabin.
We've sighted the marker buoy over the
wreck! Time to get ready now!" He winked
at George. Think you can make it, Georgie?"
George Palmer heard the motors cut down
to idling speed as Fanchon, the weather
beaten native who ran the cruiser, closed the
throttles. He heard Ellen whisper, please,
George - mol" He got to his feet, walked to
the companionway and. as Roger Harrison
moved aside, went into the cockpit.
George Palmer, his feet in rubber frog
flippers Tapping against the wooden deck.
walked clumsily, burdened by the fifty-pound
weight of the compressed air cylinders, to the
cruiser rail. He fastened on his mask slipped
the edges of the mouthpiece under his lips,
and closed his teeth tight over the breathing
nipples. Hung on belt at his waist were the
little slabs of lead that in the water would
overcome the buoyancy of the cylinders and
make him weightless = strange being COM
pletely detached from all the normal forces of
gravity.
If he emptied his lungs he would sink down.
ward. If he filed them and held his breath,
he would shoot up again. He had practiced
this the evening before with Fanchon, and
found. after the first panicky sensation of
suffocation left him - after he had learned to
breathe regularly - strange sense of exhil-
aration. 1t had been, he thought, like realiz-
ing child's dream of being able to fly SIM
ply by tapping your arms and pretending
they were wings.
But that was in the still, safe, shallow water
of st. Pierre harbor. Now. as he climbed over
the rail and down the iron swimming ladder
and felt the water rising around him. there
was no sense of exhilaration. This was the
open sea. The water closed over his head and
now. through the glass of the mask. he could
see under water as well as he could on the
surface.
SUNLIGHT danced all around him. Small fan
tastically colored fish darted in an directions.
He was in gay. bright world. He looked
down toward the deep water and it was like
looking into another world "a mysterious.
blue-gay world of twilight. He thought about
the creatures that might be lurking there just
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-28
Don't dive. George" Ellen pleoded

Sure have" he said. ''Fanchon gave me
aquick course in the harbor when we got back
from the beach yesterday"
George - ont!"
He looked at her steadily.
Ellen" he said quietly. 81 don't want to
lose you - to Roger"
"Are you crazy?"
She snapped the words. He shook his head
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-28

SUNLIGHT danced all around him. Small fan
tastically colored fish darted in all directions.
He was in a gay. bright world. He looked
down toward the deep water and it was like
looking into another world "a mysterious.
blue-gray world of twilight. He thought about
the creatures that might be lurking there just
beyond his range of vision = the sharks,
moray eels, octopi i and shuddeTed. Helooled
up again. The hull of the boat rocked just
above him. looking strangely cut off at its
waterline where the surface broke his vision.
But the sight of the hull was companionable
and comforting. Then he remembered some
thing Fanchon had said in his thick French
accent the evening before:
in deep water, one is wise to go most
swiftly to the bottom, monsieur. The shark.
Continued on page 20
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28
French Theme For
|OWC Luncheon At
Fit. Taylor Friday

French English dictionaries anC
French in 10 Easy Lessons" are
required reading for the FAWTU
Officers Wives group this week.
all in preparation for the luncheon
meeting of the Fort Taylor Off.
GERS Wives Club on Friday.
The FAWTU group will be host
esses for the luncheon and have
planned a French theme for the
affair.
A demonstration of the newest
chair dos" will be given by Mar.
tin who will also conduct an open
discussion on hair styles.
Reservations for the luncheon
will close at 800 p. m. tomorrow
night and may be made by calling
the Fort Taylor representative or
2-6431.
Mrs. r. c. Knight, chairman OF
the FAWTU group, is general chair,
man for Fridays luncheon and will
be in charge of prizes.
She will be assisted by Mrs. J.
A. Davenport, decorations; Mrs. ].
R. Block, name tags and program;
Mrs. E. H. English and Mrs. W.
L. Mathews, menu and punch bowl:
Mrs. A. M. Hill, publicity; Mrs.
E. A. Reisinger, baby sitter, and
Mrs. D. M. Johnston, table decora-
tions.
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28

looked Just like = real "hooked
rUg"-and there were many
other wonderful designs suitable
for any room in the house.
The nursery motifs were darling
and the ones for the "chiId-
ren's" room were very coIorfuI
and gay.
This excellent, and inexpensive
ARMSTRoNG'S LlNoLEU UM
comes in six sizes. II Is sturdy
and weII.made and you can save
money by putting it down your
self, or If the Key West Floor
Covering Co. install it-yov still
will have found q mighty thrifty
way TO new and bright floors for
practically any floor in your
house
Now-for one Of The most
original gimmieks yours truly
has seen. WASTE BASKETS TO
MATCH THE DESIGN OF THE
LlNoLEUM you select at the Key
West Floor Covering co.-wiII
be given FREE with each rug
purchased! !
= = = -
Then there's word from St.
Augustine that the oldest horse
dropped dead in front of the oldest
house!. They say it actually hap.
pened!
= = - =
Take me TO TRlNkETEROI"
seems to be the word in Our
Town recently and this darling
new accessory shop on Duval
Sfreet-next TO Herman's has
indeed all those nonsensieaI, de-
IishtfvI items which miIady
faVorS.
OF course, there is also at
TRINKETERo a wonderful world
Of ieweIryI Chanel would 90
erazzeeeee with the terrific
selection Of rope beads-pearIs
-soId-eoIored beads-and now,
here yours truly returns to her
pet costume iewsIry-esrrinss!
FIR instance, your ears can be
sheIl-Iike with . pair Of fhe ex-
qvisife and dainty "shelI ear
rings" One ! loved was . mimi
tvre eoneh shell with posies on
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28
Gold Star Mothers
Are HOnOred At
Tea On Sunday

Gold Star Mothers Day" was
celebrated on Sunday all over the
nation and the VFW Auxiliary
honored local Gold Star Mothers
at a tea at the VFW Post Home
at S25 Elizabeth Street.
The day has been set aside in re-
membrance of the Gold Star Mo-
Tiers supreme sacrifice of the lives
of their sons in the service of their
country.
The Reverend J. E. Statham
gave an informal talk to the Mo-
theirs and then a prayer was said.
The honored guests were well
coined by Leah Wood. VFW Auxi-
liary president. and the group then
enjoyed the evening in an infor.
nal way.
The buffet table was beautifully
decorated in a blue and yellow
color scheme.
A low blue bowl of yellow baby
chrySanthemums was placed i'm
the center of the table and flanked
with blue candelabra holding veI-
low tapers. Giant yellow NUNS
and fire fern edged the table.
An assortment of cakes. sand
wiches and cookies and a choice
of fruit punch, tea or coffee was
served.
The Gold Star Mothers wore their
white and gold uniforms and cans.
adding much to the beauty of the
occasion.
Among the dignitaries present
were Leah Wood, president of the
VFW Auxiliary; VFW Command.
er Charles Machin: DAV Com.
mander Anthony Ulchar: Ameri-
can Legion Commander Norman
kranich; FRA Auxiliary president
Mrs. keane; Reverend Statham.
Gold Star president, Eula SAWYER
Commander Lang MILAN. VFW
post 6021 and the president Of
VFW Post 6O21 Auxiliary, Mrs.
MILAN.
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28

beautiful blonde hair these day.
cause she sails from Norfolk or
the 26th for Trinidad where hel
husband, David will be waiting fol
her. Here's best wishes 10 them
at their new station.
Z z - = e
Meals TO please oil tastes are
served IN shs dining room Of
HE Sun and Send Beach Club.
There are marvsIovs "eoId
plates" and hoo, an amazing
menu selection including ssafood
and steak dinners and those
grand dishes which do take time
and know-how TO prepare.
Breakfasts and Ivneheons re.
eeive the same careful attention
and-fhis is an excellent place
for clubs or groups 10 get To-
gefher. For more information
on this, phone 2.9436.
One reaches the Sun and Sand
Beach Club by going straight
down Simonton Street toward
toward The Atlantic and turn
LEFT. You'll find plenty Of
parking space for your car and
for YOU, or your family, or your
svssts-an unusual dining treat
on The shores Of The Atlantic
Ocean with sky, and SUN and
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28

top! Another had BIT of coral
"A "ae~sie star fish and other
loot Of fhe seashore and ocean.
..~. meaIion the REAL LIFE
ieweIrY which has the tropical
leaves and marine life design
hand finished in "a Kt. GOLD or
pure silver. These are not ex-
pensive and would make divine
gifts for your friends - here -
there and everywhere.
May yours truly suggest that
for a full appreciation Of the
many, many articles for milady
you stop in TRiNKETERo!
= = = =
My Red Shawl tells me that
Lou Lilly has really made some
beautiful ceramic pieces at the
WindWard House-including a gor-
geous red. water. pitcher-remis-
cent of the old, old time water
jugs with hip handle and mar
rowing at the top to a graceful,
flared rouring lip.
= = =
~. Music Shoppe, 726 Dvval
Street has recordings Of all the
TOP TUNES, and sheet music
too and also those superb, and
inexpensive REMINGTON re-
cords. In other words, classical
music is now available at real
low price. The twelve inch
REMINCToN's are only $2.l9
and the ten inch ones are Just
Sl.69. All these records are fac
tory guaranteed.
Although the REMINGTON
records are make in Europe, you
will hear mighty wonderful music
by some Of their famous artists
and symphonies. The Music
Shoppe have albums Of complete
operas and also, recordings OF
the memorable music OF
Chopin. Bach, Schubert, Wagner
Beethoven-to mention only
few of the famous composers.
Don't forget the MUSIC Si4oPPE
for the records you like TO hear
either popular or classical.
= = =
My Red Shawl tells me that
the dancing sparkle in Ruth Cook S
eyes matches the highlights in her
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28

Mrs. Ray Byrns, president of the
Woman's Club, will officially re-
ceive the guests of honor and men,
bers and friends of the club for
the first time since taking her Of
flee.
Receiving with her will be the
officers Of the club and invited
guests.
The reception room and dining
room will be decorated with Key
Vests own plants and flowers, ar
ranged by Miss Eta Patterson and
Mrs. William Warren.
The hospitality committee will
preside in the dining room under
the direction Of the chairman, Mrs.
Thomas Caro-.
The committee includes Mrs.
Raymond FELTON,, Mrs. Luther Pin
der, Mrs. Sara Costar, Mrs. Hol-
lon Bervaldi, Mrs. Carl Bervaldi
and Mrs. ]. r. Valdez, Sr.
Mrs. Bernie c. Papy is serving
as chairman of the house COM
mittee and the guest book will be
in charge of Mrs. T. M. Dick,
chairman of the hostess committee.
Invitations have been extended to
the teachers and members of the
school supervisory staff and their
assistants.
General arrangements and invi-
tations are under the direction of
the education department of the
Woman's Club with Mrs. Stuart
Whiting, chairman and Mrs. Ethea
Stricken, Mrs. Bernard Frank,
Mrs. w. w. Westfall and Miss
Margaret Strassler.
Mrs. Stricken will be in charge
OF favorS and registrations.
A large attendance is expected
at the first of the Woman's Clubs
social events Of the season and
members of the club are eagerly
anticipating this opportunity to
again greet returning teachers and
to welcome them, and the new
teachers, to the community.
At a recent board meeting, it
was decided to dispense with all
business so that members would
have the opportunity to meet more
Of the teachers and talk with then.
The first business meeting of the
Woman's Club will be held at the
club house on Tuesday afternoon,
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28
BIRTHS
Baby Boy Strand

Mr.. and Mrs. E. D. Strand OF
Worcester, Massachusetts, are the
parents of an 8 pound, 10 ounce
son born on September %.
The baby'S mother is the former
Caroline Morrison, daughter of DR..
and Mrs. c. w. Morrison, 1921
johnson, and the baby is the Nor
riSon's first grandchild.
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28
NaUaI academy Class
To Meet At Fit. TAYLOR

Class Of ~ Of U. S. Naval
Academy will have an infor-
nal get together with dinner
and dancing at Fort Taylor Sat-
Urday, October z at 1880 p. m.
Any member Of The class who
has not already been contact.
ed may make reservations by
calling 2.5045.
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28
Christophers Have Son

Mr.. and Mrs. Richard Christie
pher, Millington, Tennessee, have
named their son Richard, Jr. He
weighed s pounds, 1419 ounces
when he was born on September
q.
Mrs. Christopher is the former
Miss Alice Gwynn, daughter of Mr..
and Mrs. Albert Gwynn of 1911
Margaret Street.
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28
Bl'SS- i,
by D"J
jeonnette

Could reach out the window
or lean over the front porch and
pluck 'dilly or coconut or even
a bouquet of that tiny yellow flow
er with leaves resembling those
of the poinciana except that they
are slightly larger-or could, with
happy contentment merely gaze
about.
Bits of blue sky show sporadical-
ly through the trees and adjacent
tin roof tops and am intrigued
with the sounds of living which
float upward. Childish voices play
ing the eternal game of the very
young-that of "make believe
a ripsnorting march which has
now SHIFTED into anchors Aweigh"
heard from a neighbor's radio
the lulling swish of a broom
sweeping someone's front walk
clean-the barking of dog in the
distance-the metallic clanking of
an ill-fitting garbage can top be-
ing put back on-the full Shrek
ing of an infant belligerently in
dignant about something or other
perhaps pain, hunger or an open
pin
So it is today, that yours truly
writes from her new home high
UP 'mongst the mahogany and
'dilly leaves and swaying palm
frondS and it has air and light
space and is quite part of the
"specialness" of Our Town. Can
truthfully say that we have loved
every place we have lived here
and there have been more than
q few-I'l clue you. Each one
has had its own meaning to us
its wonderful friendships and OF
course, has caused deeper
understanding of and love for Our
Town.
Joan and have now found a
home forever and a day-so, be-
fore there are jokes about moving
and rent and "why don't we pay?"
let's 60 shopping, eh?
WONDERFUL NEwsI
Hsrman,s 512 Dvval Street are
havins one Of their fabulous
HALF.PRlcE sALEsl Yes. the
original price Tag will be on ap.
proximateIy ONE THOUSAND
DRESSES and when you find
that dreamy nvmber-you1l be
even happtsr because II will be
only HALF THE COST!
Dresses which are perfect for
fhis time Of the year-new,
fresh, beautiful SUMMER COT
TONS, values starting at $9.sS
and up (don't forget. for Just
HALF Of the original priee)-are
being put on sale to make room
for seads Of more fall frocks
which will soon be received at
Hsrmsn's.
A passing thevsht-Yov know
in Our Town summer frocks are
worn the year 'rovnd-and now
at Herman's, you can economic.
ally plan those you'll need for
your winters wardrobe! So, by
all means, don't miss this
marvellous HALF.PRIcE SALE
At HERMAN'S.
= = - -
Bet now that school has start
ed, Miss Mary" Trevor is
remembering all that she learned
in that course she took at Boone,
North Carolina this summer. 1t
was a Guidance Work Shop
know her students are really being
guided-and so well, by one of
my favorite people.
> = = = =
Well, the frost will never be
On ths pumpkin here. but Christ
mas will. Books always make
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28

October IL at 800, so that Mrs.
Byrns can give her report on the
state board meeting set for next
week in Gainesville.
No social hour will be held after
the October IL meeting, and mem
berS are asked to note that the
"open house" Saturday night will
be the social for the month of Oct
ober.
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28

welcome gifts because there is
nothing like . GOOD" and you
can lend them and when YOU get
them back. keep them for later
rs.readins and TOO, they always
look pretty in the bookcase,
thereby adding q great deal 10
ones home and enjoyment.
The finest and most inclusive
selection Of books Is found In
only one place IN Our Town.
THE BooKSHoP, on Fleming
iUset below Simonton.
Hey, this marvellous shop not
only has many wonderful books,
but now they have . telephone
and you may cell 2-70es to order
or inquire about any book!
= Z - . =
kEY-notes: Practically wakes
into Navy Truck &-173O7. Some
day will learn not to write whel
crossing the street. However
they were most polite and yellet
out "Sorry"-when it was m,
fault! And that's what yours trul,
calls real courtesy.
~ = = - = .
Bills SUpermarkst, Poineisna
is fhe answer to many marketing
problems. n ths day has be-
come too late suddenly and 60
ing TO the grocery store was
overIooked-remsmber BILLS 10
OPEN until 100 pm. Also, by
the same toksn-if your day
gets real busy with laundry Or
bridse-ivst phone 1880 and
give them your grocery lisf and
they'll deliver FREEl
Bills have q full and complete
line Of groceries, including
frozen foods, staples and fresh
produce. Also, their meats are
tender and CHOICE grade. Red
Jones the butcher is always
happy when he can evf just HE
amount you need for yovr menu
plans.
- = - 2 =
Now this is really it! Comes
now contest to end all contests
Grand Prize $25. .OOO-1O Ford
Fordor Sedans or $1,000 in cash
$4,000 worth of Westinghouse
Clock Radios and 10000 other
glamorous prizes-totalling SIS, SOC
and to win-all you have to do
is have a name! Thas all!
Just send in your name and you
have a chance to win! OF course,
there is one startling aspect to
this-what if you don't have one!
What if your friends and parents
have never called you anything
but 'Hey, you," or maybe you
come from one of those silent
families which just beckon when
they want you. Also, what if your
name isn't really yours? Must
you furnish proof if you win?
AS you can see the possibilities
of kicking this around are rather
unlimited and before we go into
the realm of the farfetched-may
yours truly just suggest that if
you haven't got a name-better
get one fast-'cause you may re-
ceive an application blank through
the mail, together with the coupons
which are supposed to save you
money, but usually just clutter up
pocketbooks and desk drawers.
Aaahhh me, the world we live
in!
= = - = 9
Had an interesting experience
the other day-went down 10 the
Key West Floor Covering Co.,
1872 Duval Street and discovered
that linolvsm comes In regular
rug paftsrnsI These excellent
f!oorcoverings are made by
ARMSTRONG. Saw ore which
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28
CARD OF THANKS

Many neighbOrS and friends
were so good to us during the
death of our daughter. We are very
grateful, and in this way we ex-
press our thanks to each and all
for their kindness.
Mr.. and MRS. BEN F. CLARK.
The Key West citizen., 1954-09-28

Add mint extract and ground
semi-Sweet chocolate to vanilla
cookies for something deliciously
different. Or frost vanilla cookies
with mint-flavored chocolate frost
ing.